Preference on free-standing gazebo/awning/shelter

[brtnstrns]

So I had an ARB awning on my previous 2016 4Runner but realized the biggest con was setting it up only to realize you need to drive somewhere to get something and having to stow it and redeploy it.

This time around, I'm realizing just having a free standing one is more beneficial for those handful of times it actually gets used.

Obviously, there are the Colemans and the EZ-Ups but their reviews are kind of all over the place.

Preferably, I'm looking for something that is tall enough for people over 6 feet tall, has a water proof roof, isn't super long when packed, and maybe the option for detachable wall panels.

Who here has a recommendation for one of these that is worth actually looking at? My main concern is a shelter for rain that is relatively easy to transport when stowed. If it fits in the back of the 4Runner without having to fold down the second row, that would be best.

 

[Dillusion]

WalMart 10x10 works fine. Not sure how harsh and environment you are in but mine lasts at least a year going to the beach until it finally rusts.

Fits sideways in the back so no need to put the seats down. Not sure what high quality you are looking for.

Could always make your own out of 1 inch pipe but to me thats a pain in the ass to assemble.

 

[brtnstrns]

WalMart 10x10 works fine. Not sure how harsh and environment you are in but mine lasts at least a year going to the beach until it finally rusts.

Fits sideways in the back so no need to put the seats down. Not sure what high quality you are looking for.

Could always make your own out of 1 inch pipe but to me thats a pain in the ass to assemble.

I'm not trying to get some super bad ass "overland" one or anything along those lines.

Being in the PNW, shelter from rain is the biggest deal. But I only go out a few times a year where it would actually be used so it's not like it needs to be super rugged, but I'm happy for paying for reliable longevity. I don't want to get one that I just have to replace every couple years if I don't have to.

With the vast majority being under $200 and the fact that I'm an apartment dweller, I have zero desire to build one myself.

 

[Dillusion]

I'm sure a Wal Mart special would last if not taken to the beach like I do to mine.

I also don't rinse it off when finished just throw it in the bag and call it a day.

 

[FrenchToasty]

Look at costco or Sams; my mom got one that i use often. It looks like one you would see at a farmers market or craft fair. It has 4 complete side panels and seal out the rain and weather very well. Has a nice storage bag that it actually fits into with room to spare. It is bulky but you could still probably get it in the back without folding seats, I heave it onto the roof rack for transport. I think we’ve had it for 3-4 years and no part of the canopy or frame has damage.

 

[Dillusion]

Just dont be the one dick that returns the tent after 2 years of use.

 

[Benthic2]

Our scout troop had a Costco 10x10 that held up well. We used a cheap blue tarp for sides if we needed it. That worked better as we had more adjustibility for venting when we cooked under it.

Another option is to get 3 telespoping poles. Lay one on the roof fore and aft overhaning the back by 3 or 4 feet, and lash it to the roof racks. Use a tarp with one corner tied right above the drivers head, one corner on the overhaning pole, and the other two poles off to the right side of the vehicle. A little rope work and a few stakes and its a workable shelter that also keeps your back door dry when you open it.

 

[brtnstrns]

Look at costco or Sams; my mom got one that i use often. It looks like one you would see at a farmers market or craft fair. It has 4 complete side panels and seal out the rain and weather very well. Has a nice storage bag that it actually fits into with room to spare. It is bulky but you could still probably get it in the back without folding seats, I heave it onto the roof rack for transport. I think we’ve had it for 3-4 years and no part of the canopy or frame has damage.

Ah shit I always forget about Costco for these kinds of things. Good call!

Just dont be the one dick that returns the tent after 2 years of use.

Yeah I don't do that kind of thing.

Another option is to get 3 telespoping poles. Lay one on the roof fore and aft overhaning the back by 3 or 4 feet, and lash it to the roof racks. Use a tarp with one corner tied right above the drivers head, one corner on the overhaning pole, and the other two poles off to the right side of the vehicle. A little rope work and a few stakes and its a workable shelter that also keeps your back door dry when you open it.

Trying to not have it be attached to the vehicle like my awning was.

 

[shadow247]

Don't buy the Harbor Freight one. It is absolute trash. A light rain caused a puddle in the cover and it ripped in less than 5 minutes. It wasn't even a half inch of rain.

I bought a Core 10x10 off Amazon for 180 bucks. It's well built, but the cover is starting to tear. I have ONLY used it on sunny days, and it sat outside for 3-5 days at time over the summer.

 

[Benthic2]

with the tarp and poles you could have it just be a couple of bungee cords so if you want to run an errand you just undo the clips and leave the tarp and poles behind.......It was great for the scouts because it got them to use ropes and knots, and they made poles out of sticks they trimmed.