Attic ladder/storage concerns-support structure

[Elite]

I apologize in advance- I've been reading different articles and some posts here as well.
I purchased an attic ladder with the intent to create some storage space above. As you can see in the pictures there isn't much room.
I wasn't going to utilitize the pre cut out due to it being right in front of the garage door- as the garage is opened - I can not access it. Also it is right next to the garage door opener chain and I do not want to accidently hit it.
I was about to cut my hole today and started to read again, from what I gathered, my setup isn't the best and shouldn't be utilitized for attic storage.

Please correct me if I am wrong, we would love the extra space, but don't need my ceiling on the ground either.

I am not a big do it your selfer, but I try by watching several videos and reading.

Thanks in advance

 

[Jlbc212]

Looks like you have factory built trusses. The trusses most likely are designed only to carry the weight of the trusses themselves, the roof and the ceiling. If it was my garage, I would not attempt to utilize that attic space for storage.

 

[Kaizen]

I would put the ladder in if you have it. You will be up there at some point and it’s a lot easier and safer then a step ladder. As said not for storage. Looks like it would be an aggravating place to store anything


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[Elite]

I greatly appreciate the responses, glad I didn't move forward. You are right the ladder would make it easy going up and down, however if I will not be storing anything, I won't really have a need and I'll save 200 on taking back the ladder.

Up until now, I never thought it through on the weight placement on the trusses would do any damage. I've seen lots of people do it, never heard any issues. What's a proper establishment to do it with, the trusses built for attic?

 

[Kaizen]

If you ran 2x material from one wall to the other attached to each truss that would support the load. But depending on width of garage it could need a 2x8 or larger. Plus getting them up now is impossible. Just not worth the cost.
Or if someone was doing this originally they would have ordered attic trusses which are designed differently.



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[CraigStu]

I would go ahead and install it. Then be careful what you put up there. Things like aluminum frame lawn chairs, Christmas decorations, beach toys etc will be fine. I have stored light but bulky stuff in a garage attic like yours in every house I have lived in.

 

[Elite]

I did buy big sheets of plywood that are heavy, although the weight will be distributed, I'm not too sure if it's worth it. Did you add floor in yours? The stuff we wanted to add up there was heavy boxes of junk we have, nothing light.

 

[ford33]

For lightweight items spread across the floor area it is fine. Do not add sheets of plywood and heavy items.

It looks nasty up there with the dirt and closed in space. I would not want to go up there to get things.

Take the ladder back and buy less stuff.