tent or carport

[chuck172]

I need to get this done before winter. I've got to cover my tractor. Right now I'm using a tarp. I can't decide on either a metal carport, or a tent. The tent would be about 600.00, shelter logic or Rhino. The carport woud be about $1000.00. The carport would be turnkey, I'd have to put up the tent.

 

[Bird]

And with a metal carport, you could later add sides, it'll last long than a tent, look better in my opinion, etc. You should get the one YOU like best, but for me it would definitely be the carport.

 

[forgeblast]

We have a metal carport. I am going to use it a couple of different ways once we build a garage. It can easily become a bandmill shed, or we can bring it near our fire pit and add screen for a screen house, etc. I bought mine off carolina carports they were on ebay and had many different sizes they were cheaper then people are us. I think it took them 30 mins to install it.

 

[dave1949]

The carport should outlast 2-3 tents. So, on an average annual cost basis, the carport wins by a large margin.

If this is to get you by until building a garage or shed 2-3 years from now, then the tent wins.

Here, I think I would have to clear the snow off either to keep them from collapsing. Clearing snow would be easier with a tent but the timing would be more critical probably.

 

[George2615]

I'd go for the metal carport. I think the carport steel is stronger than the thin tubing of the tent structures. I had 2 shelter logics 10 x 20 set end to end (40' long) and I can't always be at home when we get a heavy snowfall. I left for work one morning and didn't have time to clear off 3" of snow from the night before. By the time I got home from work 8 1/2 hours later we had another 12" of snow. That amount of weight collapsed the thin tubing structure which came down on the roof of a car I had inside denting the roof.

 

[deerseeker001]

Carport without a doubt.

I'd go for the metal carport. I think the carport steel is stronger than the thin tubing of the tent structures. I had 2 shelter logics 10 x 20 set end to end (40' long) and I can't always be at home when we get a heavy snowfall. I left for work one morning and didn't have time to clear off 3" of snow from the night before. By the time I got home from work 8 1/2 hours later we had another 12" of snow. That amount of weight collapsed the thin tubing structure which came down on the roof of a car I had inside denting the roof.

 

[dave1949]

I'd go for the metal carport. I think the carport steel is stronger than the thin tubing of the tent structures. I had 2 shelter logics 10 x 20 set end to end (40' long) and I can't always be at home when we get a heavy snowfall. I left for work one morning and didn't have time to clear off 3" of snow from the night before. By the time I got home from work 8 1/2 hours later we had another 12" of snow. That amount of weight collapsed the thin tubing structure which came down on the roof of a car I had inside denting the roof.

I have never seen a tent around here that didn't go down eventually, just like your experience. Either people get tired of clearing the snow, or they just can't always do it when it has to be done.

I suppose for a tent that is mostly keeping stuff covered for the winter, some simple tubing props could be made up from 2x4's. People say the rounded roof style is more snow tolerant than the gable style.

 

[WM75Guy]

I vote for the metal carport. Polyethylene will break down with UV exposure and turn brittle.

 

[2458n]

Tractor will sweat in a tent. It will do the same in the carport ,but to a smaller degree. Car port. Never had anything last real well outside other than a waterbed bladder. Cut and covered a wood pile with one.

 

[rd_macgregor]

FWIW, I'll add my vote for the carport. My Shelter Logic structure collapsed the first winter; there is just no way to hover over it and clear snow vigilantly for 5 months.

 

[dusty3030]

Metal carport. Even if you build another building later you can move it beside it or somewhere else to put implements under or wood or whatever.

 

[timster2]

I have a Shelter logic tent and its a pain to go out after each snowfall and clean the roof. Last year with all the snow I had to dig my way to the tent just to unload the snow off of it. If I were to do it again I would go for the metal carport no question. When the tent needs to be replaced I will get one of the metal carports and be done with it.

 

[MacLawn]

There once was a car in a tent.
The man, he saved himself a cent.
The tent fell like a fort,
That was bombed starboard and port,
The end of my limerick attempt.

Get yeself a metal one.

 

[Stimw]

If you go with a metal carport MAKE SURE you go with a local company to order it even if it from a national company!!
I ordered a carport from Carolina Dealer a month ago, gave the dealer a deposit. (they were located in N. Carolina 800 number from website) I called factory Monday to see about delivery and was told they must have a permit number before they can start the build and I would have to spend an extra $120. for engineered drawings. OH, and it will be ANOTHER 6-8 weeks!!!!!
I canceled the order and got my deposit back (VISA Card).
I found a local dealer for them today and got more info on what I REALLY need. I'm now trying to decide if I want more abuse by ordering again. ???
Google the company you are looking at and check for complaints. I should have done that FIRST!

 

[scoutcub]

I was in the same boat last year....not enough storage room. I called carolina carports and ordered a 24X41 metal building with sides, ends and 2 roll-up doors.....around 8K installed. Very happy with it, does sweat inside, but a vent in each end will solve the problem.
Will probably get a carport style next, for wood storage. Several dealers around, the cheapest ones are 700-800 bucks. Well worth it IMO.

 

[Mudfarmer]

or rent or buy a cargo container

 

[doxford jim]

I like the idea of a cargo container - quick and easy. easy to add a roof to shed the snow readily.
I had a 20ft x 10ft shelter thath got lifted and carried about 75 yds with the first wind storm, even tough it was weighted down with concrete blocks and railroad ties.
I ended up building a more substantial free standing carport in front of the house. It has worked well and is just very handy for everything. Cost me around $7,500 for the materials. Just recently finished the metal roofing - was covered with a tarp for two years. Well worth putting the tine roof on.

 

[4shorts]

Four years for our ShelterLogic now. It's been through three tropical storms and this past winter which was the worst in 40 years. Each end is up off the ground enough to let air pass through so no sweating. With these shelters you have to buy the right shaped one. Nothing stays on the roof of this one. It hasn't faded and because of it neither has the tractor. No added property taxes as well. Great unit.

 

[chuck172]

I'm going with a carport. Seems like that's the preferred shelter. 18'x21', should house my tractor, quad, logsplitter. I'm excavating now, it's not a good site, 13" pitch from the low point. I figure I'll lay two 2' parrallel strips of 3/4" stone to lay the carport rails on. Much bigger job than I thought!