Anyone have any experience with Shelter Logic Portable Garages?

[Lt CHEG]

I'm thinking of putting up a Shelter Logic temporary garage at my future home site. I was looking specifically at the 12' x 20' x 8' available for $350 at TSC and the 13' x 20' x 10' at Northern Tool for $400. I would like to use it to cover my tractor, finish mower and brush hog, or possibly my tractor and ATV. This would need to last for 2 to 3 years max. I can't just put up a pole barn yet as the final grading is not complete at the property and the planned location for the eventual pole barn will be raised from its current elevation. I'm mostly looking for increased weather protection for my tractor during the winter. I will be building a 100 square foot shed next to the portable garage if I put one up to serve as more secure, lockable storage for some tools and supplies until the house goes up. The shed will be built on skids and eventually moved into place near the home site when construction of the house is complete or nearly so. Thanks in advance for any advice and opinions.

 

[kmassing]

I've had several of the Harbor Freight shelters over the years along with 2 from a local vendor, and purchased a Shelter Logic brand 2 years ago. I went with SL because we wanted a green canopy and HF doesn't have that.
The HF shelters we have had were heavier tarp material (10 mil) than the SL one (5 mil?)
Also, I found that if you need to replace the top tarp, SL has lowered the pitch of the roof, so tarps from other vendors won't fit, you are locked into SL and their prices are significantly higher.
This is my experience, other folks will have differences.

 

[Birdmayon]

I put up a 12x20 shelter logic 2 years ago on my remote property to cover some impliments. It collapsed this past winter during one of our heavy snows. If you can get out to it to knock snow off during storms, I think you should be able to get 3 years out of it w/out a problem. If you cannot get to it, you'll risk the same fate as mine.

 

[NuBota]

I put up a 12x20 shelter logic 2 years ago on my remote property to cover some impliments. It collapsed this past winter during one of our heavy snows. If you can get out to it to knock snow off during storms, I think you should be able to get 3 years out of it w/out a problem. If you cannot get to it, you'll risk the same fate as mine.

I hear you on the snow there Birdmayon - wonder if we'll see the same mess again this year. I had a serious workout trying to get the snow off the "shed"

Lt Cheng - on my third year - SL 12x24x8 - and it is still in great shape. We got hit with lots of heavy snow last year - but mine fared much better than Birdmayon - pretty much unscathed. I did not stay ahead of it during the snow, but got to it within few hours afterward - at one point it had over 12 inches. Push broom from the inside and it slid off with a some effort. There is some wear in places where the "tarp" contacts the frame - some thinning - but still completely intact - no rips/tears.

That said - I think where you locate it is key - mine is down a steep slope, in the woods, under heavy tree canopy (3rd pic, bottom right) - so even heavy gusts of wind haven't bothered it. If it was in the front yard, it would probably be gone by now. I only have the 4 "temporary" anchors that came with the kit (the good ones cost extra) and they haven't budged.

One member on here, Timber (I think) did a video on his install a few years ago. He put 4x4 posts in the ground (on the inside -2 on each side) and attached the steel poles to them. He also added webbing (rope or straps)between the "rafters" to help support snow load. I had intended to do this - but since snow/wind hasn't been a factor for me yet - never got to it. I did put self-tapping screws in everywhere the poles connect - this made the frame much sturdier. And I did buy foam pipe insulation to put on the stress points where the tarp contacts the frame - but never got to it either...

Another note - moisture buildup. Bare ground inside can make it like a greenhouse when its all closed up. I put a large tarp, doubled up, on the floor - 4 cinder blocks in each corner to hold it in place when driving on it - has worked pretty well. I figured to put rubber stall mats over the tarp, but they are expensive, and haven't needed them. SL sells a vent kit - but didn't like the price, or the idea of cutting the tarp to install it

SL also sells a door kit - think it is $40+ . I basically copied the design (pic 4) with a clothesline, small pulleys and S-hooks (<$10)

Hope this helps!

 

[wdchyd]

Lt Cheg,

I just put up a 12 x 20 x 8 Shelter Logic Round Top.....Planning on putting up a real garage new year........

I've been advised here about snow loads and clean off each storm and more during worse ones.....

Seems the round top may shed the snow better...?....Time will tell.....

Beware of the kits with the smaller dia poles...better to go with the heavier ones....(Mine is 1 5/8 dia IIRC)....and the heavier cover is best but adds about $300......

I like the idea of add ropes like rafters for more strength....I'll look closer at my setup.....

Seems wind is the biggest killer of these things but sure is nice to have a clean dry place for Mr Bota........:thumbsup:

Here's Pics.......

 

[oc3crwler]

The wind tore mine up in a little over a month.

Ditto, found parts of one of mine half a mile away after a wind storm. Got one that I welded together and pulled a heavy canvas over. You could build a cheap wood frame and cover with metal. If made strong enough on the bottom could be drug way later. My 2 cents, there are better options.

 

[jimmyj]

I have a number of tarp covered shelters including cheapo ones, home made ones and a big shelter logic.

The tips I'd offer are:

1. Anchor it GOOD. Otherwise, good by shelter.
2. Get a thick tarp like the shelter logic has.
3. Locate it properly. If you can, out of the wind as much as possible. Don't have the opening facing towards the prevailing wind.
4. Get a steep roof pitch. Otherwise you have to knock snow off constantly.
5. As said, don't get the light duty pole ones.
6. If you can, build a frame for the base. We use a perimiter of 6x6 timbers and 2x6 boards across as a deck (not completely, every few feet). Then we anchor the whole works down.

The shelter logic we have is 24 x 12 round top. It's awesome because the snow does not stay on top so I never have to worry about it.

 

[wdchyd]

6. If you can, build a frame for the base. We use a perimiter of 6x6 timbers and 2x6 boards across as a deck (not completely, every few feet). Then we anchor the whole works down.

I like this idea..!! .....Thanx JimmyJ

 

[jimmyj]

The beauty of the "deck" boards is your stuff is on top of them and they in turn fasten to the frame so the whole works is held down even better. Don't ask my how I learned that lesson!

 

[Chilly807]

Mine lasted about a month, then the wind turned it into a twisted wreck. Never again.

Sean