Lots of opinions on Canopies
- Thread starter Evan
- Start date
I think you are referring to the clamp down device for holding the screen door edges against the CI wall to keep bugs out.
They were made with a set of suction cup https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08N13T8X2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 from which I removed the strap clips. A short piece of 3/4 in pvc pipe with a hole drilled thru it will fit into space where the strap was, and be held in place using the same bolt. That piece of pvc should be long enough to extend past the suction cup enough to fully engage in a pvc elbow. I made these about a year ago to use on the Clam, so I don't remember exact measurements, and they are out at the hangar right now, so not handy to measure, but once you get the two ends made, you can just measure the distance on the side of the CI that you intend to have them in place, and cut a piece of the 3/4" pvc to that length, plus the depth it inserts into the elbows. That length will depend somewhat on how far into the enclosure you put the CI's galley, but mine is in to where the enclosure opening is above the galley hatch hinge point.
Some foam pipe wrap around the pvc gives them a little more traction on the material you're clamping down on, and some compress-ability. The bolts holding the short pvc piece into the clamp need to be fairly tight to keep the bar where you set it when installing. The suction cups come with a sticky silicone face that is protected with a thin cellophane like disc when you get them new. Save those discs to keep the sticky face from being contaminated when not being used. They also come with a hard plastic cover for that purpose, but I found that those don't stay on very well, so I keep some small rubber bands on the units to help keep those in place during storage as well. The sticky silicone is supposed to be washable to remove contaminates and re-freshen the stickiness, but haven't tried that yet. I just make sure to wipe any road grime off the CI before sticking them on to both make sure they hold on to the CI well, and to keep them clean and sticking well. So far they have held on to both the CI, and the enclosure screen flaps pretty well.
Sweeney
Administrator
This is a great idea. I know when I did my March experiment with the clam & the heater I was able to get the clam up to 60's but there was a tremendous amount of air leaking from around the camper, and underneath. I could have gotten it warmer still which would have been nice. I was trying to come up with a way that looked decent without drilling holes --- this look like a great solution.
I have those same cups, they do work well, though I would never trust them for a critical need. This looks like a great use.
Sorry to hear that. I saw they were out of stock earlier this year, but were available again some time later, so maybe that is the case again, or did they tell you they were probably going to be discontinuing production??
I see they still show the Gazelle G6 Cool Top available. Did you consider that one?
Bake and Kroak
Newbie
Bake and Kroak
Newbie
I have the Gazelle 6 Cool Top which is the same size as the Deluxe 6 The only difference is the screening at the top and a rainfly I have used it in the rain with no problem and the rainfly is easy to put on I cannot attest to if that much cooler with the rainfly on as i never had the Deluxe but i was in it with the temp at 95 and high humidity and not bad. No fan was used As stated above it may be an option I little mor money but in my estimation it was worth it I just wish they made the smaller five side cool top
Gazelle basically said once out of stock unsure if it will be back in stock same with any timeline.
Good to hear your review B&K. I did look at that one It’s probably the route I’ll go. I was hoping for one with the awning, I was thinking I could Velcro the awning to the banduwan for a larger footprint Did you get side curtains and if so how do they work?
Good to hear your review B&K. I did look at that one It’s probably the route I’ll go. I was hoping for one with the awning, I was thinking I could Velcro the awning to the banduwan for a larger footprint Did you get side curtains and if so how do they work?
Bake and Kroak
Newbie
The Cool Top comes with screens of course and the side curtains What is nice is the side curtains zip and unzip so they are always there and available They do not have to be velcroed into place. The zippers are of high quality and move smoothly without binding The gazebo is heavy and long I have a Honda Rigeline. It fits in the bed with the tailgate closed But catty cornered Something to keep in mind Do you have the space to haul it It does set up with one person but better with two You can also take iit down by yourself but atleast for me i would not say easy to pack up I would rate it as moderate Can be done Better with help Also the front door/full panel but divided in half can be zipped together and used as an awning I deciding if i want to use tent poles or suction cups and attach to the roof of the CI
Sweeney
Administrator
Amazon is still taking orders on them....may be worth a shot. I am so @#$ angry at these makers....come up with a good design and poof. I'm thinking specifically about Pahaque and now Gizelle. I don't have themoney to buy "duplicates" of everything I like.
I do have 500 razor blades from VOSKHOD. They are Russian, so when they're gone, it may be a while. But they are 100% the best razor blades I've ever used. I'm good for about 6 or 7 years. I'll probably buy another 100 in a week or two....can't do that with tents.
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It’s not a Gazelle, but I just picked up this 5 sided clam. CLAM Quick-Set Venture 9 x 9 Foot Portable Pop-Up Outdoor Camping Gazebo Screen Tent 5-Sided Canopy Shelter with Stakes and Carry Bag, Plum https://a.co/d/125odFS
Apparently only the plum color is cheap right now PLUS a $35 coupon, making it less than $200.
I had some red side panels already, so it really pops for color! Warning: it is NOT a subtle shade of plum or purple. It is Purple with a capital P. I love it, but some people may not be so fond of the Wow, that sure is purple reaction….
Apparently only the plum color is cheap right now PLUS a $35 coupon, making it less than $200.
I had some red side panels already, so it really pops for color! Warning: it is NOT a subtle shade of plum or purple. It is Purple with a capital P. I love it, but some people may not be so fond of the Wow, that sure is purple reaction….
Well at least you won't have any trouble finding your camp even if you go to the CICO!
I landed up purchasing the cool top as many of the shelters reviews say they can get warm. One trip in and found it easy to set up, and take down, I did not attach the rain fly. Purchased some cinch straps and put it up on the CI roof rack should work well.
Looks like the gazebo should work well with many options. Zippered up it would be a good refuge in rain
Thanks everyone for their advice
Looks like the gazebo should work well with many options. Zippered up it would be a good refuge in rain
Thanks everyone for their advice
I think I have finally found the canopy I really like.
EzyFast Pro Commercial Pop Up Canopy Tent, Patented Umberlla Structure Instant Shelter, One Push Up Heavy Duty Portable Shade with Wheeled Carry Bag.
I got it from Amazon
It sets up easily and is excellent in a storm. The extra ribs really make a difference. And they only make it slightly heavier.
It is a little more expensive than the cheaper ones.
I have the 12 x 12 but I am confident the 10 x 10 would prove to be just as durable.
EzyFast Pro Commercial Pop Up Canopy Tent, Patented Umberlla Structure Instant Shelter, One Push Up Heavy Duty Portable Shade with Wheeled Carry Bag.
I got it from Amazon
It sets up easily and is excellent in a storm. The extra ribs really make a difference. And they only make it slightly heavier.
It is a little more expensive than the cheaper ones.
I have the 12 x 12 but I am confident the 10 x 10 would prove to be just as durable.
TheSongDogHouse
Ranger
Only one left in stock!
https://www.amazon.com/EzyFast-Anti...-Patented/dp/B08DR83QV1?ref_=ast_sto_dp&psc=1
Just got home from the AirVenture event at Oshkosh. I had the Gazzele with, and really appreciated the upper zippered screens on all of the sides except for the door panels. Both the Gazelle and Clam also have a skirt that goes out about 10 inches over the ground at the base of each side panel that helps shed rain outside, and also helps keep bugs from going under the bottom of the sides.
As usual, the shaded sites at Oshkosh were at a premium, and basically unavailable unless you are willing to go several weeks to a month before the show and reserve and pay for your site from that date on until and through the end of the show dates, and my pockets aren't that deep.
So a full sun spot was in the plan again this year, but with a light breeze and the upper screen panels open, the temp inside was nearly as cool as outside, with the advantage of having the shade while in camp for lunch breaks. Bugs were not an issue until dusk, however then, the mosquitoes knew where supper was being served, so zipping up the screens allowed us to stay outside the CI and enjoy the night time pyrotechnics air show from the Gazelle's protected confines, and by that time it was getting dark, and cooling off so getting warm inside was no longer an issue.
There are lot of sources out there, but this is where we got our last one which replaced one we had for about 6 yrs and was similarly priced. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00V94W7UW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image
The other nice thing about them is that they are very light (less than 8 lbs), and fold up like an accordion into about a 10" x 10" x 3 ft bundle, that slides into a included carrying bag.
As usual, the shaded sites at Oshkosh were at a premium, and basically unavailable unless you are willing to go several weeks to a month before the show and reserve and pay for your site from that date on until and through the end of the show dates, and my pockets aren't that deep.
So a full sun spot was in the plan again this year, but with a light breeze and the upper screen panels open, the temp inside was nearly as cool as outside, with the advantage of having the shade while in camp for lunch breaks. Bugs were not an issue until dusk, however then, the mosquitoes knew where supper was being served, so zipping up the screens allowed us to stay outside the CI and enjoy the night time pyrotechnics air show from the Gazelle's protected confines, and by that time it was getting dark, and cooling off so getting warm inside was no longer an issue.
When we were at CICO about 4 years ago Allen & Kathy were there camping in their Clam Pavilion with a floor added to it while they decided what they wanted to order on their new CI. We had a heavy driving rain storm on Sat. night, and they found that whatever rain found it's way into the Clam was then held in, and found its way to where ever the low spot in the Clam floor was, and soaked whatever was there. I had liked the idea of the floor until then, but was glad we had a woven plastic rug inside instead. Any liquids that come into contact with it just go straight through into the ground below whether that be rain, or spilled water, drinks, etc. while inside. If it's time to pack up, and it's damp on the bottom, just lay it out on the picnic table while you're packing up, and it will be dry in a few minutes, since it doesn't absorb any water, it'll just be on the surface, and can quickly be wiped off or just evaporate.
There are lot of sources out there, but this is where we got our last one which replaced one we had for about 6 yrs and was similarly priced. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00V94W7UW?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image
The other nice thing about them is that they are very light (less than 8 lbs), and fold up like an accordion into about a 10" x 10" x 3 ft bundle, that slides into a included carrying bag.
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Van_and_Terri
Ranger
I have to agree on the floor. The one offered by Gazelle will collect water. I have been using these sand mats which dry very quickly as well.
CGEAR Original Sand-Free Outdoor... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1J1K7G6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
TheSongDogHouse
Ranger
Nice!
Dustin I've ordered one to replace a HomeDepot indoor outdoor rug- which was a higher price IIRC and that gets a bit mustymoldy if not well washed and dried, and is awkward to store.
Looks like the poly rug would go good under the side tent, too.
And ordered that sand mat in 12x12, Van, for desert camping, to see how well it fills the whole NB.
Dustin I've ordered one to replace a HomeDepot indoor outdoor rug- which was a higher price IIRC and that gets a bit mustymoldy if not well washed and dried, and is awkward to store.
Looks like the poly rug would go good under the side tent, too.
And ordered that sand mat in 12x12, Van, for desert camping, to see how well it fills the whole NB.
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Yes, we have some smaller ones( about 3x5) that we use inside the side tents, but now that you mention it, having one under the tent might help protect the floor, and keep it cleaner / dryer when it's time to pack up. Those weigh just a few ounces, and roll up to be easily packed into tight spaces.