Has anyone run across any used EZ-Up canopys from performance parts companies being sold on the secondary market? Maybe someone who closed up shop, leftovers, whatever. I like the Snap-On ones, but not too keen on the 95th anniversary logo, much prefer the older "There is a Difference" logo.
So let me get this straight.
You are looking for a used EZ-Up canopy?
Preferably with an automotive logo like Snap-On as long as it is not the 95th anniversary logo?
Are you open to other brands of canopy, not EZ-Up brand?
What if the canopy does not have a car based brand logo?
What if the canopy has no logo at all?
Thats 100% accurate. No logo is fine too, just that I go to a lot of swap meets and its nice to have something that stands out - I remember where that XXX was that I wanted to look at - the guy had a Comp Cams EZ Up. Standard White/Blue/Red/Black are a dime a dozen at these big swap meets, I don't have my own company so no logo of my own.
Harbor Freight + stich on your own design?
Iron on of rat fink.
Or big ass flag.
pink... go with pink.
The operative thing is real, genuine EZ-up brand. I road race, subsequently I spend a lot of time around canopies, and I see which ones are left stuffed in a trash barrel at the end of the weekend. That'd be the $99 Dick's Sporting Goods/WalMart models. A new US made 10x10 EZ-up w/ the pointy top is like $600 though.
So use searchtempest religiously for however far you're willing to drive to save hundreds of dollars, and find one. Or 2.
My first 10x10 was $125 and local, like an hour round trip. Eventually I hooked the end of the wing on it leaving my paddock spot and broke the frame in more places than I wanted to fix. 3 weeks trawling CL resulted in me finding a local baker who was no longer doing farmer's markets. I bought 2 white 10x10 genuine EZ-ups, one with accessory side panels, both in great shape for $225.
Here's the pair keeping us shady at the UTCC in July.
motomoron wrote: and I see which ones are left stuffed in a trash barrel at the end of the weekend. That'd be the $99 Dick's Sporting Goods/WalMart models.
When I bought my WalMart one for $69 on sale 6 years ago, all the other guys in the pits told me it wouldn't last six months, that I needed to spend real money on one. Within a year, they'd all replaced theirs and mine was working fine.
Finally broke last month and flew over my trailer because it was a gorgeous day with no wind and I didn't tie it down....
From personal experience, get one that has straight legs (10x10 footprint AND 100 sqft of shade, not 10x10 footprint and 64 sqft of shade). Just make sure to use the ropes that come with it and tie down the tarp, not the frame. For me, that seemed to make the biggest difference. Two tied to the trailer, one to the electrical outlet or light pole and one to a kart tire filled with concrete. Most try to tie down the legs and (or nothing) and run into the most problems.
BTW, mine broke one of the scaffolding arms. Looks like an easy repair and it'll go back into regular use.
YMMV. No warranty expressed or implied. 
-Rob
rob_lewis wrote:motomoron wrote: and I see which ones are left stuffed in a trash barrel at the end of the weekend. That'd be the $99 Dick's Sporting Goods/WalMart models.When I bought my WalMart one for $69 on sale 6 years ago, all the other guys in the pits told me it wouldn't last six months, that I needed to spend real money on one. Within a year, they'd all replaced theirs and mine was working fine. Finally broke last month and flew over my trailer because it was a gorgeous day with no wind and I didn't tie it down.... From personal experience, get one that has straight legs (10x10 footprint AND 100 sqft of shade, not 10x10 footprint and 64 sqft of shade). Just make sure to use the ropes that come with it and tie down the tarp, not the frame. For me, that seemed to make the biggest difference. Two tied to the trailer, one to the electrical outlet or light pole and one to a kart tire filled with concrete. Most try to tie down the legs and (or nothing) and run into the most problems. BTW, mine broke one of the scaffolding arms. Looks like an easy repair and it'll go back into regular use. YMMV. No warranty expressed or implied.
QFT. I've been using a basic blue, $89 WalMart 10x10 for ...wow....almost a decade. Properly securing one is the key to longevity. Well, that and not hitting it with a racecar.
Seriously, I'd buy a $100 true 10x10 and then go to the craft store and find some cool car-related print fabric on clearance. Buy whatever they have left and cover the awning - even if you just safety pin it on, it should be fine if you take your time. I'd bet you would still be MORE unique than a logo'd tent and come out cheaper. That way when/if it does get smashed you're not stressing to replace it. Also gives you the option of a real EZ-UP on the used market that's plain white or whatever.
See also - attach giant flags on poles to the tent legs or some such.
All good suggestions. We are coming to the end of farmers market season here in 'sconnie. Time to hit Craigslist!
Speaking of EZ-Ups, is there a way to replace the little silver spring nubbies that click the leg height adjustment? One of our EZ-Ups lost one of those and now we have to bungee that corner to the other tent.
You can buy them from McMaster. They are called Tubing Buttons http://www.mcmaster.com/#tubing-buttons/=yz9geh
Put me in the "$89 special that lasted for a decade" camp. I do take the canopy off every time, which I'm sure helps with longevity.
I'll bet the reason nobody stuffs an EZ-UP (tm) in the garbage is because it's so expensive that you take it home planning to fix it, where it stays for the rest of your natural life in the back of the garage.
Vinyl should stick fairly well to the canopy, that might be an option for dressing up a cheapie.
93gsxturbo wrote: You can buy them from McMaster. They are called Tubing Buttons http://www.mcmaster.com/#tubing-buttons/=yz9geh
Awesome, thank you!
The Harbor Freight one is only $50 and so far it's lasted since September 5th with no issues.
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