“I finally got this assembled, with the great help of my neighbor/handyman. The pieces slip together with no tools. It's important to rotate the connecting pieces the correct direction when installing the roof and leg pieces. It took a couple of times to do so. I agree that assembling the roof first, and then the legs worked better. The pieces are loose and easy to pull apart, so I would suggest using duct tape (though we didn't do that). After assembling the entire unit, we "walked" it over to its final location. The front part of the canopy sits in dirt, so my neighbor inserted the anchors in the feet and pounded them in place. I used bungee cords to secure the back legs to a built-in bench.
Between the two of us (with him doing the majority of the work), it took about an hour to assemble.”
“I really wanted a semi-permanent structure out at my prairie site since there is no shade. I tried one of these 6 legged AP tents last year and only anchored the bottom of the legs down with the advertised anchors thinking that I’d minimize trip hazards. Well in the first storm it was lifted off of those well anchored legs.
Forward to this year, I figured I’d try it again but anchor the heck out of it. So I did. Mind you it’s an open field and the anchors held it sturdily to the ground, but a storm came through over the weekend and snapped half of the pipes like they were toothpicks. So now I’m looking for something sturdier.
Also the instructions for anchoring are minimal. This whole structure is secured by tension and in you put the anchors or tie downs pulling slightly outward you’ll end up pulling the tent poles apart. Discovered that quickly and had to relocate the anchors to pull slightly inwards.”
Hello,
We are very sorry to hear about this. Unfortunately, this canopy is not live load rated and it does list in the manual that this temporary shelter should be taken down in inclement weather conditions. We do offer wind and snow rated covers in a size very similar to this one which may better suit your needs. Customer satisfaction is very important to us and we would love to further discuss your options with you. Please give us a call at 1-800-932-9344. ,Customer Service ,Customer Service Specialist
“I just installed the structure and it went together exactly as instructed. If you intend to leave this model up year round, consider where you are placing it, i.e., on concrete, grass, dirt etc.. Also, what are your inclement weather conditions. You may want to consider a sturdier model or plan to make your own modifications. If your summer conditions are hot, the canopy may need to be replaced periodically.”
“I've been using this canopy for over a decade now. Performs perfectly every time. I use the dining fly mostly in camp over my picnic table and camp chairs. An 8' picnic table and cooking goes under one half and the other half I put my camp chairs for socializing during inclimate weather. Relatives also ask me to set it up for family events, birthdays, graduations, picnics, BBQ, holiday parties, etc.
To expediate set-up I color coded the poles at the joint. Match the colors and place the poles in their respective spot. I grouped the bungies in groups of 6. Build the frame, stretch the tarp and anchor with 6 bungies (one at each corner and two in the middle), Then lift up one side and place a leg in the center, then do both corners. Repeat on other side. Then add the other bungies. I use 12" long aluminum military grade stakes to anchor it down. I use 3/8" neon rope with slip knots at both ends. This thing never moves even in high winds. Camped in everything from 7" of hard rain to hail storms under it. No issues and works fantastic. Picture is from one primitive campsite, everything brought in by boat. This was a fishing/camping trip.”
“Hasn't even been up for 10 days and a mild rain destroyed it. Bent poles, torn canopy. The rain wasn't even all that hard so I'm not understanding how all this damage happened when other customers say they leave theirs up in snow.
The quality of the poles and canopy leave little to be desired. The poles are thin, cheap steal and the canopy is plastic. I had a feeling when we were putting this up that it wasn't going to withstand anything other than perfect weather and I was proven right. Don't waste your money, this product is far from worth it.”
Hello,
We are very sorry to see that you feel this way. Unfortunately, this canopy is not live load rated and it does list in the manual that this temporary shelter should be taken down in inclement weather conditions. It is also recommended to have it anchored at each foot. We do offer wind and snow rated covers in a size very similar to this one which may better suit your needs. Customer satisfaction is very important to us and we would love to further discuss your options with you. Please give us a call at 1-800-932-9344.
Thank you,Customer Service,Debora