Portable Garage, Anyone Have One?Thoughts?

[Renegade1LI]

Even if I emptied my garage at home I could never fit a 4 place snowmobile trailer in it. I need to replace the roof, it's galv metal starting to rot & probably should replace the axle assemblies, springs & tires, basically reuse the aluminum/fiberglass box. Ideally doing this out of the weather would be nice so I am thinking of buying a portable garage which I really am not happy about but it's still cheaper than buying a new 4 place & I could probably re purpose it for vehicle parking and or expanded work space.
I am thinking of setting it up in front of the two 40' hi cubes I have & make it a more useful set up, I have been looking at shelter logic & a bunch more, just curious if any one brand is better than the others? I know there are a lot of fabric options, purlin size & spacing, but are there any tricks to making them hold up better? Any recommendations would be helpful & appreciated, thanks.

 

[geneg]

Shelter Logic has a very short life with the standard covers (basically a year). They upsell better quality replacement covers for more than the price of the entire original unit. For what you're doing, it probably will work well. Just don't think it is a long term solution. I used one to store some off season lawn equipment & then covered it with a Harbor freight heavy tarp while shopping for replacement covers. The original cover was weathertite for about 18 months.

 

[Firebrick43]

Most trailers enclosed trailers dont rust/rot (other than tires) from the elements. Its from the road salts. My father had 50 semi trailers and none ever spent a day inside. They were old trailers used for rented temporary storage. We had one trailer from the late 50's that was still ok but never pulled in the winter. Others 15 years but from northern illinois or michigan were toast from the salt. Every few year we would seal the roof rivets but little maintenance other than that.

Tires can be protected with parking covers but will typically still harden and crack from age before being worn out.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Most trailers enclosed trailers dont rust/rot (other than tires) from the elements. Its from the road salts. My father had 50 semi trailers and none ever spent a day inside. They were old trailers used for rented temporary storage. We had one trailer from the late 50's that was still ok but never pulled in the winter. Others 15 years but from northern illinois or michigan were toast from the salt. Every few year we would seal the roof rivets but little maintenance other than that.

Tires can be protected with parking covers but will typically still harden and crack from age before being worn out.

This is a snowmobile trailer with a galv steel roof, not sure why they used galv steel but it is corroding & starting to leak. Only used in the snow & ice so it has seen a lot of road salt. I'm not looking to store it, just work on it while I replace everything, probably should've had an aluminum roof, which is what I plan to use.

 

[joey1320]

How big is the trailer?

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[finn]

Those portable fabric covered shelters may last through one winter, if you’re lucky, in Michigan and Northern Wisconsin.

Never seen one more than two years old though. Often se carcasses though. They’re shredded eyesores by then, but some people can’t seem to recognize they made a not so smart investment, so they hang onto the frame, bent uprights and all.

 

[Kaizen]

I had a few before my garage. Hard to secure tools. For a could hundred bucks and four hours it’s worth it. I had mine up on old pt 4x6 beams. Put pool noodles or insulation over top bars before putting tarp on. Reduces wear.
Also if you can put ratchet straps across side to side to keep it from splaying out. Remove snow from the top every few inches. When the top started to rip I got a heavy duty green tarp and bungee corded it on.
It is a temporary solution so don’t get attached [emoji13]


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Showkey]

Many communities ban ( by permit and legislation) these portable garage/shed because as post 6 mentions they are ugly and don’t last. Check your area before purchase.

City disallowing temporary tent structures used for storage
The city code defined a tent as “any temporary structure or enclosure, the roof of which and/or one-half or more of the sides of which are constructed of silk, cotton, canvas, fabric, or a similar pliable material.”

 

[kelpaso1]

Those "portable shed tents are **** (I had one). Don't waste your money. After 2-3 years they are ****. A small wood built shed, yes, costs twice or three times as much, but will last a lifetime.

 

[Renegade1LI]

The size of the trailer is 8'-6w x 24'l x 8'-6H & I agree it would only be for a short time. The good part is I'm on a wooded lot surrounded by woods, wouldn't see it from the street. Building a structure is out of the question, moving within the next 12 - 24 months so this seems to be a good short term solution, this is also why I need the trailer ready. Might pay to use it & sell it right a way while it's in good condition. I like the pool noodle idea even for short term.

 

[matt_i]

Carport would be semi-attractive for roofed-parking and work thru 2.5 seasons.

It can be pretty simple, square tube and metal roofing, deal with the uplift and racking and you're there. Also good to plan the frame so it excludes birds as best as possible.

 

[buzzworth]

If you have the room:
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/...GBETQKcT3bo-auxwM/Container+Roof+Gable_20.jpg

 

[Renegade1LI]

If you have the room:
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/...GBETQKcT3bo-auxwM/Container+Roof+Gable_20.jpg

I've been giving that some thought as I have
Two 40' hi cubes, just have to pull them apart.

 

[shaune]

Some communities, as mentioned above, have restrictions on the “portable” garages. Mine is from a Quebec company, name long gone, but this is the 11th winter. It’s tattered now but still keeps 95% of the inside dry. Use a broom in winter to keep the snow off it, and shovel around the walls when it gets deep.

 

[BruceMc]

Shelter Logic -- I kept one up for 10 winters by religiously clearing the snow off of it. It was a temporary solution and only supposed to be up for one winter, but I kept pushing my luck.

Didn't quite make it through this last winter, though.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Some communities, as mentioned above, have restrictions on the “portable” garages. Mine is from a Quebec company, name long gone, but this is the 11th winter. It’s tattered now but still keeps 95% of the inside dry. Use a broom in winter to keep the snow off it, and shovel around the walls when it gets deep.

I do remember seeing alot of them in Quebec when we go snowmobiling, I only intend to use it short term to rebuild my snowmobile trailer. After the trailers done probably just sell it.

 

[paredown]

I've gone through a few of the HF versions. Pick 'em up on a coupon for about $179--and they last two to three years. Lately it has been tree branches taking them out, and the last one had a bunch of micro holes from the factory that only became obvious once up--so I got less than two years and had small leaks from the beginning.

They are better than nothing--but barely. My calculation was even if you throw them away after two years, it is still way cheaper than renting storage--but I have to say, the program is getting old--I'd like this to be the last year, if I can get my permanent shed built, and toss and sell a bunch of stuff...

 

[gorilla]

I used a shelter logic tent for a few years, it was OK for storage but I don't think you could do much work inside. The wall taper in quite a lot and the height is at the peak. You might want to visit one bofore you buy.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I used a shelter logic tent for a few years, it was OK for storage but I don't think you could do much work inside. The wall taper in quite a lot and the height is at the peak. You might want to visit one bofore you buy.

That's the key getting one large enough, will probably need 22'wide x 28'long with 16' center height, anything smaller & there's no room to work.

 

[nosnownogo]

shaune i had a Tempo brand shelter for 19 years (the grey colored poly tarp material)it was installed in october and removed april for 17 years except it was there for the last two years. I sold the frame to a person that wanted to enlarge his shelter .The grey tarp never tore but year 19 the tarp was wearing very thin where it was supported by the frame pipes.I purchased a new Harnois shelter in 2008 tarp covering silver outside and white inside still good as new

 

[Renegade1LI]

So I'm looking at this, can get it with free ship to store, at least it might be good for detailing.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Shelter...7-0/202719127?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US

 

[meboatermike]

I have had a Shelter Logic or equivalent in Maine winters for many years -- well in excess of 10 probably going on 15. However, I religiously clear off the snow either after each storm or multiple clearings if a large prolonged storm. Also I have covered over the original cover with a heavy duty tarp that covers over 75% from side to side and the whole length weighted down by tied or bungeed timbers. I also clear the snow away from both sides after each storm with a snowblower. Mine is big enough to do work in if I had all the **** cleaned out of it. Used to keep a 17' speed boat with a 115hp Merc in it on its trailer for many years and it could be worked on in there if needed.

 

[Jazz1]

If you trying to prevent rust in a portable garage you must lay poly on floor or constant moisture comes up through the ground.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I guess I'm talking myself in to a 2 car size portable, if I get a couple of years that's fine, some days you need to work under cover. The bonus would be covered parking, maybe even pour a slab first, if we didn't plan to move a bigger shop would be nice, but it will wait.

 

[BruceMc]

I guess I'm talking myself in to a 2 car size portable, if I get a couple of years that's fine,...

Just keep in mind that if and when it fails (wind or snow), it's likely you'll lose a lot more than just the cost of shelter itself.

 

[unslow1]

I have a Shelterlogic also. It was up for 5 years. I put a new cover on it after three years. It's currently taken down but I wouldn't hesitate to use it again. As others have mentioned you have to keep the snow off it.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Actually looking at something like this, we had this for 10 years at a job site & held up well. I already have the two containers just have to separate them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Covermore-...iseUnbiasedWeb&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851

 

[Renegade1LI]

Well after much consideration I decided not to get a portable garage, after driving around the Catskills and seeing so many, most shredded and covered with multiple tarps. Not a good look or investment, time to work on plan B, install the new trailer roof on a dry weekend the undercarriage work doesn't matter. Sometimes you don't realize what's around you until you're interested in it, and most fabric structures we saw really need to be torn down, there were a few in tact that were neat, but unfortunately not many.

 

[bobg03]

I had a Shelter Logic in SE CT, for 12 years. I put plastic down and then 3/4" stone. It was reaching the time to replace, but we were selling the house so we dismantled it.

My brother who lived around the corner got two at the same time I got mine, he made them into one large unit, also placing plastic sheathing and stone down and at 13 years replaced both covers for $650..His are still up and look good.

 

[Slednut]

I ordered this as a frame and purchased the steel locally years ago. I got these garage doors for free (kind of ran into one with my trailer).

I framed in the rear and have used it for stuff I don't want in my shop and the table saw is set up in it all the time. I put tarps on the inside so the stuff doesn't get dripped on during the winter.

 

[cdods]

As mentioned, the shelter logic style don't last long, but there is a solution. They break down quickly in the UV.

What I do is cover the garage with a sacrificial tarp. I use the silver ones, which typically last 2-3 years. But they are cheap to replace, and protect the shelter logic tarp, which has the loops in it to actually hold the garage together.

 

[BruceMc]

As mentioned, the shelter logic style don't last long, but there is a solution. They break down quickly in the UV.

What I do is cover the garage with a sacrificial tarp. I use the silver ones, which typically last 2-3 years. But they are cheap to replace, and protect the shelter logic tarp, which has the loops in it to actually hold the garage together.

And do it from day one. Like others, I waited until the cover had lost too much of it's integrity. It wasn't until the fabric was leaking and weak that I tarped it. That was a mistake.

 

[kelpaso1]

If you want something to last more than a year or two, build a proper "wood construction" shed. You couldn't pay me enough to have one of the shelter logic tents again. They are absolute ****! Here a "shelter Logic" 16X20 costs around a $1000. I got a used 12X16 "wooden built" shed for $500 And cost me $100 for a rollback to move it to my house 5 years ago and is is still standing and same condition as when I bought it. And we get a lot of snow here, which kills those POS tents in a couple years. I have never had to clear 2 feet of snow on my wood shed ever.

 

[kelpaso1]

As mentioned, the shelter logic style don't last long, but there is a solution. They break down quickly in the UV.

What I do is cover the garage with a sacrificial tarp. I use the silver ones, which typically last 2-3 years. But they are cheap to replace, and protect the shelter logic tarp, which has the loops in it to actually hold the garage together.

Problem is they need to have the snow removed from the top every storm to avoid collapsing. I have better things to do than spending an hour clearing a foot of snow off a tent.

 

[BruceMc]

Problem is they need to have the snow removed from the top every storm to avoid collapsing. I have better things to do than spending an hour clearing a foot of snow off a tent.

The SUV style is steeply pitched and sheds snow, at least for the first couple of years. As the cover degrades, it gets 'sticky' and doesn't shed as well.

https://www.shelterlogic.com/shop/garage-in-a-box-suv-truck

For what they are, they serve a purpose. They're a temporary fix that tends to turn into permanent, at least until they fall apart or collapse.

 

[Sumboodie]

Those "portable shed tents are **** (I had one). Don't waste your money. After 2-3 years they are ****. A small wood built shed, yes, costs twice or three times as much, but will last a lifetime.

I doubt a person can build a wood shed around 400 sq ft and 9ft tall ceiling for $1000-1500. I built a 16x20 shed 10 years ago and it ran me about 10k.
Easily 3x that now with current lumber prices.

I have a Shelter Logic plastic garage. It's been up going on 4 years and is doing just fine. Has survived 70mph winds.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Right now a fabric building is looking good, I have two 40' containers, may spread them apart and get a fabric type of roof system, can't beat anchoring to a shipping container. Just build two end walls and done.

 

[Jim Kokenge]

My old neighbor put up the building and matched it to the 1 room School

 

[Jazz1]

I ordered roll of UV greenhouse plastic to cover my Shelterlogic as the 2nd cover is now shot. Going to use the shelter as greenhouse until late fall when my old truck goes in for the winter.

I did consider picking up a used frame to double up the frame of my current Shelterlogic to strengthen and cover with tin. My brother did the tin but he has a higher peak on his domed shelter. . Even with a domed shape shelter snow is a issue as it has to be moved away from sides of shelter or it can collapse. I snow blow around my shelter a few times over the winter.

I'll add that Shelterlogic told me the only 12x20x8 covers they had available were the higher quality $1000. No $300 covers.

 

[unslow1]

I ordered roll of UV greenhouse plastic to cover my Shelterlogic as the 2nd cover is now shot. Going to use the shelter as greenhouse until late fall when my old truck goes in for the winter.

I did consider picking up a used frame to double up the frame of my current Shelterlogic to strengthen and cover with tin. My brother did the tin but he has a higher peak on his domed shelter. . Even with a domed shape shelter snow is a issue as it has to be moved away from sides of shelter or it can collapse. I snow blow around my shelter a few times over the winter.

I'll add that Shelterlogic told me the only 12x20x8 covers they had available were the higher quality $1000. No $300 covers.

Can you still buy the original and just use the cover on the frame that is already up? That was what I was planning to do until I found someone willing to ship just the cover.