SHELTERLOGIC question

[Mainiac Mat]

I've had a couple of these (Cover-It and ShelterLogic) over the years.... my current one is 12x20x11 barn style with 2" pipe and 9oz cover. A tree fell on it two years ago and though I got parts and repaired it, it's in pretty rough shape. Looks like this (pic from internet)



So I'm looking to replace it and it looks like their phasing out this model... which I really liked. I found one for $1,300, but it's gray (Mrs. Maniac would prefere green).

It appears the replacement model is called Garage-In-A-Box models, It's 13x20x12, but it has 1-5/8" pipe, but has "collar ties". It looks like more of a hybrid between the round top and the barn top. But it only comes with a 7 oz. covers. It can be had for $750 on Amazon.



Given that we get our fair share of snow up hear in Mainiac land... I'm wondering if the new model is too skimpy.

Any one out there have any experience with the Garage-In-A-Box that could comment?

 

[MarineScott]

Could you save this by installing a metal roof, with soft sides?

 

[metalmagpie]

This is going to sound out there. Consider a long semi trailer with a long rectangular load. Sits on there like a brick. They sell tarp sets just for this scenario. 2 fitted ends and 1 rectangular center tarp. You guessed it, the center tarp is 20 feet long. On my frame the sides are up 2" from the ground. These truck tarps are thick nylon and last for years. I was able to find a vendor and they were willing to sell me just the center tarp.

I had used tarps from Shelterlogic, King Canopy, and several others. None lasted longer than 2 years. This truck tarp has been going strong for over 5 years now. So I suggest you build your canopy around a truck tarp.

They come in any color you want as long as it's black.

metalmagpie

 

[Mainiac Mat]

Could you save this by installing a metal roof, with soft sides?

Unfortunately, my frame is very bent up.

The 9 oz. cover has actually worn quite well (it's in the shade) ... up until the neighbors tree fell on it.

 

[Mainiac Mat]

I need something quick for the next couple years.... I've got other construction projects lined up for this summer that I don't want to delay.

 

[mike93lx]

I need something quick for the next couple years.... I've got other construction projects lined up for this summer that I don't want to delay.

Shipping container?

 

[ybnormal]

This is going to sound out there. Consider a long semi trailer with a long rectangular load. Sits on there like a brick. They sell tarp sets just for this scenario. 2 fitted ends and 1 rectangular center tarp. You guessed it, the center tarp is 20 feet long. On my frame the sides are up 2" from the ground. These truck tarps are thick nylon and last for years. I was able to find a vendor and they were willing to sell me just the center tarp.

I had used tarps from Shelterlogic, King Canopy, and several others. None lasted longer than 2 years. This truck tarp has been going strong for over 5 years now. So I suggest you build your canopy around a truck tarp.

They come in any color you want as long as it's black.

metalmagpie

I bought some used billboard advertising tarps last year. those are great too but the big problem is the form factor, it's only 15' x 40' . but the seller said you can glue them together with certain glue type and heat gun

 

[BombShelter]

I love my Garage In a Box, it's going on six years of service. After four it needed a new roof (Amazon) and I went with the lighter weight standard issue. The heavier roof is about 2x the cost, the question is will it last 2x as long? I don't have debris falling on it and it gets some shade.

We did have a major hail storm last year, the new roof got holes and the up here our insurance covers it for free (mostly). For me personally they are a great product and you can take them down in a couple hours. They look better than a container sitting in your yard, around here most people put them up in the winter and take them down in the spring.

 

[Snapped-off]

I've got a 12x24 i picked up at Menards. Got the 9oz cover and it's got a bunch of little holes in the top from acorns falling on it. It is dry inside though.

 

[Mainiac Mat]

This might be the best of both worlds... an Arrow carport with shelter logic side walls.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I just bought one but haven't set it up yet, i did get a bigger one for the boat. I was able to get the boat garage in 21.5oz which is pretty heavy, i was impressed, two wet snows and no issues. The key with these structures is to tie them down at every support and keep the fabric tight. For the gib I plan on getting a heavy tarp for the roof like a sacrificial cover. My buddy had his cover shred after 7 years and did the roof out of metal, looks good, like a carport.

 

[SARG]

Overall a poor investment.
We drive by the home of folks we know daily and he has had 3 of the Shelter Logic type tarped "sheds" on his back lawn for several years. Bad news is that each has been destroyed at least once. Two days ago we noted the family was attempting to remove the twisted components from a pile that was the newest one he had erected.

 

[BruceMc]

I kept one upright for about 8 winters. If you're in snow country you have to be religious about knocking the snow off regularly. Make sure you have good access to both sides. Once the fabric started to sun-rot, I had good luck with this tarp -

https://www.amazon.com/Kotap-Heavy-Duty-Blocking-10-mil-Silver/dp/B0096M07CE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If I had to do it over again, I would have tarped it from the start. I'm still using the tarp 7 years later. Eventually these shelters will fail, you're just trying to postpone the date.

 

[Snapped-off]

Overall a poor investment.
We drive by the home of folks we know daily and he has had 3 of the Shelter Logic type tarped "sheds" on his back lawn for several years. Bad news is that each has been destroyed at least once. Two days ago we noted the family was attempting to remove the twisted components from a pile that was the newest one he had erected.

I dunno, for 600 bucks I got a lot of equipment out of my shop and under cover for at least this winter.

My intention was for it to be temporary this year, but I might just leave it up for another season or 2 before I build something more permanent.

 

[Kaizen]

for any of these if you can i'd recommend running a few ratchet straps across at the highest horizontal pipe. This helps a lot to keep the shape and snow from weighing it down. I also used pool noodles between the pipes and the top as i saw over the pipe corners/angles is where it wears first.

 

[ybnormal]

I've got a 12x24 i picked up at Menards. Got the 9oz cover and it's got a bunch of little holes in the top from acorns falling on it. It is dry inside though.

I came across something similar to this a few years ago. basically, you shrink wrap the shelter and hit it with a heat gun

Shrink Wraps - Heat Shrink Wrap For Boat, Marine and Scaffolding

Premium shrink wraps 100% virgin resin. For boat marine shrink wrap: 6 MIL, 7 MIL. For building scaffolding wraps and industrial wraps use: 8, 9, 10, 12 MIL thickness. Flame retardant shrink wraps meeting NFPA 701 available.

www.mytarp.com

 

[Snapped-off]

I came across something similar to this a few years ago. basically, you shrink wrap the shelter and hit it with a heat gun

Shrink Wraps - Heat Shrink Wrap For Boat, Marine and Scaffolding

Premium shrink wraps 100% virgin resin. For boat marine shrink wrap: 6 MIL, 7 MIL. For building scaffolding wraps and industrial wraps use: 8, 9, 10, 12 MIL thickness. Flame retardant shrink wraps meeting NFPA 701 available.

www.mytarp.com

That stuff works really good. The marinas here use it on boats in outside storage.

 

[BruceMc]

for any of these if you can i'd recommend running a few ratchet straps across at the highest horizontal pipe. This helps a lot to keep the shape and snow from weighing it down. I also used pool noodles between the pipes and the top as i saw over the pipe corners/angles is where it wears first.

Run them in an X pattern, front and rear, from the upper bar down to the lower bar on the opposite corner. Helps to keep the frame from racking.

 

[Sumboodie]

Those got $$. Last one I got wasn't much over $500.

 

[BruceMc]

Those got $$. Last one I got wasn't much over $500.

I think I paid $450 at AIH 12 years ago.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I also mounted the supports to 6 x 6s I set in stone and pinned with 4' long rebar.

 

[Snapped-off]

I also mounted the supports to 6 x 6s I set in stone and pinned with 4' long rebar.

I wish I did that, but I was in a hurry to build mine. I may go back this year and try it.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I wish I did that, but I was in a hurry to build mine. I may go back this year and try it.

I may add a concrete slab, no time this year. If and when the cover fails it will become a metal building.

 

[LizTish]

This is going to sound out there. Consider a long semi trailer with a long rectangular load. Sits on there like a brick. They sell tarp sets just for this scenario. 2 fitted ends and 1 rectangular center tarp. You guessed it, the center tarp is 20 feet long. On my frame the sides are up 2" from the ground. These truck tarps are thick nylon and last for years. I was able to find a vendor and they were willing to sell me just the center tarp.

I had used tarps from Shelterlogic, King Canopy, and several others. None lasted longer than 2 years. This truck tarp has been going strong for over 5 years now. So I suggest you build your canopy around a truck tarp.

They come in any color you want as long as it's black.

metalmagpie

Do you remember what weight the truck tarp is and where you bought it? Price of it?

 

[metalmagpie]

The tarp is heavy vinyl, not PVC. I think it weighs 87 pounds. They say it's 18 oz. vinyl. I bought mine from Carolina Tarps in 2019 for $199 plus shipping. Here's a link:

https://www.carolinatarps.com/item/6125

Hope it works out for you. Mine gets a little algae on it over the winter so I pressure wash it every August. It's still very strong after 5 years.

Also see https://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/forum/general/80551-costco-canopy-truck-tarp

 

[Jazz1]

when my fabric let go i put UV resistant plastic on the shelter so in the winter its storage for old truck,,off season its a greenhouse…the plastic i bought was $180 and been on for 5 years now,

 

[AdamMopar]

Had one for 6 years. Got me by for sure, but had to tarp it about half way through that time because the cover was failing.

 

[californiamilleghia]

with the sun and the wind mine only lasts about 2 years ,

I order replacements off Costco website , last was about $80

there are 2 styles of these canopies , 10x20 straight side ones
the costco ones have 4 posts on each side , and heavier tubing ,

the cheaper ones only have 3 posts on each side and smaller tubing ,

 

[Digster]

I have the one in you pic, it 5 years old and still in great shape. But the catch is I ordered it from Shelter-Logic direct and got the upgraded cover. The standard covers aren't very good and the upgraded ones are expensive, but my experience is they are well worth it.

YMMV

 

[73opelgt]

I just bought a used one that was basically brand new. It is 20x10x8. I only wanted it to be 16 feet long so instead of leaving a rib out, I cut the poles down to make the entire frame smaller. I bought some very cheap chicken coupe fencing wire and wrapped it around twice since I had so much of it. I layed 4x4 wood posts on the sides on the floor and drilled holes for the legs to sit in to weigh it down and give it more structural strength. The wire fence went from posts around the roof and back down to bolt to the other side floor wood post. The logic was to take all the weight off the tarped cover. I don't know if this will work but I bought the used shelter logic kit very cheap.

I decided to put a metal roof on it when the tarp fails but then I realized after buying this, I could have purchased long pieces of 25 feet roof to bolt together. The corrugated roof sheets can be had in a 24 gauge that is planty strong for a rounded roof with poles bolted to it for legs to help with weight. The entire thing would be very cheap and if you want it to come apart, make a simple frame with 7.5 (since I want the height to be 7.) the roof could be 12 ft to make a round roof with extra for the edges.

Make the simple 3 or 4 ribbed frame out of steel 1.5 inch if it is 24 gauge roofing sheets or better, use 2 inch tube for the frame and you could use a thinner gauge for the side walls. I'd recommend a thick gauge for the roof so you never need to worry about snow caving it in.

This can all be bought at discounted places or even used. Use a cheap spray gun to paint it all with a urethane 1 stage or rustoleum paint that will look nice and make sure you will never have a rust issue. You can be lazy because new ones are prepainted.

Yes you would need to come up with designing a frame then screwing in everything yourself with self tapping screws instead of having predrilled ones. Go look at a garden tent to get an idea of the lengths and how it all goes together to make designing your own simple.

This would be the best portable option that could be built in compartments of small sections then bolted together to make it bigger. It will be much cheaper than buying one of these. If you can't transport the long sheets, go rent a haul or pay the local store to transport them to your place. You will be proud of your handy work and won't need to worry about fabric.

Imo the fencing wire and tarp tape ,with nylon thread in it, for folding a tarp into a cover or repair holes will be your best friend for keeping your tarp in good condition. You could even use the tape on a brand new tarp every 1-2 feet apart criss-crossing to make the tarp very strong before putting it on. Taping under it where the tarp will come in contact with the poles will keep it from wearing or ripping. Using a heat gun will make it a great bond but make sure not to overheat and burn your tarp by accident.

I haven't gone through the winter yet but I'm positive the wire with fiberglass or packing tape will save me from a problem later.

Just remember you can do things to your brand new shelter to make it much better, won't cost much more, but will save you money in the long run.

 

[Jazz1]

with the sun and the wind mine only lasts about 2 years ,

I order replacements off Costco website , last was about $80

there are 2 styles of these canopies , 10x20 straight side ones
the costco ones have 4 posts on each side , and heavier tubing ,

the cheaper ones only have 3 posts on each side and smaller tubing ,

make swingin’ doors hangin on 6“ posts stuffed 3 1/2 below ground. Doors of wigwam face the prevailing north wind. 10 years wind never damaged anything.

 

[JoeLee1]

I've had a couple of these (Cover-It and ShelterLogic) over the years.... my current one is 12x20x11 barn style with 2" pipe and 9oz cover. A tree fell on it two years ago and though I got parts and repaired it, it's in pretty rough shape. Looks like this (pic from internet)



So I'm looking to replace it and it looks like their phasing out this model... which I really liked. I found one for $1,300, but it's gray (Mrs. Maniac would prefere green).

It appears the replacement model is called Garage-In-A-Box models, It's 13x20x12, but it has 1-5/8" pipe, but has "collar ties". It looks like more of a hybrid between the round top and the barn top. But it only comes with a 7 oz. covers. It can be had for $750 on Amazon.



Given that we get our fair share of snow up hear in Mainiac land... I'm wondering if the new model is too skimpy.

Any one out there have any experience with the Garage-In-A-Box that could comment?

This place will make a custom fit cover.

https://www.farmtek.com/cat/ft-fabric-buildings.html

Joe....

 

[Renegade1LI]

Just had a few snow storms, so far so good. The next nice day i plan on wiping it down with some 303, try and keep the fabric from drying out. Now that I've used durabak on a couple of trailer roofs I was thinking of coating this one. At least just the roof portion, I am going to test a piece and see how it sticks, just a thought.