Storage Container Questions...

ultrarunner · Nov 27, 2013

Thinking about a sea-going container for extra storage.

Don't know much about them.

What are the things to look for when buying.

Any info on prices would help also... this would be in the SF Bay Area.

I have a PJ 12,000 rated trailer that should be able to carry it with blocking or is it better to have delivered.

Stimw · Nov 27, 2013

They make excellent storage, I have a 20'er and a 48' semi refer with the axles removed.
I have repaired them, driven them on chassis's, hauled them on Landoll's and picked up and delivered them for a rental/storage company!
NEVER buy one that has fiberglass sides (FRP). They will deteriorate.
Make sure the doors swing kinda free, there were some that the hinge pins corroded and were hard to move.
Check roof for rust and dented down so water pools.
Just check overall, there are some not worth having.
A 20'er weighs over 5000# and if you are not set up to move one you are better off paying someone.

hawkeye08 · Nov 27, 2013

I too have been thinking of getting one or more. The prices have increased here, a few years ago, 2000-2500 for 40', now the 20' ones are that much and the 40's up to double. I would like some extra storage, my wife is convinced I have enough storage and she does not want to block our view. You might need to check zoning in your area.

travlitt · Nov 27, 2013

I have a 40 footer and I built a equipment shed and attached it to it..Wouldn't be without it.

Uncle Doug · Nov 27, 2013

Do you set them flat on the ground or do you block them up? Seem like once they are dropped off they would be hard to move or raise up.

ultrarunner · Nov 28, 2013

Zoning is a grey area in that anything that is "Temporary" has wiggle room.

A neighbor bought a 28' tag trailer that is enclosed and having wheels and tags makes it ok...

Container without wheels could be a problem is someone complained and that could happen if it could be seen.

Just seems a container would be less expensive and more secure than a enclosed trailer.

ttriff · Nov 28, 2013

Bought a pair of 20'ers 6 mo ago.

Price depends on their grade.

The best are called "one trippers" these are built in China, filled once with goods bound for the US, are unloaded then shipped to the end buyer. For all intents and purposes they're in mint condition. Most are white or tan, and have no commercial logos. They have the latches located 18" higher than than a standard boxes so one doesn't have to stoop over to unlock them when placed on the ground. Most have a hooded lock box so one padlock secures both doors

Used containers come in any condition. They will be dented, have rust, how much determines the price.
Here's a link to grades of containers Container Traders

I looked at used boxes and decided that the $500 up charge for "one trippers" was well worth the cost IF one was going to go to the trouble of removing the rust and painting a used Conex box

Living at 8500' in the Colo mtn I was worried about pricing and delivery (it's a long way to any deep water port). I ended up buying from Independent Cargo Container Service . They were significantly less expensive than any of my 'local' resellers.

Do you set them flat on the ground or do you block them up? Seem like once they are dropped off they would be hard to move or raise up.

My ground is sloped so one end is on the ground the other leveled with concrete blocks.

The ends can be raised with a hydraulic bottle jack.

They can be moved with a tractor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbeSidv6wCA