temporary shelter

Anonymous Poster · Dec 2, 2002

I've been building a shelter using 3/4 PVC pipe and lot's of "T" to create a shelter. I figure or hope to have it complete by tomorrow late. Will be 12' wide, 30' long, and 10' high. I have a 20 X 30 for the roof and some old tarps that I will wrap the sides with. Total investment will be around $150.00 This is the start of my roof system. I'll take a few more pics as I progress.

Mark_in_NH · Dec 2, 2002

Larry,
I know your yearly snow fall isn't as much as we get further North but my first question and concern has to be.
Do you feel that the PVC pipe is going to hold up safely under the weight of a good snow fall ?
I know from experiance the stress of walking out in the AM to find my old 1 5/8 " (thin wall) pipe and tarp canopy collapsed around my new truck due to snow load. It took me a couple of hours to dig the snow off and find my truck with a few minr dents.
I would hate to see anything similar happen to you.

Anonymous Poster · Dec 2, 2002

I have a 4/12 pitch, which really isn't quite enough, however, I have a lot of cross bracing that will hopefully be done tomorrow. I guess time will tell, I want to do something and kind of in a hurry

Anonymous Poster · Dec 3, 2002

I am assuming this shelter will have a dirt floor. If so you might want to consider putting down black poly sheeting on the floor. It keeps the moisture from coming up from the dirt and condensing/collecting on your tractor. You can use a few pea gravels or boards to hold it in place.

Ben in KY

Anonymous Poster · Dec 3, 2002

Only problem now is, it is 3 degrees below zero wind chill factor. My thermometer reads an even ten degrees. Everything now is frozen stiff, including me that just came in. I went to Lowe's down in Hartford Ct, and bought 8 one inch pipe and adapters, 3/4 to 1.. The one inch will hold up the 3/4 roof system which I am adding 10 more lengths too for snow support. Hopefully, it will work.

Molerj · Dec 3, 2002

I hope I'm wrong, but I'm thinking; wind, cold, snow, snap, crackle, pop.

kodiac · Dec 6, 2002

I have seen many times driving around these (CARPORTS). I guess a metal frame with a heavy duty tarp covering it. Most of the sides and ends are open. They look to be about 10x12 to maybe 12x16. Probably 10ft high in the middle. I think they are only $600-$800. They certainly would be a quick solution if one doesn't have the time or money to build a pole barn or garage to get the machine somewhat out of the weather. Right now mine just sits out with a tarp covering it.
Dave

Anonymous Poster · Dec 6, 2002

We've had another 8" of snow. Just got in from doing the schools. I will pick up on the project again tomorrow and Sunday. Hopefully, I'll finally have it done. 1" PVC to stand this system up, the rest being 3/4 with lots of cross bracing. I'll take ssome pics of it tomorrow as it progresses.

Mosey · Dec 6, 2002

lamarbur - Some of the folks who have responded have politely tried to tell you that this is probably going to be a failure. Listen to them! PVC is not going to hold up. You said you will have $150 invested. Have you been to Kmart or Walmart and looked at what they have for that much or less?

Take a look at this post:

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=projects&Number=159128&page=&view=&sb=&o=&vc=1>Cheap Tractor Shelter</A>

Mark_in_NH · Dec 6, 2002

Mosey,
The canopy that Ranchman posted pictures of in that post is exactly like the ones I had used. In fact I had two of them placed end to end, securely anchored with side and end tarps.
The rear one was for junk and storage and I parked my truck in the front one. They were only $200 a piece and although they solved the problem temporarily, they Are Most Definatly a Fair Weather type shelter.
There lack of strength and inability to hold any more then a couple of inches of wet snow, without going out to clean it off is the very reason I gave up on them and invested in a better product.