Posted by Amy Atkinson on October 23, 2009 at 9:15pm
I have an EZ UP Embassy II that I've only used 4 times, and the struts have bent 3 times. I replaced them, and it bent again today. I follow the instructions, especially after the first time. Am I just incredibly inept (I'm actually quite good at assembling everything other than this) or do I have a bad tent?
I'm ready to chuck it in the trash and buy a Trimline before next season. As I say, I'm just getting started so I'm not enthused about the (gulp!) ~$1000 investment, but I can't struggle with this stupid tent every time, and then have it bend. What kind of design is that fragile?
Unfortunately, I'm past any warranty period, so I'm out of luck there.
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We started with EZ-Up and Caravan tents for the first five years or so. As long as they were reasonably well made and under $200, I felt they were 'throw-away' items if one broke. We lost one at a fall show three years back with a heavy gust of wind, and I bought another from Costco online, and tried using it the next spring at our first show. The side canvas was the new super thin stuff, and the legs would randomly drop no matter what we did and I returned it. I tried buying a 'professional' grade EZ-Up and found they went for around $500 - too much to be considered throw-away. We ended up buying a Lightdome from Flourish with a ton of options and couldn't be happier. It's gone through fifty mile an hour winds and thunderstorms without any problems, and the company has unbelievably great customer service. Either my wife or I can set it up or tear it down by ourselves, although it does take about twice as long to completely set up as an EZ-Up (frame, top, sides, anchors).
I haven't seen any mention of Caravan canopies in this string. Every show I've been to in the last couple of years, there seems to be at least one person having issues with EZ-ups. We lost a couple at the Ocean View show a couple weeks ago. No Caravans failed. The Caravan that Costco sells (around $210) seems to be built better than the inexpensive EZ-ups. Everyone that I know of that lost EZ-ups, have replaced them with Caravans, and are happy with the difference. A couple of those artists have also added on the Flourish Sta-bars.
In 2+ years, about a dozen shows, the only issue I've had is one sidewall zipper failure. I've since learned a couple tricks to getting them attached. Maybe when I retire and start doing more shows I may consider a Trimline or Lightdome, but for now I'm happy with my Caravan. I'm usually by myself, and can set it up in 5-10 minutes.
Debbie Moyer > Dave HindeOctober 28, 2009 at 7:47pm
I have also been the EZ-up route over the last several years. Last season I went through 2 of the Embassy models - same problem with trusses breaking/bending - this was the poorest quality tent ever. I replaced with a Caravan canopy - so far have been quite happy with it. The setup is much smoother - the construction is much better quality, etc. I only do about 7 - 10 shows during the summer months up north, so I have not invested in the more costly Trimline, Flourish, etc. I have however been giving serious thought to bitting the bullet & investing in one. I did a show several weeks ago where there was someone beside me with an older Craft Hut and across from me a Trimline. You could definitely see the difference in the stability and strength of those canopies. I think it is the way to go.
Debbie
We were at a show a year or so back and an exhibitor was retiring. She put the word out she was selling her Craft Hut to the highest bidder that weekend so she wouldn't have to take it home. It was a few years old but still in decent shape. She sold it for $600 cash and somebody else got to use it for the foreseeable future. I found out during teardown she too had bought it used for $750. So she was happy, and so was the new owner.
I agree with others, buy the best you can. We have had a Trimline since 2000. We have added awnings on three sides and light bars and the stay bars. We have withstood storms with 70 MPH winds and heavy downpours. Remember that it doesn't matter what type tent you have, if you don't stake it down right or have enough weights on it, it can still go flying. We stake the legs and then use dog ties to run straps down from the corners to them when we can. On hard surfaces we attach our weights totaling 65 lbs per leg. If we know that we have a real bad storm coming I also add the weights when we are using the stakes. I have also attached my batteries(marine type) to the stay bars in the middle and attach anything else heavy(tool boxes) to the tent frame.
Diane Wright > Douglas FarrarOctober 27, 2009 at 9:58pm
Right now I have an upscale EZ up which is pretty easy to haul around and put up. I have been following the discussion about trimline tents but they look complicated to put up - so many pieces. Sometimes it it just me and sometimes my husband (who is not very handy but very nice) helps. We are both retired. I was also looking at the mesh walls for an ez up by trimline, but that looks complicated too. Any comments by those of you who have trimlines.
I put up my Trimline all by myself with the help of an accessory they offer. I have the stay bars and easy riser kit. If you think of the Trimline as a tinker toy, it helps to visually put them together. I can do it, by myself, in just 20 minutes and this is after putting it together about 3 times. The first time is always the longest because of all the pieces. However once all the smaller pieces are fitted you won't need to take them off - at least I haven't had a need to, hence why it most likely won't take a whole long time to put them together. The only dificult thing I can say is some of the poles - when bundled - can be heavy, but it isn't too much for one person to do. I recommend viewing their video online on how to assemble it, it is a good video.
Amy Atkinson > Michelle SholundOctober 28, 2009 at 9:56am
It's very nice to know that a woman can put the whole thing together by herself. I've always had help, but that could change! I'm beginning to lean toward the Trimline. All of the others have negatives, however small. Unfortunately, though, I can't find used Trimlines. I guess that means everyone is very happy with them. I may have to bite the bullet and pay full price for a new Trimline.
We have an old craft hut. We are thinking about getting something lighter and easier for one person to put up and will probably be moving to a Light Dome some day. We will try to wear out the Craft Hut first, but we may not live that much longer.
Meantime, , I know I'm just adding to the confusion because you're getting conflicting advice, but the Light Dome is lighter, easier to assemble by one person, and if you get a storm strong enough to wad up a Light Dome chances are it'll be strong enough to blow down most others as well. We were caught in a violent storm in Lakeland a couple of years ago and we suffered a couple of hundred dollars' worth of damage. Some other expensive and durable tents rolled by as we watched. Then there were EZ ups that were unscathed. It was a strangely hit and miss storm. Possibly a mini tornado.
Amy Atkinson > Bill SargentOctober 28, 2009 at 9:58am
Are the Light Dome rafters curved or straight when unassembled? Curved rafters are a drawback to me, as it seems they'd take up too much room in my car. So far I've had helpers with trucks, but one of these days I may have to transport everything in my small car, so I want to keep that in mind.
Replies
In 2+ years, about a dozen shows, the only issue I've had is one sidewall zipper failure. I've since learned a couple tricks to getting them attached. Maybe when I retire and start doing more shows I may consider a Trimline or Lightdome, but for now I'm happy with my Caravan. I'm usually by myself, and can set it up in 5-10 minutes.
Debbie
We were at a show a year or so back and an exhibitor was retiring. She put the word out she was selling her Craft Hut to the highest bidder that weekend so she wouldn't have to take it home. It was a few years old but still in decent shape. She sold it for $600 cash and somebody else got to use it for the foreseeable future. I found out during teardown she too had bought it used for $750. So she was happy, and so was the new owner.
Meantime, , I know I'm just adding to the confusion because you're getting conflicting advice, but the Light Dome is lighter, easier to assemble by one person, and if you get a storm strong enough to wad up a Light Dome chances are it'll be strong enough to blow down most others as well. We were caught in a violent storm in Lakeland a couple of years ago and we suffered a couple of hundred dollars' worth of damage. Some other expensive and durable tents rolled by as we watched. Then there were EZ ups that were unscathed. It was a strangely hit and miss storm. Possibly a mini tornado.
Thank you.
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