RE: Canopy/Screenroom/AAR - Honest opinions

[4tags]

 MTNDAVE
We have set up our a couple of times.  It is confusing the first time without instructions (and setting up in rain).  We have decided that we would use our AAR more often.

[Gamecock Camper]

 MTNDAVE
Actually, I was looking at the original question.... I answered the first part, and that is that I WOULD recommend an AAR or screenroom.  The other thing that I didn t really talk about is that we use an AAR as well as a stand-alone dining canopy that we use to set-up a separate camp kitchen.  The dining canopy we use is a Coleman gazebo style.  When we camp, we usually bring the kitchen (sink) and usually two or three other camping families, so we usually pack it all and strech out.

[Miss-Teri]

 MTNDAVE
We haven t had much of a problem with set-up or take-down, and really enjoy ours especially when it s rainy or when the bugs are bad.  
 
 One thing to consider in getting a free standing screened-in canopy is if you camp in very windy places (Texas and Oklahoma spring immediately to mind!  [&:]), it s hard to keep it from blowing over.  I have seen many a canopy and screened room fall over at soccer games, lol!  
 
 Also, if it is free standing, it won t help keep bugs out of the PU.  
 
 Of course, since set-up is probably a bit easier with the free standing, it might be worth it - especially for short trips, but for long trips I won t give up my AAR!  []

[syoungblood]

 MTNDAVE
Well, here is my 2 cents.  We had a add a room attached to the canopy last year.  We probably put up the add a room only when we camped for 3 days or more.  BUT, WE LOVE IT!  
 
 It gives us a great " dry area"  in front of the door.  A good place to keep the cooler, table that we put misc. stuff on, shoes, etc.  It lets the sun in very nicely when the weather is good, and it give us a lot of extra dry space when the weather is bad.  It takes about 20 minutes extra to add it on, and about 20 minutes extra to take it down, brush it off, and fold and pack it up.  We are thrilled to have the add a room and would not trade it.

[marybeth1024]

 MTNDAVE
We are thinking about getting an AAR but really don t know about going about it. Like do you have to take the popup to a dealer? My husband saw them in JC Whitney s and he asked me about that.
 
 Can we do that or does a dealer have to install it or something.

[mike4947]

 MTNDAVE
For MaryBeth.  This is really A DIY project. Dealers if they will do it usually charge upwards of a $100 for instalation and I ve found (had 2 installed by dealers both show models) they do a lousy job of it.
 
 For those looking out there my thoughts.
 One piece BAD, 3 piece GOOD.
 Spend the extra money and get one with both privacy (opaque) flaps and clear vinyl flaps. If you don t need the privacy the clear panels give a much more open feel when it just the cold or wind you want to keep out.
 We use a ground cloth at least a foot in all directions larger than the AAR. Keeps the mud splashes from the rain off the canvas and we have a rug for inside to keep our feet dry if any water wicks in ontop of the ground cloth.
 
 As we camp mostly in the Adirondacks in upstate NY (home of theblack fly) during late May to early July the room goes with us even for weekends. Sitting in front of the fire on bad fly days & nights for a lot of folks means bringing a stand alone screen room to set up in front of the fire. [] and you should see the creative patching arrangements on the side closest to the firepit. IMO if they made a lightweight one with a metal roof they be all the rage during fly season as folks would put them over the fire pit.[]

[marybeth1024]

 mike4947
Thanks, for once I guess my husband was right - he doesn t want to go thru a dealer.
 
 I remember when I was a kid we went to the Catskills and these flies would bite and they hurt. I remember being in the pool and always staying underwater because as soon as I got out of the water, they d bite. Are these the same flies? They were horrible!
 
 Again, thanks for the advice!

[MTNDAVE]

 mike4947
Well, I asked for it and I m getting the answeres, as I had expected.  Thank You
 
 BLACK FLIES !!!!!!!  This is why the Quest for answers.  Last year we were at the PA Grand Canyon and got DEVOURED by Black Flies.  Bit right thru the clothing.  Them buggers got teeth.   BUMMER.....
 
 I see by the responses that the majority favor the use of the AAR/Screenroom and I tend to be leaning the same.  Set up, take down and storage is not an issuse.
 
 Problem is that The $$$$ way out weigh the number of times we will actually put in use.  Unless someone has a low cost source.
 
 We usually do not camp too far into the really cold weather so a Heavy Duty AAR isn t a high priority for us.  
 
 Since I already have a perfectly good Canopy, I am considering purchasing a bulk roll of No-See-Um, Velcro and fabricating my own Screen room (I already have a free standing screen tent).  Can t be too hard to do.  Maybe if this is successful I may add some weather flaps.
 

[whippetwrun]

 MTNDAVE
MTNDave, If you do make it yourself - let us know how it goes.  DH and I keep waffling back and forth about getting one or just getting a separate screen room so we can use it camping and in our yard.
 
 Oh, and thanks for posting the question!  Ya beat me to it.[]

[tlhdoc]

 mike4947
Mark did you see the room MarkT had on their PU at Hickory Run last October?  They made their own room with clear vinyl windows.  They only had their side pieces on, not the front panel.[]

[JimB]

 mike4947
Well,
 I guess I ll find out how well they work. . . I bought a Coleman AAR on the way to work today (don t tell my wife!).
 
 Just so you know, its all your fault.  This thread was the final straw.  At least thats what I ll tell my wife when she figures it out[8D]
 
 I looked at the AAR from carefree of Colorado ($80 less), but I have heard that the Coleman fits better, I guess its worth the extra $.  
 
 Jim Barbour
 2002 Coleman Cottonwood (plus high dollar AAR)
 Dallas, GA
 
 
 p.s. $395 sure seems like a lot of money for 20 lbs of canvas and screen!

[Miss-Teri]

 MTNDAVE
Our AAR was very inexpensive.  While we were deciding between Coleman and Starcraft, Coleman had their screenroom on sale for $50 if you buy a camper.  I told the Starcraft dealer that and he said he would match it.  Imagine our surprise when we got home and opened the bag to find an Add a Room instead of a screen room!!!  Dealer also installed the fixtures to hook it up with, while he replaced the decals which were peeling off from being in the weather (under warranty as a new camper) - he insisted on doing that.  This was one great dealer!

[Gamecock Camper]

 mike4947
Miss-Teri
 
 Some camper brands (like Coleman and Jayco) sell either a screen-room OR a screen-room with privacy flaps (or an Add a Room).  Other dealers just sell Add a Rooms.  Reguardless, I know you will be happy with having an AAR. I hope to be making this purchase next weekend for my upgrade Rockwood (Feb 14 to 16) when the RV Show is here in Columbia, SC.

[wiininkwe]

 mike4947
I know that the AARs are expensive, but in my opinion (only if you ask after it s all set up, and not during set up) is that it s worth every dollar.   We usually use ours as the kitchen, and that frees the area around the stove and sink for other uses.  Like a place to set the television, haha.   We put a folding table, and the outside stove, or coleman stove, along with a large dish drainer that holds all the dishes that we most often use.   A rubbermaid tote with dry goods, and the cooler all fit with plenty of room to spare for a few other things.   DH talks to it in a loud voice, using words that I know he didn t learn from his mother, but once we get it up, he says " boy, am I glad we got this thing!"    
 T
 []

[2-2-Camp]

 mike4947
We bought the screen room from Paha Que last year and have really enjoyed it.
 It sets up very easily and quickly. Large enough for the picnic table and another small table if necessary. Great for getting away from the bugs yet still see what is going on around you. I would highly recomend it, well worth the money. We did miss out on the member discount.