shelter

[john warren]

while i will not be putting the scamp to bed for the winter, as i intend to use it, i do want to protect her from the snow and ice.

i was thinking of getting one of those temporary carports, but th reports i get are they don't last and should not be used in snow.

that being the case,,,,and as i am a welder, i am thinking i will build one that is stronger, and use a good heavy tarp. i imagine i can build one better and cheaper then i can buy one, but figure i should ask the experts first. is there a better option?

P.S. an expert is ex= has been
xpert= drip under preasure

[Thomas G.]

I was looking at them and the reviews indicate that with enough wind, they self destruct. Maybe you could buy one and reinforce it.

I'm a welder (sort of), too, and have found that you can buy steel pretty cheap at the metal recyclers.

[john warren]

i think 1 inch conduit would be good and strong and real inexpensive to buy. can weld up couplers so they can be taken down, then use a heavy silver vinyl tarp and bungies. and i can anchor the whole thing down good with rebar tent pegs.
the plus side is would have one heck of a shelter for summer picnics too

[Byron Kinnaman]

I bought something like this. (Carports.com)
Some of them are bit spendy, but the warranty and the method of anchoring is good. The "carport" is anchored with 8 3' long spikes and 4' duckbill anchors. It's not going anyplace.
I had one the really nice fabric ones several years ago. It wasn't at this house. I had a utility trailer inside. The winds came up and blew the cover into a neighbors field. One the way over the utility trailer it broke one of the tail lights. I hate to think what would have happened with Scamp in there.

Here's picture of our Scamp in it's nest.

[Carol H]

Before you spend big bucks on one you may want to check the local bylaws for your area - were I live they are not permitted,. But the District seems to turn a blind eye until a neighbour complains about it.

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by john warren

i think 1 inch conduit would be good and strong and real inexpensive to buy. can weld up couplers so they can be taken down, then use a heavy silver vinyl tarp and bungies. and i can anchor the whole thing down good with rebar tent pegs.
the plus side is would have one heck of a shelter for summer picnics too

I think I'd go with 1 1/2" tubing at least and anchor it to come concrete in the ground. It is easy to underestimate the force from the wind on that much surface area. Ever open an umbrella in even a light wind?

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

I think I'd go with 1 1/2" tubing at least and anchor it to come concrete in the ground. It is easy to underestimate the force from the wind on that much surface area. Ever open an umbrella in even a light wind?

An easier method of anchoring would duckbill anchors. Also I"m not sure 1 1/2" tubing is strong enough to withstand much a wind load. If you look at the picture of mine you'll see it's has pretty good sized tubing, even though it's rectangular. I had 2 1/2" tubular steel bend in the wind on the fabric cover I used to have.

I would be pretty unhappy if the shelter I put up to protect my trailer failed and it did damage to my trailer. I know my trailer can hand some pretty large wind loads, both front on and side winds.

I believe the wind load was around 40 MPH. The one pictured in a previous post has with stood winds of 60 mph or better. Granted it's pretty sheltered by the house and the fence. The fabric one was in an open area.

[rgrugg]

I'm thinking about one of those steel carports for our Egg Camper. No permits needed where we live if you don't anchor it with anything other than those long rods.

[Mike Magee]

The Amish folks around Gladwin sell steel at very good prices.

[Karen L W]

Besides wind, snow loads can be a problem for these fabric shelters. Especially if it is heavy wet snow.

[glamourpets]

For what its worth, these trailers are commonplace in Montreal, Canada. This is a city which sees large amounts of snow. It is wise to knock the snow off them from time to time, but this is easy to do with a broom. If you watch for a sale, you can buy one for $250 or so.

I suppose one could build their own upgraded-frame tent, but if you are going that far why not build a complete garage? If you have a frame, you can replace your tarp with sheet metal and you have a real garage.

Derek

[Mireille L]

Easy to set up and easy to bring down. Very popular up here in the north. Cheap and efficient enbough. See pic. there.

Abris Tempo - Produits Liste
(sorry it's in french. but I'm sure they have an english version)

[Thomas G.]

Sale on at HF.

Coupon Display

[Briantb]

what's the door height?

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Briantb

what's the door height?

Center height: 9 ft. 3"
Side height: 6 ft. 3"
Overall dimensions: 17 ft. L x 10 ft. W x 9 ft. 3" H

Sometimes people stand the legs on blocks to increase the height.

[Byron Kinnaman]

I find it interesting how people attempt to protect a $5,000 to $20,000 trailer with a $200 dollar fabric garage.

[D Davis]

This is what I use untill I can afford something better.
It withstood Frankinstorm in VA. Looks a little funcky, but works for the shorterm. Six gray plastic conduits, snap together. Six rebarb posts cut in half
drive them into ground and then slip conduits over them. Then rope connect the tops of conduits. Then slip a tarp over the whole thing and stake down on each end.

[Briantb]

what size trailer did you put in it.. material sizes?

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Briantb

what size trailer did you put in it.. material sizes?

If you Google "hoop greenhouse" you will see plans for many similar types. Obviously you'd use a tarp as opposed to clear plastic.

[Briantb]

yes lots of them.. just curious about your trailer height.. Our Scamp is 7'7 and 13 feet..