Portable Garage/Shelter

[MANIAC]

Anyone have any thoughts on these units. I can't really afford to put up the garage/barn I really want right now so I was thinking of buying one of these units. Should be enough to keep my wheelhorse, snowblower, sleds etc out of the elements.

This is the unit I was looking at: http://www.hutshop.com/71332.html

 

[MrGriz]

I didn't read the specs on that one too close, but some of the similar ones they sell locally are not rated for snow load. I would check that out before buying one. I'd hate to have to constantly knock the snow off in a storm or worse yet, pick up the twisted mess.

 

[Nofossil]

I had one collapse under the weight of snow. The one you're considering looks like a better design than mine, but I'd ask them about guarantees.

 

[Backhoe]

I've had one for about four years. Snow is a concern - I've cleaned it off during heavy, wet snow storms more than once. I cleaned it because I didn't think it would take the load, not because it looked in danger of collapsing, but..... The biggest problem I have with it is moisture. When I installed it I put down plastic sheet on the ground first and then sand on top but I still get enough moisture that I leave one of the front zipper sides pretty much permanently unzipped to let out the moisture. I have had enough moisture that droplets formed on the inside. I understand they sell units now that have vents at the top. I don't know how much extra that is but it might be worth it.

 

[Gooserider]

I have one, a Shelter Logic brand, and it's very nice, hasn't collapsed under snow load yet (and it catches some extra from the snowblower as well) after about 5 years. Next door neighbor has one, again no problems. Several other folks in the neighborhood have them as well, and I haven't heard about any problems with them as long as you anchor them down WELL. I've also heard that as long as you don't pour a concrete floor for them, they are considered "temporary structures" and most jurisdictions don't require permits, inspections, and all the other gov't paperchasing that a permanent structure does.

Obviously security is an issue, they won't stop anyone that wants what's inside - but to some extent "out of sight, out of mind" applies, getting stuff out of view will help.

The only problem I've had with mine is that after a few years of weather exposure the zippers in the door started to wear out and began "splitting" on me - You can purchase a new end peice for about $100 though, so that isn't a big deal.

I've also heard from others that you need to be careful to keep branches away from it, allegedly they will cause the material to wear out rapidly if allowed to rub against it.

Bottom line, they have their limitations, but as long as you can live with those, they are a good solution for the money.

Gooserider

 

[They Call Me Pete]

I've got two. One is a 12x20 and other is a 16x32. Have had the smaller one for over 5yrs with no snow problems. Mine gets afternoon sun and heats up enough to melt off. I do form time to time need to clear away snow along sides where snow falls off. Shelter Logic is good and Farm Teks are nice to. Farm Tek is a little better if you ask me. That's what the big one is plus they have a factory about 20 miles form me.
Pete

 

[freebird77]

I have one I keep my motorcycle in. Going on three years now and no complaints. I do try and keep any snow off it, but thats not a biggie. Im thinking of getting a bigger one this summer to put over my pellets as of right now we just have the plastic hoods and a tarp covering them. Good luck with your decision.