Winter storage options

[Uncle Gump]

I really don't want the Bronco sitting outside all winter again. I'm going to look into some indoor storage... I'm afraid of what that cost. My single car garage is full and storing there is just not gonna happen.

I've thought about one of those tarp garages but I also don't have room to set it up on the driveway. I can get the Bronco in the back yard via the alley... but no pad to park on. Is having some crushed stone or gravel worth doing opposed to leaving it sit on grass? Probably wouldn't increase property value having a gravel pad. But then again... with the small driveway and modifying the fence with a gate and a parking pad in the back certainly wouldn't decrease values and might be bonus for some future buyer.

Just looking for opinions and thoughts.

 

[55trucker]

I have been renting a storage unit for our older classic car for 16 years.
Up here storage fees are just stupid expensive for individuals just getting into a space now seeing that there are no rent restrictions on commercial/industrial places.

If it's a vehicle you intend on keeping for (forever) then go ahead get one.
If you can write off the expense of one well that's even better.

Where I am we're paying $280CAN for a 10'x26'.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Ya know... I would pay that if the space could be used to work on it. But that I assume is going to be a stretch to make happen.

 

[55trucker]

Well my eldest son has one in the same complex as well (20x26), we've been there so long aaaaaaaannnnnnnd we do get away with working on our vehicles in there & the landlord turns a blind eye because we're good tenants.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Around here the big thing is storing vehicles in an old limestone mine. Dad was paying to keep his 79 in supposedly climate controlled storage there, but it came back a bit rusty. It was rather expensive too, all things considered.

Those tarp sheds are at best a 2 year thing, sometimes one. At least around here. Snow is rather hard on them.

I would say probably the best bang for the buck would be putting one of those metal carport things in the back, slope the dirt if you can, put stone or better get a concrete slab.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I would just rent a space. Sometime guys I know rent garages for storage too.

In winter you won't be doing much to your BII in a tent anyway.

Save money to put up a big shop when you get home in Michigan.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would just rent a space. Sometime guys I know rent garages for storage too.

In winter you won't be doing much to your BII in a tent anyway.

Save money to put up a big shop when you get home in Michigan.

I was thinking that too. It would also be less labor intensive.

On the other hand... I just think it would be a nice option come time to sell. The new owner could store a boat (lots of boats being on the Illinois river) or a camper... utility trailer... etc

 

[rumblecloud]

If your just looking for storage - short term - and not a work space, the tent/structure isn't bad. More money gets better quality. Lots of folks out here use them for the animals (horses, goats etc.), hay storage too.

I'm thinking of one for my tractor and implements..

 

[Shran]

Those tent garages don't last long in the wind here. The covering gets ripped to shreds pretty quick.

I know lots of guys who rented "storage" units that had power so they worked relatively well for working on vehicles. Since they were basically metal pole barns with steel partitions inside, there is basically zero temperature control and lots of heat was needed to make it warm enough to work in, but it's totally doable. Just have to find a storage place that won't mind you working on things... they may be more willing to let you do that vs a 22 year old kid who will probably leave a mess.

 

[sgtsandman]

I’m with lil_Blue_Ford, a carport is the way to go. It doesn’t have to be full sided all the way around. Just a roof makes a huge difference.

Instead of gravel, maybe parking it on some 24” stone pavers will get you by.

As far as the roof material, if you go the route I took, don’t go cheap. Buy a good vinyl tarp. They last for years and hold up better to wind than even a good canvas tarp will. Poly tarps might last a winter but not much more than that.

 

[Bill]

Winter isn't a problem in this half of the country. Salt is only used for the worst storms, and then, only on bridges and other problem areas. It's the heat and UV that destroys things. I'm currently looking for that type of electrical tape to rewrap a few wiring harnesses because the heat breaking the tape down after 15 years.

 

[JoshT]

I'm currently looking for that type of electrical tape to rewrap a few wiring harnesses because the heat breaking the tape down after 15 years.

What type of tape would that be. I typically use 3M Super 33 when messing with electrical, but don't know how it actually holds up over time. I've got some wiring harnesses to build or repair in the (hopefully) not too distant future. If there is something better to use to wrap I'd be interested in getting some.

I know a lot of people like Tesa tape which is more of a woven fabric. I've got some of that for interior harness, but I'm not too sure about using it in the engine bay or under the vehicle in a dusty, dirty environment.

 

[Bill]

What type of tape would that be. I typically use 3M Super 33 when messing with electrical, but don't know how it actually holds up over time. I've got some wiring harnesses to build or repair in the (hopefully) not too distant future. If there is something better to use to wrap I'd be interested in getting some.

I know a lot of people like Tesa tape which is more of a woven fabric. I've got some of that for interior harness, but I'm not too sure about using it in the engine bay or under the vehicle in a dusty, dirty environment.

It's vinyl electrical tape without the adhesive backing that is used for wiring harnesses. The adhesive on standard electrical tape softens with high temperatures and can allow the spirals of tape to slide around. If it isn't under the hood or in hot weather, 3M products are usually the best you can buy. They do have high temperature tape, but it's still not the right product for under the hood.

 

[Roert42]

I like the idea of a gravel driveway out back with a metal/wood carport over top. Maybe walls on the long side, or some kind of lattice or something to keep the snow from drifting up on the truck.

Like you said, good place to put a boat or camper or something.

Thinking about doing something like that for my tractor so it's easier to get at after it snows.

 

[Uncle Gump]

If I were planning on staying I would probably do a permanent structure. It also sounds like I would be dealing with the city if I chose to go that route. I don't want to do that.

I've looked at a couple better "tent" type garages... they can be spendy.

I also found a place near where I just moved from. Clean barn with concrete floors and you rent a space for $110 a month.

Still thinking...