RE: Canopy/Screenroom/AAR - Honest Opinions

[MTNDAVE]

 
Spring is coming and I have some decisions to make and the only Honest Answers I can trust are from you guys.  So here goes.
 
 I m planning to step up from just a plain old canopy on my Coleman Seapine (w/ABS roof).  The Black Flies and Skeeters were just too much for DW last year (she swells up bad from bites) and cut into the fun.
 
 Option #1 is to move up to a Canopy with a Screen Room. (see below)
 
 Option #2 is to go all the way to an AAR. (see below)
 
 Option #3 is to bag the on PU idea and just buy a nice Pah Que screenroom.  I really like this screenroom but the seperate " footprint"  is not available on all campsites and it s added luggage to pack and drag around.
 
 I know from past threads that the AAR sounds like a PIA and I m not sure if we really need to go that far as we are usually fair weather campers for the most part.  But I m still considering this option.
 
 The Screenroom will serve our need to keep the critters away.  My question here would be is this set up as big a PIA as the AAR?
 
 Both items seem quite pricey from Coleman.  I bet you all know some better resources for better prices.
 
 I m looking at other brand set-ups but can t seem to determine if they will mount into the existing roof track I already have.  I like what I see but don t really want to mess with the ABS too much.
 
 Soooo, suggest away.
 
 As a side note..... When I make the upgrade I ll be left with my old basic canopy.  Nothing really wrong with it.  I have that BIG window on the street side (which I love), but it goes Solar when the sun hits it and rain is a problem too.  I had considered having a 2nd roof track mounted on that side and using the extra canopy on that side for added protection from sun & rain.  Also great place to store bikes, etc.  Anybody ever done this?  Cheaper than an aftermarket sun canopy and more coverage too.
 
 Can t wait to hear from you all.

[Gamecock Camper]

 MTNDAVE
Ok, I ve seen this before...... look for my reply in the other section (general???)

[Joe Gleason]

 MTNDAVE
Been thinking about the AAR... If you treat like a room, it has value..
 
 Take two of those plastic drawers for clothes, Put a board across the top.. Now you have a table.. and Drawers for storing things.  A simple fold out table...
 
 Some Shelfs against the camper for storage...
 
 Then a floor?  
 What do people use for a floor?  Cavas, thin carpet... Something that folds easily?
 
 How much wind does the AAR hold up against?  More then just the canopy? Less...

[Tsip]

 MTNDAVE
For what it is worth, I have the screen room and have used it exactly twice in five years since we bought the camper.  On a short two day weekend it just isn t worth putting up if you are not suffering from a bug problem.  It is not that I consider it a PIA.  It is just one less thing I have to deal with when I am trying to get out of the campground on Sunday.  Conversely, I have often wished that I had the AAR, simply because it will keep the area dry in the event of a rain storm and it can be heated with a portable heater if it is cold.  The AAR doen t look anymore complicated to erect than the screen room.  I also like the idea of usinf the old awning on the opposite side.  It would certainly shade that big side window.
 
 regards,
 
 Tsip

[tlhdoc]

 MTNDAVE
Hi Dave,
 
 I have the Coleman AAR.  You would not have to get rid of your old awning.  The AAR attaches to the awning.  The AAR isn t that bad to set up, I do it with kids.  Having a second adult to help would make it go even faster.  I have never set it up when the trailer is cranked up part way (the way you are supposed to).  I always end up doing it after the trailer is all set up.  It would be easyer to do the proper way.  I got mine for a little over 1/2 price from the dealer where I bought my PU.  One thing to check on if you buy one " used"  is that the zipper door in the AAR matches the location of the door in my PU.  Coleman makes the door location in differnt locations and the specific AAR should have the door in the same spot.  Good luck.[]

[TheWallRocks]

 MTNDAVE
Our Bayside came with an AAR, and we have used it everytime we have been out.  We didn t get the PU until October (in Michigan), so all the camping we have done thus far is cold weather, and the AAR with a ceramic heater makes for a nice added shelter when you want to get outside, but not be totally in the elements.  It is also great if you have a dog..... ours seems to love hanging out in the AAR.  While we haven t used it yet in the summer, I have to believe it will be nice in the summer to keep out bugs and rain.
 
 As for putting it up...... we have always done it with the PU cranked all the way up, but agree it would probably be easier with it only partially up.  Will have to try that next time.  I do think I am going to start laying the AAR panels flat on the bunks instead of folding them up to see how that works for storage/transport.
 
 

[TomToCamp]

 MTNDAVE

I do think I am going to start laying the AAR panels flat on the bunks instead of folding them up to see how that works for storage/transport.

The first thing I did when I saw the big bag for AAR is bought a bag for baseball bats. The AAR fits just right and you have handles to carry. Much better for moving/storing. Don t know if they still come in that big gray bag, but that thing is a joke.
 Picture of bag.
 http://community.webshots.com/photo/62302551/62302789NyTHIA
 
 Don t use AAR all the time, just watch the weather to see if it is needed.
 Went on trip with canoe/trolling motor/battery and all other things related.
 Rained most of the trip, everything was keep dry.  Also putting up side panel only to block wind works great.