First off I am a lover of Trimline and will always be. You will see why I say so further in this post.
So it all started 1 week ago when on a sunny yet windy day I got out my trimline to wash it. Go through the steps of setting it up - never had an issue with this as I can pretty much do it in about 15 - 20 mins. on my own. I did not rush doing this - in my backyard - as I wasn't setting up for a show. With the roof on and fairly firmly attached I raised the legs and started to attach the sides to then spray with suds then hose them down. Just as I got the sides up and about to attach them to the legs a big gust of wind came through. That time I was able to get it to not fly off. But just as I was going to try and anchor it, it fell backwards shearing off the joint where the leg and the corner of the roof beams attach. The one bar did bend as well as the other joint - you should be able to see in the picture - faintly circled in red. So all in all through this crazy experience the only damage were the two joints and one pole - no legs, no sides, nothing else was damaged. Lucky.
This led me to really thank my lucky stars that this didn't happen at a show. I have insurance - that wouldn't be an issue, but the horror of seeing this happen effecting possibly every neighbor beside me and behind me is something I cannot shake. I have never had this happen - a flying canopy. I have seen it at nearly every show I have done. I am fully aware of the importance of anchoring a canopy and do so, but all it takes is a split second.
Having said this - it is my fault that I did this - not Trimline. So many times people quickly blame the canopy or some other thing/place. And am thankful this was with a trimline as with any other canopies I have used you would most likely have to replace it - parts can be expensive and they might not be in (as such was the case with an EZ-UP I had two years ago). The two joints are only $20 each and the one bar that got bent was about $30. Also, if the same thing were to happen to any other canopy it wouldn't have been a lot more damage - legs broken, fabric torn, etc.
So, today I am thanking my lucky stars that I did not set up my booth with in the toppled over canopy, this didn't happen at a fair, and the show I was going to do was a rain or shine event when the tornadoes hit and chose to not go forfeiting my booth fee. Still have no idea if the show actually happened. The show, funny enough was infront of a courthouse. The best thing ever was this happened in my own back yard and with a Trimline. Now if you want to do the same thing as me:
1. Set up your canopy when it is windy without any help - any other weather conditions it is easily doable.
2. As soon as the legs are on, do not anchor it - it can be done later. (yes there is sarcasm hidden in here)
3. Do not properly secure the top - I did the corners and the "seat buckle" straps as instructed, but didn't do the ones on the sides where you would normally attach the sides.
4. Put the sides on only having used the zippers on the top to create a wind-tunnel to help give the canopy lift.
5. Sit back and watch the kite fly.
In all seriousness - if you are to take anything from this lesson, anchor your canopies and if for some reason you find you can't do it in time, always alway always make sure you have insurance. The good news, the customer service with trimline is impeccable and got my parts Monday - I am good to go for this Saturday show - on pavement - with anchors already packed.
- Michelle, By the Bay Botanicals
