Portable Garages (how much, buy, construction)

[namder1]

I am getting ready to purchase one (12x20) and have been researching. I am leaning toward a Rhino but wondered if anybody has any input. I have been told they lasy 3 to 5 years. Is that about right. Mine will be used for storage, wood, pellets, snow blower etc. I'm trying to stay around $500.

[RHB]

We got one last year. It did great all winter long until that last snow, it colapsed on the car.

[Zymer]

Had one that lasted 10 years or so (don't know what the brand was). Eventually it collapsed after a heavy snow.

Pay particular attention to the size and thickness of the tubes used for support- some may be less than an inch and are relatively thin-walled, these are weaker and more susceptible to collapse. Go for the biggest, thickest tubes you can get...yeah, it will cost more.

I looked at some a few years ago and I don't recall seeing any in the $500 range that looked to be sturdy enough for my tastes. I have a bit of a problem putting out that much money for something with such a limited life-span. Right now I'm thinking that $500 might buy enough lumber to construct an A-frame shelter (basically, 2 walls leaned together) that won't collapse no matter how much it snows.

If you go with the tube and canvas, plan on spending the time to keep the snow cleared off it.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

The DEP regards these tents as "permanent structures". If you will place it within 250 feet of a lake you need a building permit.

That said, be prepared to set your alarm clock every three hours to clear snow off it.

[Bigfish57]

I have one in the oval shape and loved it. It was the shelter king brand. It shed the snow fine by its self and lasted about 4 years before it started to leak. I do recall a coupple times having to push on it from beneath with a board to shed snow though. it was 12x20 and with 2" tube framing and $750 with 2 doors if I remember right. One thing that kills them fast is letting wind in through the doors. if makes the tarp rattle and wear faster.

[JLynn35]

We have three of them here in our yard in MA. They are made by Shelter Logic. The oldest one is about 10 years old and it's just about at the point where we need to replace the cover.

[Submariner]

We paid just under $500.

It caved in the roof of my DW's car. I was able to stand in the backseat and with my back push upward and 'pop' the roof back up into basic shape. Though it left some significant dents and scratches.

To do it again, we would need to clear a path around it on all sides [during and after every storm]. Plow the snow away and never allow the snow to pile up near it. If it only had a dusting on it, then a breeze would be capable to lifting off the dusting. But once ice forms on the tarp and weights it down, well it gets heavy. After that a foot of white-stuff will possibly cause it to come down.

[maine4.us]

Here on the coast, the wind tends to tear them to shreds in short order. Haven't seen any collapse, but they sure look like clothes hung on a clothesline after a windstorm.

[cdodge04]

I never could bring myself to pay the money for one of these...I figure if I'm going to spend the money to get one I might as well save a bit longer and get something a little more sound in the structure department.

Same goes for outbuildings...Those metal outbuilding things that you can buy at HD or Wally World just don't stand up with all the snow that we tend to get.

[CorySpackman]

Originally Posted by namder1

I am getting ready to purchase one (12x20) and have been researching. I am leaning toward a Rhino but wondered if anybody has any input. I have been told they lasy 3 to 5 years. Is that about right. Mine will be used for storage, wood, pellets, snow blower etc. I'm trying to stay around $500.

I'm not sure of your situational need here, but for $500 (using recycled wood stuff) you could easily build a shed or more permanent structure. Design it with an appropriate pitch for snow shedding, and you'd be good to go.

I just finished one myself with recycled stuff from construction demo -- only stuff that's new is the treated 6"x6" I used, and and board/batten material. Used some nice old corrugated metal for wainescoating. Turned out nice.