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The cheaper ones at Walmart are exactly what you said -- cheap. They have aluminum frames & will not stand up to repeated use in windy conditions. The Caravan models with steel frame are much more durable & will last. Expect to pay in the $200 range but it will come with a wheeled carry bag & side walls. I got mine off Ebay 3-4 years ago for less than $200. Other than a few stains on the canopy, its as good as new.
If I could get one around $200 that would be great. All I am finding (ebay is best price) are around $280 and the descriptions suck, so what you actually might get is questionable. if anyone has a big box find with a coupon or sale please let me know. Thanks for the replies, keep 'em coming. Only want the steel frame Caravans (cheapies just wont work).
It's not an easy up canopy. But, the advatage here is that it is heavier duty. And if the tarp tears you can replace it with a standard flat tarp. If one of the legs bends, you can replace it with the proper sized conduit from a home store. You might even be able to just purchase the welded fittings and then get the conduit and tarp locally and save some money.