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Post by abaworld on Aug 18, 2009 19:06:58 GMT -5
The cheap polyethylene sides that came with my Caravan canopy are workable, but the zippers are absolutely atrocious!
One was already on it's last leg when I opened the package and another broke when a strong gust grabbed the side when I was putting it up for the first time.
Any suggestions - like replace all of them immediately - regarding zippers?
I was going to order the better sidewalls when I ordered the canopy, but they were rather pricey, so I decided to wait to see how the cheapies worked out.
I would imagine that better sidewalls also have zippers that are not so flimsy that they break when you look at them.
I am also looking at tarps with grommets for the sides, but I want those corners, tightly closed. Maybe a 7x40 would work and I could wrap the whole thing with one piece. That may still leave a gap at one corner because of the tarp being smaller than the stated size.
Any suggestions would be most welcome!
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Post by susien on Aug 18, 2009 23:58:04 GMT -5
We have a EZ Up and so far the zippers have worked very well. I would think that the tarp would be a good idea. You could always put it up over the sides, or at least use two sides and have the tarp start and stop there so the corner would be closed. It is at least worth a try.
Susie
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Post by susien on Aug 20, 2009 18:45:16 GMT -5
I have been thinking about this..... especially since I saw the gorilla glue post :-). How about if you took the sidewalls out, put three of the sides together (as good as you can), then take a heavy thread (thinking fishing line) and sew those corners together. That would make it one large piece that would have working zippers on the two ends.
Susie
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Post by abaworld on Aug 20, 2009 19:47:22 GMT -5
You're reading my mind, Susie... That's one of the ideas that came to mind. I setup the canopy, put all sides up, stuck a chair in the middle of it, let the ideas swirl in my head while I twirled in the chair and hoped that something, brilliant would pop out... All I did was get dizzy!  |
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Post by susien on Aug 20, 2009 20:09:21 GMT -5
You're reading my mind, Susie... That's one of the ideas that came to mind. I setup the canopy, put all sides up, stuck a chair in the middle of it, let the ideas swirl in my head while I twirled in the chair and hoped that something, brilliant would pop out... All I did was get dizzy! I honestly think it will work..... If all else fails, use my hubbys favorite "fix it item"...... duct tape!!! Susie |
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Post by abaworld on Aug 20, 2009 21:53:04 GMT -5
It's a Caravan. I like everything about it -- except those zippers. I ordered online - no other options... Did no good to contact the company that I bought from, so Caravan will be hearing from me.
I knew when I bought it, that I probably would not find the sidewalls acceptable. I definitely thought about getting better sidewalls from the start, but opted to keep the cost down, initially.
I am going to order two 15' sides and one 10' of the 500D sidewalls. The 15' will zip in the middle of my back wall, allowing airflow when needed and have no zips on the back corners. I like that concept better than four 10' sides.
I went with the gorilla tape for the temporary quick fix, full length of the zipper on both sides of the panel. Forecast calls for 30+mph winds, this weekend, so hopefully it holds. Actually, it will probably hold better than the zippers...
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Post by bmermaid on Apr 28, 2010 14:02:06 GMT -5
I made some quiet tiedye-ish curtain walls for my booth as a backdrop. I sew them out of cotton muslin that is thin enough to still let in light, then scrunch dye them purple. I run 9ft bungees through top and bottom casings, hooking to the corners of the tent.
I also use the plastic zip walls for security, but it's nice to have lighter backdrops for the day. They let in light and air, and I can slide them over a bit for air flow on a hot day. I get lots of compliments on them... in fact, my neighbor at the last show asked me if I sell them to vendors. Not a bad idea.
I've also seen those mesh walls, which are neato but pretty expensive. Mine cost around $150 for all 3 including bungees.
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