car canopy or portable garage?

[gjusername]

I'm thinking of getting some sort of temporary shelter to store my car in. I've seen a few threads discussing these things but I wanted to get a discussion about the pros and cons of using a canopy vs a temporary garage that's fully enclosed. I'm thinking I may save some money and go with the harbor freight canopy -
https://www.harborfreight.com/10-ft-x-20-ft-portable-car-canopy-63054.html
but I was also considering one of the garages like this -
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y363K37/?tag=atomicindus08-20 or one from shelter logic.

Living in Arizona, my main need for this would be just to keep the sun off my car. Rain protection isn't a big priority as rain is rare here, but it may be beneficial if a storm comes in when I'm using the shelter as a work area to do some repairs on a vehicle, which I will also be doing occasionally. IDK if an enclosed garage would be hotter but the heat is also a concern. Whatever I get I'll be sure to anchor it down really well because I don't want to it fly around and damage the car. Not sure if the harbor freight one would be durable enough in the wind, but problems seem to be rare compared to the number of good reviews.

 

[gjusername]

btw I've heard of people saying that they stuck to a smaller size because of how their city regulates temporary vs permanent structures. I just looked up my city's code to try and find out what the regulations are, but I'm still confused. I found that my city has adopted The "International Building Code, 2018 Edition" so I found the section about temporary buildings there. From my understanding of what I found, the size doesn't seem to matter it's just based on whether it will be up for more than 180 days of the year. but I still don't know what types of regulations I should be worried about if I leave it up permanently.

can anyone who knows the IBC break it down for me like I'm a total dummy? Can I just set up any of these tents in my back yard (max size I'm looking at is 12' x 20') and not worry about regulations?

 

[no704]

I’m in Tempe and have had a few in the backyard over time. Go ahead with a canopy. BUT dont use the ball tiedowns they come with, the canopy will catch a good wind gust and damage it self if not your car too. Use Velcro to attach the canopy to the frame, it can pull off and you just have to recover it from the neighbors yard. Also a good idea to shoot a self tapping screw into each joint.

 

[kelpaso1]

Those things are garbage, don't waste your money. They don't last, blow away. or collapse if you have snow. I had them for years and just got frustrated with them. Went with a 12X8 wood built shed and never looked back. 5 years of heavy snow and still standing. The last POS canopy shed I had didn't last 2 years.

 

[Gunfixr]

We've got a couple around here. One has been up at least 2 yrs. We don't get lots of snow, but I went with a snow load rated one. I did anchor it beyond what they say, with screw anchors and ratchet straps at the corners. It's seen some decent winds. It's still standing, but I had to install eyelets and re-attach a corner, were originally the corners just have a few sewed in velcro straps.
The other one, which pulls tight against its frame, and is just screw anchored, having the frame attached by wire rope, is also still standing, despite that it moves around a bit in the wind.

 

[Tracs]

Living in Arizona

collapse if you have snow

 

[jbfsr]

I have a 10 x 20 for my truck.( just fits ) Been up going on 3 years. I did put a large tarp over it as a replaceable wear layer. The tarp goes from the ground up and over to the other side. One large tarp. The sun really kills the cover, thus the tarp. Had to replace the front flap because of the sun wear. When it snows here I take a push broom and push it off from the inside. Overall I've been pleased. I think I have about $500. in it. Canopy, tarp and 2 x 6 runners to make level. If it last 5 years that's only 100 per year for cover.

 

[nadogail]

Given a choice, I would choose a Car Port with a good roof. If you need security, add some Chain Link fencing for walls.

This worked fine in Honolulu.

 

[SoonerBorn77]

I agree with carport. Although you may want to wait a bit with the price of steel the as high as it currently is. We priced a carport last week and the amount is almost double what they were a year ago

 

[Bretny]

In AZ the sun is going to be the biggest issue. I would cover the top with a sacrificial tarp as soon as you get one.

 

[Copymutt]

I have constructed a few fabric covered structures. To last more than a year, the fabric starts to get priced as a steel structure. Assuming your refs permit, I’d prefer something like this. You can close them in to varying designs.

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[kelpaso1]

Tracs, he added the second paragraph AFTER my reply.

 

[finn]

Depends where in Az he lives.

I live near Tucson seasonally, and we get snow on Mt Lemon, just outside of town.

Even have a ski area up there, and the road to the top is closed for a few days per year when a “storm” hits.

Funny to watch the locals go crazy when the temperature on the desert floor nears freezing or there’s a dusting of snow, though

 

[gjusername]

ugh, that 12x20 one I linked is sold out now that I'm ready to buy it. I guess I blew up that listing by posting it here. damnit!

I would definitely prefer to go with a metal roof at least, but for right now I'm thinking more temporary. I'll be sure to put up an extra sacrificial tarp but I think if I get at least 1 year out of the main tarp then I should be happy, and I may not need to use it any longer than that. At least not where I'm currently living. If I owned my home then I would go with a steel building for sure.

 

[jmdirk]

In AZ the sun is going to be the biggest issue. I would cover the top with a sacrificial tarp as soon as you get one.

Bingo!

I've had one a couple years and they are really popular up here in Eastern Canada. It's survived snow, but the included grey 'tarp' is basically translucent now. I think it's 3 years old. And buying a replacement tarp from Shelter Logic is as expensive as buying a whole new shelter when they go on sale.