I'm finally getting around to purchasing my first tent, and so I decided it was my turn to add yet another question to the numerous tent-oriented quandaries here on Art Fair Insiders... (Don't you veterans just love all the newbies like me getting into the festival scene? Haha!)
My question is about hanging things from the tops of the canopies on the inside. I do not have much confidence that EZ-UP tents can hold much weight, as the locking mechanism on each of the legs is what actually keeps the tent suspended, it appears.
It appears that Trimline tents, with their aluminum pipes that fit into each other, are a sturdier solution. Most of the folks that I have seen who have pieces they suspend on the sides of their tents from there canopies have used Trimline tents because of the weight.
I am interested in using a bar that attaches across the inside of the my potential tent from one canopy wall to the other so I can suspend things on the inside of the tent--i.e. clothing and such. Am I correct in assuming that the EZ-UP tents won't survive long if I try that? Am I correct in assuming that most EZ-Up tents aren't really made for supporting much weight? (I'm not saying they're worse or better, just that easy assembly up and down is a trade off for weight carrying capacity...) Curious to know what solutions or thoughts others might have out there...
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We use a Trimline, we find it to be far and away the best. I (Jim) can assemble it by myself in about 20 minutes. Practice a few times in your backyard, and you will be surprised how intuitive it becomes. I'm 67 years old, and a cancer and heart attack survivor, so if I can do it, doubtless you can.
Jim that's awesome! I have already assembled it once, and it went together a lot faster than I anticipated so I am confident I will get faster as I practice more. I've no worries that the TrimLine was the right choice for me--it's a great tent! : )
Hi Corey, I have the same question you had, I've spent couple hours checking on webs and art n'crafts websites, this chat was very helpful, I know is not easy, I guess everybody have their own preferences. I'm just curious where did u buy it and how much did it cost you? Thx
Corey I have used a Craft Hut , now owned by Flourish and it has served me for about 20 years suggest you go to their web site. I have recently ( 3 years ago ) purchased their screens and replaced my metal panels with cloth and they are lighter and more professional. I do paintings and find I can fit the whole tent in my suv , put it up myself and feel confident you will get many years use out of the Flourish tent Bruce
Well, folks, I bit the bullet and invested in a 10x10 TrimLine, and it should be here shortly after Thanksgiving for me to start developing a great look in time for some great Southern California outdoor shows next year. I truly appreciate all the advice that everyone proffered--it was incredibly insightful and helpful!!
I decided to go with the TrimLine because of it's stability, as I am relying upon it to help stabilize some of the gridwall I will have set on the ground for clothing racks and such. I was worried that a sta-bar wouldn't be enough in a lighter-weight tent. Plus, I purchased the 8' height, the translucent roof, and two awnings.
I decided in the end that if I'm going to do this, I wanted to buy something that I felt had less potential for breakage, a stabler structure than other alternatives, and an interior ceiling space that could potentially allow for interesting visual displays that require some interior height--like potentially draping interior fabric for a possible "circus tent" feel. I like the flexibility. In addition, if I ever get to send in photos of my booth to apply to "higher end" art festivals, I feel like I'm starting out with a solid footing instead of spending a lot of effort to cosmetically make something flimsier look more substantial...
I recognize that this is one of the only ways I can truly get my art out to the people that might potentially buy it, and a stronger tent is something that will instill in me, as an artist, a sense of legitimacy. I understand that my work must, at some point, speak for itself and I want it to have as many advantages as I can give it. A good presentation isn't everything, but I feel it will assist me a great deal.
I am completely grateful that everyone offered such wonderful words of wisdom with such generosity and aplomb. I am really looking forward to "getting my feet wet", and with this purchase I feel like I have a greater chance at swimming than simply treading water (to badly stretch the analogy... hehe...). I look forward to exploring what I can accomplish display-wise over the winter, and dive in as the spring season approaches! Many many many thanks!!
You won't regret it, for all of the right reasons, as you stated.
Corey,
Let me just say this. If you can afford $700 and up for a canopy, get one. It's money well spent.
In my travels I have seen all the brands. Some are very flimsy, and some are very sturdy. And in a nasty storm, it make no difference what brand you have, I have seen them all get destroyed.
There are cheap pop us, and good pop ups. Not all EZ Ups are $199 and have 1inch poles. Some are up there with the big guys in cost and have very sturdy frames. I'm seeing more of the EZ up "HUT" style at shows and those puppies have massive frames.
I bought my first pop up canopy (a KD, the inventor of the pop up) in 1987 and just this year replaced it. With what? A $199 special. Will it last 25 years? Uh, no. But it's an excellent canopy for these economic times when money is short.
I will say this to every exhibitor starting out and considering their first canopy.
Get all the canopy you can afford. Especially if you plan to do this for a long time. But if you're not sure you are going to do this for years to come, a $199 special might be the perfect starter canopy. And when you're sure you like sitting at shows in the rain selling nothing, or just making expenses after driving for 10 hours, then you can move up to the "good" canopies.
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