To Roger and all:
Been there, done that, with both on-trailer awning and free-standing EZ-UP.
My vote goes strongly to the EZ UP. From my experience, the one attached to
the trailer offers far less flexibility. It means you almost always must
pull your trailer in perpendicular to the paddock aisle in order to park
under it. In some pit situations, this is not possible or desireable (or it
ends up on the wrong side!). The separate canopy or EZ UP allows you to set
up however you want.
Also, the support poles for the on-trailer awning are inevitably in the way,
and you or your friends bang your head on them if you leave them attached to
the trailer. If you free stand them, then they need ballast to hold them
down. I badly damaged my awning at Willow Springs when a gust of wind picked
it up and folded it over the top of the trailer...expensive repairs$$$. Its
also quite common to end up ripping the fabric when the door opens into it.
The EZ-UP I use is a 10 X 15 one that covers the car and has the canvas
permanently attached. I did have two 10 X 10's. They were cheaper, but the
poles were in the way, and leaked in the middle (at the junction) if it
rained. I can put up and take down the EZ UP by myself, but it is easier
with a hand or two, and its VERY FAST to do, unlike some of my friends who
use the conduit erector set type (however also much cheaper!!).
There are some cheap EZ UPs now, and some clones. Personally, I'd stay away
from the ones with plastic fittings. If they break, you're screwed...The all
metal ones require periodic maintainence (replacing lost pivot screws) and
lubricating the slides, but they're pretty bullet-proof. I usually use extra
tires/wheels, or my air tank and floor jack for ballasts, with tie straps at
the corners. I often leave it up all night with tie straps to the car
itself, and I've never had a problem, even in some VERY strong winds.
A 10 X 15 EZUP isn't cheap, though....$600 +/-. But in my mind worth it. I
think thats comparable or cheaper than a new, attached to the trailer awning
installed.
Myles H. Kitchen
1965 Lotus (made in the shade) Cortina Mk1 #128
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