Tents

Which brand of tent should I buy? In the market for a new one and I'd like the best this time. Suggestions??

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  • If the weight of putting it up is not a problem, I would get a trimline.  I am about to get a light dome rather than a trimline solely because of the difficulty of putting it up but I am usually alone and am almost 63 yrs old.  I have friends with trimlines and have helped them put them up - much to heavy and bulky for me.  I have used a upscale ez up for the last 5 years but it is time to upgrade - besides which, Larry already took my booth shot using a lightdome - so the die is cast. 

    • Thank-you so much for your advice. Im no spring chicken either, and appreciate your input as to ease of set-up. Wishing you great experiences at the shows this year!
  • OK, I'll be the one to say it. If there's plenty of help and no limit on weight or vehicle space, then probably the Trimline is the way to go. It's considered THE strongest tent for art shows.

    Other top tents include the Light Dome and the Showoff. These are all $1000-2000 tents, depending on how many bells and whistles you add.

    No matter what tent you get, you still gotta use good heavy weights (50 pounds per leg) and whenever possible stake it down with those spiral dog tie-out stakes everyone uses.

    • That's the one I've been looking at. Do you have the Trimline? If so, could you elaborate on options, time of assembly, etc? Thanks!
      • Heh, no, I don't have a Trimline. Too heavy and bulky for little ol' me. I still have my "starter" tent from when I was first trying out shows. EZ-Up Express II, still going strong several years later. I've always fully understood the possibility that it'll end up a pretzel after a good wind storm. Just hasn't, yet. Lucky.

        • I'll eventually upgrade, But my EZ-UP Encore ll is still going strong, also. 

  • I have the Showoff Art Canopy, it is easy for me to set up alone, it’s very strong, I can add accessories, The Showoff also has several configurations in height as well as being able to be smaller for some shows where the space is limited I love the dome top and nice interior look. I have used the frame with art panels in indoor shows, I did get the fire rated display panels - glad I did - even some of the outdoor shows require a fire retardant certificate.  It is also made in the USA which is important to me. Choosing the right Art Canopy for you is important, some things to consider:

    How long has the company been in business? Is there a warranty? Is the frame strong i.e. no plastic components.  Does the art canopy reflect rofessionalism?                                                                                                                                                             Call the company, ask questions, get a feel for their customer service. Check the web site for info, and testimonials.     Good Luck                                                                                                         

    • sorry sp. left out p in professionalism

      • Thanks Deb! And honestly until you pointed it out, professionalism is what I read the first time. I appreciate your input.
  • Many will disagree with me, but here goes. Four years ago, I purchased my top of the line easy up. I have a Subaru Legacy. So what I take has to fit in that. I am 5 ft short, weigh a 110 lbs, soaking wet, and do it all by myself. Load in, load out trucking, fetching and carrying, hauling. Most of the shows I do have a two or three hour set up time and two hour tear down. I don't have pro panels, as I do Jewelry. Those will be purchased eventually, just not a priority, as most of my shows are NOT Art fairs. With all the considerations I listed above, and budgetary concerns, I went with my instincts and ordered my EZ-UP. White, 10 x 10, one person set up/take down. Side panels and awning included. Banner sign for front of booth included. It is a $580.00 Tent. NOT the Sam's club version. Every fall I clean it, dry it and pack it away for the winter. Winter is 6 months long here in Maine. I have, maybe, 5 months for out door shows here. Every spring I unpack it, set it up in the yard, anchor it down, waterproof the top, and air it out. I love my ez-up. I can set it up by myself in under and hour, with all weights, anchors and sta bars. For ease of use, quick set up and tear down, It can't be beat. I have borrowed other tents before purchasing this one. One had to be put together pole by pole...took forever. BUT, I will say this...I don't do many ARTFAIRS. And from what I am reading on the forums, a lot of ArtFairs are requiring other kinds of tents. I will say this here...PROPERLY weighted, staked and tied down, my ez-up is the best set up FOR ME. Go to Hutshop.com, check out the various tents, and there are many. Make your list of what you absolutely require in a tent, and find the one that best suits your needs and budget.  

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