BajaNomad - Portable canopy/gazebo recommendations

Portable canopy/gazebo recommendations

motoged - 5-24-2017 at 04:11 PM

Nomads,
I am looking for a sturdy/durable portable canopy for trailer life (outside kitchen /sitting space) that will last more than one strong breeze, is sturdy, and folds up.

I have scoured the interwebby thing and most seem to be 10'X10' which is an adequate size and are under $100....but many seem to have puny metal framing...and I want it to last with multiple set-ups.

I have not yet ruled out "sun shades" that are somewhat open and set up with collapsible aluminum shock-corded poles...but they get expensive.

Anchoring seems simple enough (sand bags/skookum pegs)....

Any experienced recommendations?

Gracias

[Edited on 5-24-2017 by motoged]

bajaguy - 5-24-2017 at 04:27 PM

Start looking at commercial sources. Will outlast the weekender type

woody with a view - 5-24-2017 at 04:58 PM

Skookum?

bajabuddha - 5-24-2017 at 04:59 PM

I did trailer awnings (roll-out type) for 20 years. Lost one here in northern New Mexico in a strong wind. Here's a few things I learned:

A good quality awning with a 12" (that's about 26 cm to you northerners) aluminum pre-roll at the top is better than a cheapie plastic one. I battened mine down to whatever was close; starting with a palapa, then I had 2" x 24" angle iron stakes w/ a 3" hammer plate on top made with a large eye-hole on the hammer plate big enough to accept a carabineer as a sand stake to hammer in the soil and secure the awning corners. Trouble with those was, if you had a BEEG BLOW come up it was still prudent to have a quick-release set-up to roll the damned thing up because Ma Nature wins, period. Third, I had a site with secure beams as tie-downs with no worries ever.

I've seen a lot of temporary and semi-permanent awning/canopy set-ups. You have to consider UV capabilities as well as secure tie-downs. If you don't wanna hammer stakes you can dig an 18" trench 45º lateral to each corner and run your tie-down lines to a 'dead-man' system of a 24" (mas o meno) stick of mesquite or iron wood that won't rot out in a year or so. They're practically bomb-proof, will hold better than your fabric will. Anyone want more info on that, u2u me. Happy shade!

motoged - 5-24-2017 at 05:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view

Skookum?

Woody,
A northwest native term.....generally referring to things which are strong, etc:

"Skookum
From Wikipedia:

Skookum is a Chinook Jargon word that has historical use in the Pacific Northwest. It has a range of meanings, commonly associated with an English translation of "strong" or "monstrous". The word can mean "strong",[1] "greatest", "powerful", "ultimate", or "brave". Something can be skookum, meaning "strong" or "monstrously significant". When used in reference to another person, e.g., "he's skookum", it conveys connotations of reliability or a monstrous nature, as well as strength, size or hard-working."

Also used to describe a Motoged Margarita :cool:

motoged - 5-24-2017 at 05:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha

I did trailer awnings (roll-out type) for 20 years. Lost one here in northern New Mexico in a strong wind. Here's a few things I learned:

BB,
Good intel.....thanks....have a 12' v-nose cargo trailer that is my poor man's camper....and have decided against a trailer roll-out canopy....and am mindful of Big Wind issues..

Thanks :saint:

AKgringo - 5-24-2017 at 05:13 PM

Whatever method you use to anchor your corners, make sure your tie downs can be seen while stumbling around the camp in dim light!

motoged - 5-24-2017 at 05:45 PM

Okay....I will now need to invest in a dozen Tiki lamps....

As for the stumbling in dim light.....I didn't know you were watching me after dark at the Hacienda.... :biggrin:

pacificobob - 5-24-2017 at 06:25 PM

skookumchuck = strong water=big seas, rapids

SFandH - 5-24-2017 at 06:42 PM

consider one of these, you can buy additional windscreen for the sides

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Storage-Organization-Sheds-Garage...

Mulege Canuck - 5-24-2017 at 07:07 PM

Hola Motoged

Most Skookum setup I use is a " Silvacool Tarp". It is a heavy duty tarp that reflects heat. They use them in the bush to keep seedlings cool in the cutblock when planting trees. I use a 9x12 tarp. I mounted three stainless tie down points on my bigfoot camper for the tarp. I made three 2x2 fir posts to hold up the front. I bury the posts down 6 ". I guy the post down with rope that has some give with a truckers hitch. I use 2 ft sections of 1" galv pipe for pegs. Dig a hole first through the loose sand and pound the stakes in the denser sand.

I set it up low so it I have to bend when standing but is perfect for keeping the sun off early in the day when sitting down. It has lasted two seasons and still good.

You can get them from Bushpro on line. They are about $50 Can pesos.

Mulege Canuck - 5-24-2017 at 07:09 PM

No safety concerns with tiedown pegs because they are well under the sand.

mtgoat666 - 5-24-2017 at 07:24 PM

Costco at this time of year sells folding shade structures. Pretty good quality. But few (no) shade structures are meant for hard blows,...

For stakes, I recommend rebar, with a tightly bent U on top.

If at the beach or other loose soil, you can use 6"x6" plywood pieces as dead men. Drill a hole in center, attach a rope. Bury about 12 to 6 inches.

David K - 5-24-2017 at 07:43 PM

Colemam Instant Canopy.

motoged - 5-25-2017 at 09:53 AM

David,
Thanks for the suggestion, but that is an example of a weaker frame system than what I am looking for....

Mulege Canuck,
I remember my tree-planting daze...I lasted a day and a half in Lumby in 1975.... :biggrin:

I like your basic concept....the tarp you mentioned is triple the cost of $50 you quoted....unless you have a better link....

https://www.universalfieldsupplies.com/products/bushpro-silvicool-tarps?variant=724418771

Your system would work with the usual tarp material and doesn't require a multi-hinged trellis frame system or vulnerable aluminum poles.

SFandH,
I have seen those and they look good for a more permanent set-up (longer term than travel camping situations)

Goat,
Good anchor ideas....( I could always use copies of Trumps health care and budget bills as deadweights....:lol

Still considering options....really looking for a relatively quick set-up system that is inexpensive and manageable by one person.
Whatever it will be, I understand that strong winds will be time for a take-down....really just need a protected kitchen area (Coleman propane stove and portable propane barbeque on a folding costco plastic table and a few folding chairs).

[Edited on 5-25-2017 by motoged]

bkbend - 5-25-2017 at 09:57 AM

I've always gone with a variation of the Mulege Canuck method anchoring to the roof racks on a pickup and canopy but you are anchored to a single spot. The plus side is cheap and easy. I used a nylon tarp because they pack smaller/lighter and don't make as much noise in the wind.

For a canopy check out the EZ Up line. I helped someone fold one up a few months ago and commented on how sturdy it seemed. The owner swore by it and said it has stood up while cheaper canopies folded in the wind.

bkbend - 5-25-2017 at 10:13 AM

A couple other observations -- I used aluminum poles for my tarp and never had any problems with that in the wind. I have seen the multi-hinged frame type break but it was well anchored and the frame broke up under the canopy where the wind pushed the fabric into the frame. I also saw a poorly anchored canopy in the Sea of Cortez this winter after a BdeLA westie but it was fully functional after retrieval. It seemed to roll with the punches.

David K - 5-25-2017 at 10:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

David,
Thanks for the suggestion, but that is an example of a weaker frame system than what I am looking for....

Still considering options....really looking for a relatively quick set-up system that is inexpensive and manageable by one person.
Whatever it will be, I understand that strong winds will be time for a take-down....

[Edited on 5-25-2017 by motoged]

Hi Ged, I did read your request before responding:

Quote:

I am looking for a sturdy/durable portable canopy for trailer life (outside kitchen /sitting space) that will last more than one strong breeze, is sturdy, and folds up.

I have scoured the interwebby thing and most seem to be 10'X10' which is an adequate size and are under $100....but many seem to have puny metal framing...and I want it to last with multiple set-ups.

I have not yet ruled out "sun shades" that are somewhat open and set up with collapsible aluminum shock-corded poles...but they get expensive.

The Coleman Instant Canopy is far stronger than the other, cheaper ones. We got it following the hurricane force winds of July 2011 that destroyed the last sun canopy (and our dome tent). This was the same storm that sunk the fishing ship with so much loss of life, off Gonzaga Bay.

It continues to serve us on our trips to Shell Island in the years since. I am going to use it this weekend, again. If it fails me after 6 years of multiple uses, I will let you know.

Here it is last summer, and the Instant Tent in the back, also obtained following July 2011 storm and used multiple times since without an issue...

willardguy - 5-25-2017 at 10:35 AM

free one at rancho grande...some assembly required.

SFandH - 5-25-2017 at 10:59 AM

I build my shelter using galvanized steel tubing I buy at Home Depot (electrical conduit I think) and this kind of connectors.

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODc2WDExMzI=/z/WmQAAOSw-CpYBkNg/$_...

I attach the wind screen roof and sides with bungee cord.

Makes for a tough shelter that goes up quick.

IMHO, stay away from the canopies that have the scissors like frames. I've seem a lot of them in the garbage cans at the beaches I stay at. Too fragile.

[Edited on 5-25-2017 by SFandH]

bajabuddha - 5-25-2017 at 11:11 AM

And another thought if you're only putting up a day shelter on the beach attached to your cargo trailer: I used a gortex para-wing many days on the river beaches. Long parachute cord tie-downs at the corner, very versatile and easy up and down. Easy is good.

mtgoat666 - 5-25-2017 at 11:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by soulpatch

I had one of THESE when we had our place in BOLA and it lasted years.
We were not kind to it in any way.

I am thinking of buying another.

yep, those are good quality, a bit on the heavy side,... but much preferable compared to ones that attach to the vehicle. If you are stuck attaching tarp to vehicle, you never get away from your vehicle, and in that case why not just camp at home in your garage? :lol:

MMc - 5-25-2017 at 11:30 AM

Look up Swap meet tarps. I have a 15 X 15 Unit that is bomb proof. I use 3/4 Electoral Metal Tube (EMT) Covered with a heavy duty truck tarp.
I had the tarp custom made, as the size was not stock. The size of the tarp was the product of the truck I was driving at the time, tubes 1/2 " shorter than the bed.

A 10 X 10 is a stock size. Buy the fittings and bungie's on line, go to the box store for the tubing, and the tarp. The silver is cooler than the blue.

For the tie downs I bolted the little footing to a 12"X12" steel plate and drive the 12" jumbo nails in all the corners of the plates. If I have the sides up I park the truck as as windbreak and fill 5 gal. buckets with salt water/sand on all the down tubes too.
This is one of the places that sell parts there are plenty around.

http://www.ptmtarps.com/canopy-fittings-pipe/

SFandH - 5-25-2017 at 12:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by MMc

This is one of the places that sell parts there are plenty around.

http://www.ptmtarps.com/canopy-fittings-pipe/

Great link!! Thanks.

BajaBreak - 5-25-2017 at 09:06 PM

I've had decent luck in moderate wind with hanging gallons of water, or canvas/mesh bags filled with rocks, or any type of ballast, looping a soft-tie through the framing with a quick link. One on each corner can really help, and you won't trip on them. May hit year head though...

windgrrl - 5-26-2017 at 07:03 AM

We have used a variety of temporary shelter models over the years and the tarp and pipe method is by far the strongest, most customizable and durable. Our first model was the basic 10x10 with a white poly roof purchased at City Club. We used Easy-up brand panels for 3 sides, but they caught the wind like spinnakers. We switched to mesh tarp and colourful Mexican blankets the next year. There were no problems with the frame, but the roof started to get holes after 2 winter seasons of sun exposure. The roof was usable for another 3 years, but yellowed and developing holes at the pressure points. It also took 2 people to put up.

We used PVC, bungee cord fasteners and grommeted mesh tarp to build a fence around our RV to keep our dog enclosed. We also built a bike stand, a bike repair stand that fits into our truck hitch and a raised dog bed (to fit a Koolaroo mesh sling) from PVC. If you are going permanente, a woven ground mat is nice to catch the sand.

We added a toy garage and gear storage shed with the tarp and pipe method because the materials are easily available in Baja and we could make the sizes we needed. Advantage - one person installation. We learned that using zip ties and a pre- grommeted tarp is much quicker and cheaper than sourcing or making bungee cord fasteners. The frame possibilities are endless, then we covered the frame with a tarp, used mesh tarp on the ends to let the wind flow through and made "doors". It takes a bit of planning, but once it's together, you number the parts, tape the pipes together, chuck the fittings in a bag and pack it away for next time.

We also bought a garage package, to use as a windsurfing gear shed from COSTCO, up here. After 15 winter months in the sun, we replaced the roof and sides with grommeted recycled RV awning fabric, leaving vents at strategic points and using mesh tarp for the door. The awning fabric is still going strong after 4 years and we use it instead of tarps for waterproofness, UV-proofness, low flappiness, aesthetic value and durability...very nice to work with, but it is a bit heavier. We used woven ground matts to protect our gear and keep the sand down. It took 2 people to set up.

Tiring of the labour of setting up tearing down and storing all of these structures each season, we downsized, simplified, sold our RV and accessories and bugged out to a rental home. We special-ordered a small Shelter Logic garage up north to use on the beach. It is the most confounding shelter to set up and requires 3-4 patient friends to figure out and assemble over two days. The frame is holding up well after 3 seasons (4 months each in the sun and wind) but the fabric cover will need replacing in a year or two.

All of these structure required anchoring and thoughtful placement to withstand the wind, even in a protected campground, but they offer excellent protection from the elements when well set up. For a lighter shelter for sun protection used for a few days only, something that can be taken down quickly if the wind pops up is the way to go. I would avoid anything that looks like it is made for a day picnic shelter.

If you are near Los Barilles, of the materials to make a custom shelter, except grommet kits, bungee cord and mesh tarp are available at Armandos and are cheaper than up north. Pop-up tents and garage shelters are available in Cabo and La Paz, but on a limited and seasonal basis usually.

Our favourite? We keep a small utility trailer in Baja to shelter and store our toys and tools that can be stored until we head to our next winter home.

SFandH - 5-26-2017 at 09:34 AM

Here's a trick I use when I set up my galvanized steel tube frame. I pound a piece of rebar around 18 inches long 1/2 way into the ground for each of the legs (mine has six) and set the tubes over the rebar. That keeps the legs from moving in the wind.

mtgoat666 - 5-26-2017 at 09:51 AM

This thread asked about "portable" shelter,... y'all are making shelters out of heavy brackets, 1-inch EMT conduit pipe, and heavy-duty tarps,... no wonder many of you drive diesel 1-ton pickups, your shade shelters alone weigh over 300 pounds! I am guessing your sleeping tent systems are >1,000 pounds!

Car camping used to be about minimalism! Then you all developed costco-brain and super-sized everything! :lol:

[Edited on 5-26-2017 by mtgoat666]

willardguy - 5-26-2017 at 10:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

This thread asked about "portable" shelter,... y'all are making shelters out of heavy brackets, 1-inch EMT conduit pipe, and heavy-duty tarps,... no wonder many of you drive diesel 1-ton pickups, your shade shelters alone weigh over 300 pounds! I am guessing your sleeping tent systems are >1,000 pounds!

Car camping used to be about minimalism! Then you all developed costco-brain and super-sized everything! :lol:

[Edited on 5-26-2017 by mtgoat666]

true......
now what you need is an "el porche" (with a small house connected to it) now who's looking for one in Gbay? :lol:

Sweetwater - 5-26-2017 at 10:34 AM

Ditch that trailer an get something practical for the beaches.
A little wind won't phase one of these and the kitchen is complete.

bajabuddha - 5-26-2017 at 04:23 PM

Kewl rig, Sweets. However, I guarantee it wouldn't withstand Hwy 1, topes or potholes. Or vibradores for that matter; they destroy travel trailers let alone that kind of low-rider.

Thanks everybody !

motoged - 5-27-2017 at 12:16 PM

I appreciate all the ideas contributed....at this time I will be developing a tarp system with some metal poles (some adjustable tent poles and some electric conduit poles....I like the idea of rebar in ground as pole stabilizer....and as pegs).

An idea my neighbour presented was installing eye-bolts along the trailer "gutter" area so that tarp could be attached w/ small carabiners for quick install ....

One thing is clear....trailers, like boats, are large toys that eagerly consume your cash... :lol:

Over and out on this....gracias !

Alm - 5-27-2017 at 04:26 PM

Motoged, I doubt there is an easy solution. Not in coastal Baja. Here on Cortez coast there is such thing as a SUDDEN and very heavy western wind that often comes in the night. Plus, a "usual" El Norte that can last 3-4 days. Anything lighter than a truck will be swaying, rattling,flapping, self-destructing or flying around. Make it with extra-heavy 3" frame and it will weigh a ton, a pain to set up. Hammer it deep into ground and it is a pain again to set-up (and whatever is above the ground will still make a heck of noise in the night and will try to take-off).

Must be one of those occasions when I agree with the Goat - heavy duty commercial shelters are not really "portable". Look into hikers stuff. There were some 10x10ft shelters that are portable and designed to withstand heavy winds, check REI - or MEC, since you're in Canada. They rely on flexibility of the frame rather than stiffness. Expensive, over $250. Stakes and/or guy-lines will still be necessary.
Coleman brand today is bottom of the barrel, pretty much Ebay quality.

[Edited on 5-27-2017 by Alm]

bajagregg - 5-27-2017 at 04:43 PM

We use Eurmax canopies in our race pits and have had great luck along with the many other racers that use them. They are, without a doubt, the stoutest pop-up canopies out there. Do search on Amazon to check out the options.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Eurmax-Canopy-Commercial-20color-Whee...

[Edited on 5-28-2017 by bajagregg]

willardguy - 5-27-2017 at 04:55 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

Over and out on this....gracias !

Ged now you know all these "veteranos" are losing their minds.....its either "over" or its "out"....it can't be both! :lol:

Alm - 5-27-2017 at 06:53 PM

The phrase is "Roger and out". Meaning - message understood, end of transmission.
Or just "Out", i.e. the end, I'm going away.

"Over" = "Now you talk, I'm listening".

motoged - 5-28-2017 at 10:54 AM

Never a dull moment with this crowd :lol:

"Over and Out" !!!! Sheesh....never knew it would be a contentious comment.....thanks for the boy scout lesson for radio chatter .

My tarp application will be mostly for here north of a few borders....the wider wheelbase of trailer makes me VERY nervous when thinking of pulling it on Baja highways...one wheel over that infamous pavement edge is a trip-wrecker....

Wind issues are taken into consideration with any shelter...as is weight and ease of erection ..... (have fun with that)

redhilltown - 5-28-2017 at 11:37 PM

Selling at the collectible flea markets around L.A. for over 20 years and adventuring in Baja and the southwest longer than that, I have tried them all. Pretty much have settled on Caravan canopies. Well made and heavy yet I can set them up alone. Pole and tarp types I used for years as well and they certainly have their place but take a while to set up and no matter how well you anchor them, when those off shore winds near Huerfanito start to howl something is gonna give... I think the main thing with any type of canopy is when a sustained wind comes up, undo the canvas or tarp part of it...just break it down and leave the structure for when the winds stop and then just reattach.

bajaric - 5-29-2017 at 01:03 PM

I'll go with minimalism, just your basic EZ UP canopy, about sixty dollars on sale at sporting goods stores, sets up in about a minute. IMO whoever invented that should get a Nobel prize, saved me from getting scorched many a time. You can adjust the height of the legs to angle it when sun is low on the horizon. Not going to last more than a few seasons, and not going withstand the winds of Huerfanito, but then I don't think any canopy would, regardless of price or construction, as you can see in this short YouTube video I shot last year a few miles north of there in 2016.

https://youtu.be/B1_T4DjtzzE

Look familiar Redhill? I think we have both been there, done that.

redhilltown - 5-29-2017 at 02:39 PM

oooooooh yes!!! That's why I'm all for lowering them and popping off the top before going to bed...that is, if sober enough!