Shelter at comps

[Big Stogie]

I am looking for a good 10x20 pop up canopy to use during comps as my "battle" area. Does anyone know of a good brand that's easy on the wallet? I need something less cumbersome and less time consuming to erect than what I am currently using.

Thanks

[Lake Dogs]

You may be better suited with 2 10x10's, as some limit tent size, etc. I suggest looking at the EZ-UP's at Sams Club.

[smoke-n-my-i's]

I use a 10x20 canopy tent, the brand name slips the old brain right off, and I have the main from members tek screwed mostly together. I can put it up almost as fast as 2 ezups...... I got it and the side kit from Northern Tools when on sale for under $200.

[southernstyle]

i did 8 contests in 2011 with this http://www.gandermountain.com/modper...2&merchID=4006 $350 10x20. 1/2 enclosed 1/2 screened. or open or any combinaton. sets up in a few minutes with warranty.

[Big Stogie]

Thanks for the quick responses...thats a helpful start!

[smoke-n-my-i's]

here is a link to the one I got. I find it on sale every once in awhile for under $100 and the side kit was like around $80 or so.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...4845_200304845

[E Mellow]

We have 2 different commercial grade King Canopy 10x20s that we use, I guess demand was low on those tents and they no longer make them, here is a more econimical version that they are offering right now... http://www.kingcanopy.com/content/festival-instant.asp

Pull the legs out so the tent is half way up, walk under it and push up on the center support and you are almost done, snap the top into place at the 6 legs and adjust the height as needed. With experience, you are looking at 2 minutes or less to set this up.

[Midnight Smoke]

Here is a link to what I have. Have not done a Comp but Pre-Planning... http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ghlight=canopy

[jrbBBQ]

Just remember to not spend too much on your canopy. As soon those smokers get fired up in the spring there is a very strong chance that your set-up will get destroyed in a storm. Always plan on bringing a spare pop-up and leaving it your vehicle just in case. In my first year, I had two severe t-storms hit one contest in a day and half. I had and extra pop-up, I didn't need it, but I let another team borrow it after thier site got ran into by a rouge pot-o-potty.

[Pelkster]

I found a 10x20 pop up with sides off of eBay last year for $199 with free shipping. Here is a link with today's prices.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=....c0.m270.l1313

[Big Stogie]

Thankss agan for the replies.

E Mellow
That King Canopy looks nice and isnt to expensive.

[Big Stogie]

Originally Posted by jrbBBQ

Just remember to not spend too much on your canopy. As soon those smokers get fired up in the spring there is a very strong chance that your set-up will get destroyed in a storm. Always plan on bringing a spare pop-up and leaving it your vehicle just in case. In my first year, I had two severe t-storms hit one contest in a day and half. I had and extra pop-up, I didn't need it, but I let another team borrow it after thier site got ran into by a rouge pot-o-potty.

That is a good tip...I never thought about a back up tent!
Thanks

[G$]

Originally Posted by {Midnight ☼ Smoke}

Here is a link to what I have. Have not done a Comp but Pre-Planning... http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ghlight=canopy

The freedom rv comp next month would be agreat starter...

[sitnfat]

I know you said tents, but I used just tents my first year and a half of cooking. the first year went great no storms. The start of the second it wasnt long and I had 400 bucks of wadded up metal and canvas. I built a small enclosed trailer to suite my needs and my budget. I still put a tent up for shade but have a good place to work during a storm.Dont know how far into competing youre wanting to get but a enclosed trailer or something for meat prep and box prep is a life saver. Trust me prepping meat in the back seat of my avalanche was no fun at all.

[Jorge]

And secure them! Every year there is at least one story about EZ-UP races that involves a canopy going airborne. It can be scary when it's time for them to land. When you watch one fly over two rows of teams at a height of 20-30 ft. "OH CHIT!" is commonly heard. Pick one up, think about wenching it up 20-30 ft. and slinging it towards your car at 15-20 MPH;) On a slightly safer note, think about trying to tackle one sliding along the ground, before it reaches your family...never knowing when one corner will dig in...flipping it and wacking your or someone else in the head with a leg.