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Has anyone used one of these that you can just erect in your driveway that you can buy at Home Depot etc? Metal frame with waterproof canvas and front and rear doors to keep wind/snow out.
I will be driving my car up until end of Jan and then leaving it in the driveway for 2 months while away. Have been thinking whether its worth it to use one of these. Concerns (other than it being ugly as shiit) would be (1) does it really keep the elements out (2) during periods of temporary thaws does the inside just turn in to a humid hot box (relatively) encouraging mold etc
Or just leave it in the driveway covered in snow which kind of protects it anyways.
Have done it for a couple years while waiting to build garage. Generally fine. Usually remove the snow from the roof after large dumps. Snow and leaves tend to blow under the door which is no big deal for me. I run an trickle charger and light into the tent and cover the car. My last one worked for 3 years.
Limited experience with them, however my father-in law had one that was under the Shelter Logic brand that lasted about 3 decent sized snow falls. Granted this was on Georgian Bay with some decent winds but it was curbside pick up material in short order. In start contrast I spent 4 years in Quebec where these are a fairly common winter fixture (as in every 3rd or 4th house) so perhaps they are using a superior brand of some sort.
A close buddy has used the for years. Last about 3 years. There have been issues with all of them. One of the reasons I don’t use them a5 the cottage since I am not there all the time. They rip due to wind or snowfall and may collapse or rub up against car.
Get a white one with rounded corners, it will last a lot longer than others. My buddy set one up in the driveway ans has been up for about 4-5 years now. I've known other that used ones with not rounded corners and the tarp always breaks through at those points. Also, UV is the enemy of these things. Over the years looks like the quality went up and they seem to last longer than when they first hit the market.
I did a bit of research on them as we were considering one for the boat. There are quite a few brands out there to choose from all about the same pricepoint, for something that s going to last many years I'd ballpark $1000 as most manufactures offer multiple grades of material. An email I received from Shelter Logic stated that the base level material think Canadian Tire isn't winter rated. Looks like you get what you pay for on this one.
Here is the one I was looking at for less than $500. It has rounded corners and it would be installed above asphalt. The area it would be in is somewhat sheltered from the wind but I would anchor it somehow to the driveway. I would not be around but my son would and could take any excessive snow of it. Still debating...
I bought a heavy duty one a few years ago from Covertech in New Brunswick. The galvanized frame is strong and the vinyl material is much thicker compared to the typical retail ones. It also has two wind straps. It’s held up well so far, but mine is well protected from the wind and UV. I think it is about 10”x 24” x 9” high and around $1800 but you get what you pay for. I don’t need it for cars but it’s great for my other toys.
Yes those winds were pretty intense. I am leaning towards just keeping it in the driveway, let it get covered in snow and that will protect it as well as anything I think. It will only be for 2 months while I am away so will just put it on the trickle charger and be done with it
Yeah, as said, the wind is their enemy. Last week winds took a lot of them away. Problem is that it doesn't lift straight up, it damages whatever is in there on it's way out.
And no shelter is even worse due to freezing rain.
So if you get one, get a good one and ground it solidly
10-26-2019, 04:45 PM
Temporary "garage" for the winter
