Trials--do you use a tent/EZ Up/canopy?

corbinam

corbinam

Moderator
I was just curious what everyone uses when they have to crate outside.

Currently we're just crating out of our car (not a lot of sideline crating room at our trial, anyways). But, I know that this isn't always possible.

We've borrowed EZ-Ups (canopies) from people, which are nice, but so expensive!

I just bought a little half tent from Costco for $35 (it shows as $65 online!), but I'm not sure it will work or not. (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...14&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1)
 
I have a blue poly tarp that I cut and added gromets to to go over the top of the 2 X pens to provide the boys with some shade it get held on with bungee's, WE usually suffer the sun or sit in the car. I am looking for a sun/light rain solution as well, I looked at a beach sun shade setup last year but didn't buy it because we were at seasons end anyways but it looked like a decent solution and was on sale for $65 bucks... I know I should grabbed it anyways..it was similer to the Costco one, Let me know what you find if anything because I will probably need to get something in the next couple of months for the summer.
 
I don't do very many outdoor trials since 98% of the ones local to me (within 1 hour) are all indoors.

When I went to one outdoor trial in Carlsile, PA last year we took our screen house tent rather than spend money on an EZ-Up. My mom purchased this tent more years ago than I can imagine (I was not yet a teenager) and its still in good shape. She gave it to us about 5 years ago thinking we may have some use for it.

One problem with the tent - If I had to put it up myself I'd be in trouble. Its definitely a two person job. Some of the newer tent designs may be easier for 1 person to put up, however.
 
I haven't invested in an E-Z Up yet because it seems like overkill for just me and Phebe. :lol:

At a trial last fall, one of my friends had a shelter similar to the one you posted and it seemed to work great. I've been thinking about getting something similar. I think I hear Costco calling my name ...
 
I bought an Ez-up years ago when there were more outside shows. I'm lucky if I use it twice a year now. That being said, I got mine at Walmart and I don't know if you have a Big Lots near you but I've seen them there for cheap.
 
EZ Ups are a must at the bike races so I will pass some $$ lessons along.

EZ Ups are really stronger than of brands. Unfortunately the heavy one does not have the silvered top. Silvered tops block a TON more heat than just a white easy up.

Get some weights. A good wind will take one for a ride into who knows what. I saw one get launched onto someones brand new truck before. Tie it to a cooler and/or get leg weights.

If strong winds start do not try to take it down you will not be fast enough. Instead release one or two corners of the top then take it down. A top will not go far and once off it will not kite or bend the frame up.

The ones with wheeled bags make putting it away really nice.

EZUP brand has side panels that make for enhanced shade early and late. I don't use mine a ton as I keep the bike under it and that makes getting in and out harder but when I did use it they were nice. On a cold day you might even be able to retain some heat with them (not a ton though)

Straight leg ones can be bungie corded together for a mini tent city and better shade.
 
I've seen a lot of single women using the tent that you posted. Or something very similar. Small enough for them to handle alone, and easy enough with one or two dogs.

For me, because ALL trials are outdoors (okay, some are covered, but still open to the weather) a canopy was a must and the first thing we bought.

We didn't buy the brand EZ-UP because they're expensive. But we also learned our lesson on why the other brands aren't all that great (anywhere you have plastic pieces, it's a point where it can fall apart). We are very lucky that EZ-UP has an outlet center near us. So, we bought the Dome II for $100. I personally wanted the bigger ones, but I loved how small this one folded down to (length-wise) and that it was light and easy for one person to pop-up (our other one was still shorter than most folded, but weighed 50+ pounds).

Straight leg ones can be bungie corded together for a mini tent city and better shade.
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LOL. We've done this. Especially when it rains. We'll even create gutters. But yes, typically, we will put about 4-6 together (3 in front, 3 in back).

I just realized all the extra equipment I've had to buy because of this. Mat, side shades, canopy, clips, etc. lol. Ugh. It starts to add up. Do whatever works for you. I've seen a variety of things. But being in SoCal, I'm sure we use our canopies year-round more so than most of you guys would. So most people have a canopy of sorts. But I have seen tents. Most people have something unless it's a park with a lot of trees.
 
SheepOfBlue said:
EZ Ups are a must at the bike races so I will pass some $$ lessons along.
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Wish I had talked to your first. lol. We bought one from the local sports store and although it worked and worked well, it also fell apart really easily. It barely lasted 6 months. And only maybe 6-7 trials if that. We bought an EZ-UP after. I figured out what makes the others so shoddy and EZ up better, but eh, wish I knew before I bought, lol. I also wish I knew about the outlet store. Much cheaper!
 
Tents-EZ Ups

Most of the trials I show at like fair grounds or parks have bulidings so we have been lucky enough to use them.Depending also where I am I may work out of my car.I will use shade clothes to keep the sun off the dogs and cool.
 
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