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2
/ 5
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Did not hold up,
November 18, 2008
By woodchips
from Vermont, USA
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Reviewer Images
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"Setup was pretty straightforward, instructions were clear and all the parts were included. The frame seemed to be pretty sturdy, though I added sheet metal screws at all the purlin connections (see picture). I installed the augers and tie-dows and added intermediate supports with rebar ground stakes and ratchet tie-dows.
This is supposed to be an all-weather shelter, but it did not hold up to the wind. After it was up for about 6 weeks, we had sustained, moderately strong winds (~40 mph), lasting about 24 hours. The first issue was that the door would unzip itself, letting the wind get under. After tying off the zippers to the anchors they stayed closed.
The "slip-fit" connectors that hold the lower part of the canopy fabric down, do NOT hold in the wind. These clamp to the uprights and are supposed to hold with pressure alone. Not so. Once they start to move, again the wind gets under and your canopy becomes a big, steel-framed parachute. Despite being tied down with the include steel cables, augers and supplimental anchor and ratchet tie-downs, the shelter lifted and was destroyed.
About 70% of the frame parts were damaged beyond usefulness. Many broke welds and bent tubing. Understanding that the warranty does not cover weather damage, I contacted the manufacturer about replacement parts. They wanted to charge me more than the original kit cost to replace the damaged frame parts.
If you have any moderately strong winds in your area, either do not purchase this, or bolt it down to concrete piers, blocks or footings. If I were to do this again, I would also reinforce the "slip-fit" bottom connectors. Not sure how this would work as I think you may need the adjustability for the canopy expansion in warm weather. However, they do not hold as designed."
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What is your level of technical expertise?:
Home Handyman
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| Overall Rating: |
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5
/ 5
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Very well built,
March 6, 2007
By JayZee
from Manahawkin, NJ
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"First I would like to say, even though I put up this shelter entirely by myself. I would most recommend that this is a two man project. I would also recommend to do a complete inventory when you first receive your shelter, not the day when you plan to put it up. Fortunately, I did practice what I preach, because I was shorted one part. But the manufacturer was quick to send me the missing part. The directions were easy to follow.
I did the frame one day, then the cover the next day. I took my time, being this was the first shelter I ever installed. I am sure with two people, this could have easily been completed in about 4 hours. But, like I said, I had no help, and to make matters worse, it was very windy. But the shelter is sound and well built. I was very impressed, how already it has held up to the unusual high winds we have been receiving lately. I used duckbill anchors to secure the frame, because the ground was still frozen.
This Spring, I will add the augers that came with the shelter for extra anchoring. Even though this shelter can handle 100 MPH winds, I would disassemble in the event a hurricane comes our way, just as a precautionary measure. But, I am very pleased with it. The 20dx12wx11H Barn Style Shelter is very roomy and warm. I would recommend this to anyone who needs extra height clearance. Also check with your local town for code allowances. My town required a zoning permit that cost only $30.00, but every town is different."
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What is your level of technical expertise?:
Professional
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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