I'm trying to find a vinyl top and sidewalls for my EZ Up but am having no luck. I've found a couple of companies that were supposed to make them but they are both out of business. I've about had it with leaky tops, torn zippers and living with the fear that it's going to blow away any minute! In light of this, I would also like suggestions on selecting another brand. The 10 x 10 size is adequate for my needs and I don't want to have to mortgage the house to buy one. Cost is a factor. Also, I usually travel alone so it has to be something one person can handle. I see some at shows that look as if the owner were building a house! The EZ Up is fine if I can find a way to better stabilize it and not have to be so concerned over leaks. Thus my efforts to find the heavy-duty top and sidewalls. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
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I have been using my Caravan for 5 1/2 years now, at least 20 outdoor shows. My only issue has been with the sidewall zippers. I'm on my second set of sidewalls, and the zippers are shot on two corners. The other two corners, I hand a second sidewall wrapped around the corner! Soooooo, I'm looking for better sidewalls.
As for leaks, I had some small ones at my last show. I need to get some of the spray used along seams to seal it up better. The other thing I do when rain is expected is to hang a 10 x 10 ceiling tarp to catch any drips.
I've used the flourish sta-bars for every show since my Caravan was new. I think this has added to it's longevity. My tent doesn't sway in the breeze. BTW, I only paid $229 at Costco for my Caravan with sides, but I don't think they carry them anymore.
The side walls provided with the Costco kit are a light weight poly. I spoke with Caravan today and they are caught up on their production and a new set of side walls made of 500 denier poly, the same as the top is $360.00. I am having them make a custom awning for a new canopy which will attach just like the awning on the Light Dome/Finale canopy.
I did not want the awning to be under the valance and lose head room. So it will attach just like the one shown high on the valance.
Rich,
Thanks for the info and the photo. I'm beginning to think the Caravan is the way to go in my case, especially since they now have the heavier-weight side walls. You know, EZ-Up makes a model of pop-up called the Eclipse which seems to be a pretty good unit. However, the price is around $630 without side-walls and I haven't even found those yet. So, if they are available, that's probably another $300 which is putting the price right up there with the Caravan. They have two versions of the Eclipse- one steel and the other aluminium and the steel is $100 less. But, it's also 20 pounds heavier and I'm not sure I'd want to lug another 20 pounds around. In any case, it appears that I'm looking at around $1000 whichever way I go unless I find a heavy-duty top for the one I have. That might get me through another couple of years. Anyway, thanks for your help. I appreciate it.
Don,
I purchased my EZ-UP Encore II from hutshop.com- all 4 sidewalls, 500 denier canopy, awning , roller bag from hutshop.com for less than 300.00 and shipping was free. It is the steel model, it is now 3 years old. I have no issues, other than wanting the heavy duty walls. My solution....3 8x10 waterproof white tarps for the sides, inside my outer sidewalls, two 6x10's for the front as doors, and one 10x10 across the roof area. I attach them with ball bungees. This was a lot less expensive than buying a new tent. I still have the zippered sidewalls for security, and I have found that with the tarps inside, I have no water issues and they help stabilize the tent, as they are attached to the legs and the scissors around the top. A lot less weebly/wobbly when the wind blows. I do Jewelry, so I don't use pro panels. I love my Ez-up because it weighs about 70 pounds, an can set it up all by myself- at 47 years old. 5 feet tall and weigh about 105 pounds. I rarely have helpers at shows, I do each and every one by myself. My set-up and take down is easy, a true one body set-up!
Kay,
Can you, by chance, give me a phone no./email address for the lady in Tucson? I may want to talk with her and possibly have her do the same for me. Thank you very much for the info.
Jeanene Graham 520-624-8577 (she is in Tucson and is retired) it was $25 to replace each zipper, then 1 extender is $20 plus moola for shipping. Her email is grahamcrackers1933@live.com Her name is Jeanene Graham. Nice lady.
Kay Cummins, Out And About Girls
Kay,
Thank you for this info. I'll give her a call tomorrow.
Don
For stabilzing the tent everybody recommends the sta-bars, and the cost of them is about $160 per set. (Take a look at the flourish.com). For the walls and the top - if these you have are not torn, maybe you can go and inquire in an outdoors store - they may recommend you a business that can waterproof the top and the walls. I do not know where do you live, but if by any chance you are close to a big body of water, you will have boat/sailing shop nearby, and they will be able to help. If the top and the walls are damaged, I suggest you go to the ez-up web site. Scroll down until you see the Accessories and Replacement cathegory and click on E-Z UP repair parts link. Then select the model of your tent. If for your tent there is a top awalable, it will be in the beginning of the list. The walls are somewhere towards the bottom. Right now the tops are on sale for about $120. And you can order other parts too, if you need them.
I hope this helped.
Terofana,
Thank you for your input. I'm not near a large body of water but I know we have several boat shops around so I'll look into it and see if they can do as you suggested. Thanks for your help.
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