I'm thinking of having one of those metal carports put up. I plan on getting one big enough to park my camper under and also a utility tractor. I'm figuring about 36 X 24 X 12 walls. Has anyone had one of these installed for them by one of those "nationwide" companies? There's not really anyone local and I'm a little apprehensive about getting one over the internet without knowing anything about the company.

 

Carolina Carports - Dealer Locator
Not sure where you are but, Carolina Carports has a good rep here in VA, NC, and NY

 

Well they are a great quick garage, things to think about.....

1. Depends on where you live, maybe no building codes apply? Because it is or can be considered a NON permanent structure. Still ck local codes in your state, they might have some rules...?

2. Sometimes no additional property tax due to once again it a "none permanent structure". Not like a in ground shop or garage.

3.Talk to your insurance company about coverage on a "non permanent structure"/car port. And see if your house insurance changes if it is attached to your home. Even a covered walk way to it might make it "attached" in there eyes???

4.Think about and look into the wind direction that come across your property, that should be considered when placing them. Especially if you are planning on closing in one end...see pic.

5. If you just get just the cart port (top and partial sides) you and a buddy can finish the side metal all the way down, alot cheaper. And even enclose the end and prep the other end for a garage door. A real tall one can have a garage door put in, in a snap.

6. REALLY get the install business information on anchor points, 3 or 4 ft long 1/2 rebar? Mobile home drive in anchor's ? 6"x 2' or 3' deep in ground poured concrete with 1/2 all thread or anchor bolts??

I got this one off the Craigslist for 400 bucks, I had to take it down. Mine is a 18wx20L, 7 1/2 side walls, 10 1/2 peak height. I enclosed the sides and end myself, I put 6' privacy fence on the end, enclosed the peak/cross bar gap but still had a decent air gap.....and this happened.

"Carolina" does them all in my area, do not know if there was there product or not. I bought it an hr away and did the install myself....and I failed at the anchor points design. Yes it has been redesigned and re-anchored. We used a back hoe and a skid steer to get it off my truck and set swung back over back down slowly.

 

Yes, tie-down / anchor points are kind of important. Neighbor is getting ready to install one. Put in footers 12" deep by 10" wide, along each wall length. Might be overkill but, it's harder for the wind to pick up all that concrete.

 

Well all I even seen was the rebar anchor, little did I know or could ever imagine. I have seen some handle some pretty good wind in my area before.

Also important is how the up rights are attached to the bottom piece. A few tack welds on a bracket then some sheet metal screws is FAIL.

 

As the pic above illustrates the wind is definitely a consideration but don't forget about the snow load either. Even if you are in an area that doesn't typically get much you need to take that into consideration when choosing a system.

 

Panther Creek Car Ports,bought 2 From WAL-MART
been up about a dozen years now,few hurricanes etc & a few major snow storms.Put em up with help from my Son in law.

 

I have put together a few versa tube units. Very strong. I beefed mine up with 4' screw in ground anchors.
Www.versatube.com

You can buy them at Lowes Menard's and home depot.

 

That's a snow load !