I have a 12x12. It is an E-Z up, must way 40 lbs, old but tuff and has the nice pull pins on the legs to roof attachment. To open it I do 1 of 2 things. 1) Find a spot on the driveway where a leg will get "stuck" on. Then I kind of work my way around. 2) Tie 1 leg to the hitch of my truck and open it that way. If you get 1 leg stationary you are good. As for weights, I take my wash buckets and tie the handle to the canopy. The buckets are still on the ground but the rope is tight and stretched some