Temporary canopy or tent question

[skipnay]

I have been thinking about getting a 12' x 20' canopy/tent. So after looking at a couple places most of these are around 3/4" - 1 3/8" it depends on what you select. Most of it seems to be 18 gauge with a couple being 16 gauge for heavy duty. So after looking into the tubing most of it is around $6 for 3/4" and $12 for 1 3/8" per piece. Which isn’t that bad but the shipping is right around $500 for 28 pieces. Then each corner and T piece is right around $6 a piece. So a 12' x 20' is 28 pieces is $168 plus the $500 for shipping is $668. Then the 12 pieces is $72 and shipping is $50. The total is $122 plus the $668 plus $50 for a tarp which would be $840

If I order a complete kit which I don't understand it is $325 plus $150 for shipping for a total of $475. I still can't see how this is possible if the other shipping is almost $500 for tubing and $50 for fittings.

So after thinking about this 18 gauge is only 0.05" thick. I can always find a use for 1" square tubing. I have figured I needed 12 pieces total. That is with making the T's and corner pieces and maybe an error or two. If I got 3/4" square tubing 14 gauge it would be $300 and if I decided to go with 1" square tubing that is 14 gauge it would be $600. Then all I would need to do is buy the tarp for $50.

I can re-purpose the square tubing when I'm done with this. The regular galvanized round tubing I can't really re-purpose for much. I would like to be able to use this to either work on my trailer while its raining and I can stay dry. Or even in the summer I could detail a vehicle while the sun is out. What is your opinion on what you would do? I have everything to cut, drill, tig, mig, stick, plasma, bandsaw and so on for tools to do this.

 

[Marctrees]

read post quickly..

Don't those fittings use EMT ?

"Thinwall Conduit"

Locally available everywhere.

Marc

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a 10x20 that uses 1" EMT (thinwall metalic) conduit. It is pretty light duty but it gets the job done.

The next step up usually uses galvanized fencing top rails.

 

[saryon7]

That sounds like a lot of money, work, and effort for something that is temporary. The first one is 99 on sale, the second is 160.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-ft-x-20-ft-portable-car-canopy-62858.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-ft-x-17-ft-Portable-Garage-62860.html

 

[gte718p]

I bought mine at Costco. I think it was $350. That sucker was stout. I ended up needing a new top after three years. Ended up selling it for 90% of the price when I was done. Seems like a lot of work to DIY an already fairly sorted solution.

 

[skipnay]

I need the 12' wide. With being able to have doors open. The ones I was looking at just says it is using 3/4" round piping that is 18 gauge.

 

[gorilla]

I had a 10'x20' shelter logic tent that worked OK for a storage shed but things didn't really stay dry. I think I paid about $500.00 for it and had to replace the cover twice at about $200.00. In my area you can buy a metal carport with open sides for about $1600.00 installed. It's more money but you only spend it once. Covering the frame with a tarp doesen't work for **** and looks like ****. Just a few things for you to consider.

 

[quattro_sinko]

Shelter Logic from Tractor supply, typically $400+tax, often on sale. I site prepped putting down a blue tarp 10x20 and spread 2yds crusher on top, leveled out. Put carport over it, anchored to 2x6x20 (each side.) I use a large push room from the underside to to make snow accumulation slide off. Typically get many years out of it, if I take care of it.

 

[jeffg]

Would it be easy to add some additional tube to the bottom to raise it up a bit? I would like to get my travel trailer under one for the winter, but its about 10.5' tall.

 

[01-7700]

Often times you can find used tube garages on craigslist cheap and all they need is new tubes and cover.

 

[Marctrees]

My main point is... AFAIK... most of these "Flea Market" canopys tents use EMT, NOT some fancier tubing.

There is one particular website supplier that seems to have a FULL selection of fittings and is very reasonably priced.

I'll see if I can find them.

Stay tuned...

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Here Ya go...

http://www.ysbw.com/

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Also here .. Don't recall if the first or second link company is better..

But they both use the locally available EMT.. untill you get into the heavier stronger styles.

For EMT, check pricing at local BigBox, but ALSO call check local Electrical supply house.

Just tell them... "No account, Cash sale.. need price for EMT "

Comes in 10' sticks, both ends are straight as like cut off... not like PVC that may have a bell end.

And have it all figured out what and how many sticks you need..

They will not do advisement or hand holding.

Marc

http://www.tarps.com/chrome2.htm

 

[59 wagon man]

you can also buy the fittings online to use fence post rail depending on how wide and long you go. mine is 26' x 20' and uses 1-5/8 tubing

 

[Marctrees]

Yup, that is the "heavier stronger" I talked about.

OP has talked about smaller overall size...

So that is why I keep saying EMT.

Marc

 

[skipnay]

Trying to figure out if I really want to do this or what? EMT in 3/4" is $5.50 and 1" is $9.55 locally. I also get 10% off if I buy 10 or more. Thanks for all the help. Not sure what I want to do yet... What to do what to do?

 

[kbs2244]

These guys are the go to pros.
1 year to 20 year.

http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplies/home

 

[Bretny]

Your putting way to much thought into the frame when in 3 yrs the tarp will be junk. You also have to keep snow off and away from the sides on these things.

I had a TSC one. Multipal times i would have to go out mid storm and clean it off. Total pain in the *** and i ended up junking the frame. Just wasnt worth the hastle to me.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Often times you can find used tube garages on craigslist cheap and all they need is new tubes and cover.

If you have to replace the tubes and the cover, there's not much left of the original tent.

 

[no704]

Pro tip! When using these disposable structures use Velcro to attach the canopy. When the wind kicks up it will tear off and not destroy the frame. You just have to retrieve it out of the neighbors yard.

 

[BD1]

I have a 10' X 10' Easy Up canopy for my art craft shows. I suggest checking them out.
I had mine a few years now.

 

[Marctrees]

"Easy Up"s have their advantages, mostly fast one person erection.

We went through about 8 of them doing shows for 12 yrs.

Their demise comes from wind,, or rain.

The canopys lose their tautness after a few uses, ..

once there is enough sag to start a tiny pool of water..

If it keeps raining, and is not constantly attended to pop out water accumulation...

It's Toast.

They are good overall, just not perfect.

Also note - They are available in a few different grade levels sturdyness and $ wise.

Doing outdoor shows, it cost us lost $ if we prematurely took down w storm coming...

So, cause of that, we lost one every year or two.

If they are not left out in wind and rain, they are pretty good.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

The canopy material does seem to pass enough sunlight to Tan occupants ...

At least the ones sold during our usage years.. approx late 80's till 2000.

May be different now what with SPF concerns stuff becoming more predominant.

Unlike a silver or blue polyolefin cheap tarp.

Might matter to some.

Marc