Winter Tips For Your Portable Garage or Carport

Winter is one of the most wildly unpredictable times of the year – especially in some parts of the nation. One day it could be snowing an inch an hour and the next day it may be bright and sunny outside.

Here in the Northeast, we have not yet faced a major storm, for the season – but rest assured at least one Nor’easter and some pretty massive windy days are still on the way in.

Here are things you can do to prepare for a big storm and- don’t forget, your cars and stored items are only as secure as your carport is. When the threat of winter is upon your area of the country, make sure that your portable garages and shelters are as safely secured as possible.

The first thing to do when bracing for a big storm is to begin double-checking how you have secured the legs of your portable garage to the ground. The anchors that you use should be properly screwed into the ground and if you are using the portable garage in a windy area, place cinder blocks, sandbags, or other support around the legs for further bracing. Check for any kind of erosion or rust on the support for your portable garage and/or carport – the last thing you want is for your portable shelter to collapse under the weight of a small amount of snow.

If a snowstorm is anticipated, be prepared to clear any snow, ice, or sleet away from the portable garage covering. Placing inordinate amounts of weight on the top of your portable shelter can compromise the integrity of the structure and can cause accidents. If you use your portable shelter to cover yourself while you work on projects, make sure someone is always around or at least in earshot – in case of an emergency, they can help you out.

This is especially important when tools are involved. Your safety is of the utmost concern, so protect yourself when working in the harsh seasons.

Shop for the best Portable Garages at portablegaragedepot.com

How to Have a Memorable Picnic

Now that the month of September has rolled in and Labor Day is behind us, some have had their last picnic for the season. In some parts of the nation, things are just cooling down enough to spend time outdoors. 

Regardless where on the map you’re located, there are a few key ingredients that will make your picnic a memorable one. 

Here are our top 3. 

 

1. Keep it Simple

 

Picnics are such a fun idea because they’re light-hearted and easy going. You can dress comfortably and come and go as you please. Keep it simple when it comes to food and decor too. Make easy to grab finger foods and stick to the basic staples everyone expects at a picnic. 

 

2. Don’t Forget the Utensils

 

One thing most everyone forgets when they’re headed out for a picnic are the utensils. When you’re hoping the macaroni salad will stay cold and that you have enough bread for the burgers and hot dogs, you may forget to grab some extra napkins, or even the large knife needed to slice the watermelon. Do yourself a favor and pack them in advance so they’re not missed in the last minute rush to get out the door. 

 

3. Choose the Right Location 

 

Location is such a critical factor in a good picnic. You wan’t an area that’s dry and cool  – but not too windy. Somewhere you can have privacy to enjoy the meal together – but not where mosquitoes might congregate. If you will be hosting the picnic in your own yard, it makes sense to set up or make use of a portable garage or canopy for the event. You can set-up tables, decorate and even host a number of people without having to worry if the weather will cooperate. 

Portable Garage Depot is your number one source for instant all weather portable garages and portable carport building kits. Our products are available in a myriad of sizes to accommodate anything you may require.

 

How to Properly Winterize a Tractor

If you own a tractor, then you know that they’re not cheap investments. As the temperature drops and the snow begins to fall again, it’s a good time to start thinking about how best to protect your tractor during the winter months. If you don’t want to have to worry about purchasing a new tractor come springtime, then listen up: we’re going to explain how to winterize your tractor the right way.

Change the Oil

First, Make sure your tractor goes into storage with fresh oil. Used engine oil condenses in cold weather, and when that happens, corrosion is likely to ensue. When changing the oil, remember to drain all of the used oil out before filling the engine with fresh oil. This will ensure that that there won’t be any moisture left in the engine.  

Change the Fuel & Add Fuel Stabilizer

If you’re storing your tractor inside, you should fill it with fresh gas and fuel stabilizer. This will protect the tank from corrosion, clogs, and condensation. Be sure to run the engine for a few minutes after you fill the tank with gas / stabilizer to allow the fuel to work its way through the engine. 

Inflate The Tires

Many tractor owners make the mistake of elevating their tires on blocks. While this isn’t a terrible alternative, full inflation is better. Why? The cold winter air is sure to deflate the tires. If the tires are on blocks while this happens, it can put unnecessary stress on them, causing cracks as a result. When you fully inflate the tires on the other hand, you won’t have to worry about this at all. The best part? You can leave the tires attached to the tractor: all you have to do is inflate them. 

Remove the Battery & Top Off Coolant

If you can, remove the battery and keep it in a dry, safe place. In addition, top off your tractor’s coolant levels. With fresh coolant, your tractor will be better equipped to withstand the coming cold. 

Get The Right Shelter For Your Tractor

If indoor storage isn’t an option, then consider investing in a portable garage for your tractor. Shelters of America offers a variety of sturdy solutions that are sure to give your tractor reliable shelter during the cold winter months. 

Consider Doing a Pre-Winter Check on Your Portable Garage

While it may not feel much like fall yet, wintry weather isn’t far off. If you use a portable garage for your vehicle, your motorcycle or simply household items, it’s a good time to check that the unit is in good condition so it continues to protect your valuable property through the winter months.

Portable garages are great solutions for storage needs. They’re quick and easy to put up, durable, affordable, and can be located nearly anywhere on your property you require storage. With proper care, they can last for many years. If you have one already, take a moment to examine its operating condition.

What to Look for In a Portable Garage Inspection

The first thing you want to look for is how well the cover is holding up and whether it’s properly fitted. It should be tight to reduce the risk of tears. The roof should be free of debris. During the fall and winter, ensure that you remove autumn leaves and snow from your portable garage. To avoid damaging it, be sure to use soft instruments such as a dull edged broom or mop, and avoid shovels, rakes or other implements that could accidentally puncture the cover.

Engage in a Little Gentle Elbow Grease

It’s worth taking a moment to clean your portable garage before bad weather begins. To do so, use mild soap and water, and avoid anything harsh (like bleach) or abrasive cleaners, which could damage cover. During the fall and winter, remove leaves and snow from the base of your portable garage to discourage a build-up of moisture that could lead to mold and mildew, or water leaking in and damaging the items you store there.

If your portable garage is in less-than-optimal condition, you can consider replacing the cover (rather than the whole set-up).

Contact us today to place your order!

Kick-off Picnic Season with a Portable Canopy

In just another week we’ll be celebrating Memorial Day 2019 and if your neighborhood is anything like thousands of others around the U.S., then perhaps it also means the start to another wonderful summer season. Picnics and cookouts as well as block parties, and time for the kids to get together and the parents to relax, all while enjoying the comfort of the outdoors.

But there’s one thing that can put a damper on any good cookout, and that’s rain! Most people would agree that standing out the in rain with a soggy hot dog bun and trying to hold a conversation with the neighbor isn’t exactly a good time.

This upcoming picnic season, don’t get caught in the rain or plan your picnics around the weather at all. Instead, get yourself a portable canopy! Then you’ll always have a shelter for people to convene under and never have to worry what the meteorologists are predicting on the morning broadcast.

Plus, your home will be the hotspot. Everyone will want to come gather where you are because there’s shelter and their drinking aren’t getting watered down by the rainfall.

As an added bonus, portable canopies can move with you when needed. Easy set-up and tear down and quality materials make choosing a canopy from Portable Garage Depot a no brainer. Simply roll up the tarps and transport as needed!

Our canopies are made to last and durable. They feature repellant polyester fabric and are also treated to resist UV rays as well as mildew.

Shop our selection of options and styles and pick one that will keep the party going at your house all night long.

SHOP NOW

Daylight Savings is Here! Time to Clean Up the Yard

March 10th is daylight savings. That means more time to spend outdoors. Longer daylight and, yes you guessed it, spring cleaning! While you’re enjoying the few more hours outdoors, pick up a rake, clean up the fallen debris from winter storms and create a plan for keeping your yard clean and neat this season.

If you love heading outside but can’t stand the sight of lawn equipment scattered about and the kid’s toys taking over what was once your oasis, then it’s time to think about investing in a portable shelter.

The spring season is a great time to set up a portable garage because the ground is starting to soften and there’s still time to tidy things up before the summer barbecues and outdoor relaxing happens.

Here are some tips for what you can store in the shelter and how.

Portable Shelter for Equipment

Pick a location in your yard that’s set back and utilize it to store lawn equipment and other clutter so it’s not out under the patio where you’re trying to relax. Not only will it be sheltered from the hard weather, but it will also be covered and less of an eyesore.

Covered Canopy for Patio Furniture and Parties

You can also utilize a covered canopy to host parties and keep guests comfortable without the sun beaming down on them or the possibility of rain throwing a wrench in your plans.

Seasonal Toy Coverage

If you have toys that you don’t use all year round – like ATVs or snowmobiles and need somewhere to store them, a portable garage is an economical and great way to shelter them from the elements and keep them safe when not in use.

Portable Garage Depot carries garage and carport products in a myriad of sizes from temporary or permanent all weather protection. Shop our inventory now!

Order a Boat Shelter in Time for the Spring Season

The winter months have covered much of the nation in cold blankets of snow. However, in less than 30 days, the first day of spring will be here and for many outdoor enthusiasts, it means getting the spring and summer toys ready to use.

For boat lovers, taking them out of storage, cleaning and prepping them for the first outing on the water is an important early step in the season. With just 4 short weeks until the season rolls around for many, now’s the time to order a portable shelter for your boat.

Easily set up the portable shelter in your yard and get to work. Protect your boat and get it in clean and working condition and keep it somewhere that you don’t have to worry about passing eyes, weather ruining the interiors and to keep you warm while you sneak outdoors to give it some updates even with the cold temps still hitting much of the nation.

Shelters of America offers portable boat shelters made of high-grade steel frames and covers that attach to the frame. The triple-layer polyethylene and rip-stop fabric have fade blockers and anti-fungal agents so your shelter always looks great while protecting your boat.

Keep it up for the season to place your boat when you return home after a day on the water and take it down when you no longer need it. That’s the beauty of portable shelters.

The shelters can also be used for other storage needs, a covered area to have a party and more – the uses are versatile and endless.

Shop our different sizes, shapes, and types on the site today!  

6 Reasons to Get a Portable Garage

Portable garages have been around for a long time. They’re a great, cost sensible alternative to building a structure for storage purposes and they can be moved, taken down and rebuilt whenever and wherever needed.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a portable garage but don’t have any extra cars to store or thought they were just for lawn equipment, this list will give you some additional ideas that make getting a portable garage worth it.

Keep reading to learn why!

1. Store Your Lawn Clutter

There’s no homeowner or passerby who likes to look at a messy lawn. Backyards filled with equipment, kid’s toys and stacks of stuff aren’t typically easy on the eye. To avoid annoying neighbors and to keep your valuables out of the wrong person’s sight, use a portable garage. It doesn’t have to be too big and you can still fit your leaf blower, push mower and your kid’s bikes and sports equipment in there for safe keeping.

2. Economical

One of the greatest benefits of a portable garage is that is costs significantly less than having to build a brick and mortar structure on your property. While cheaper isn’t necessarily the best tactic when buying, investing the extra savings in a quality portable garage made of galvanized steel and polyethylene cover will give you the best bang for your buck.

3. Hobby / She-Shed

She Sheds is a trending topic these days. What was once a place for men to get away for some peace of mind, portable garages are now becoming crafting spaces and places, where even women can step away from the days, stresses to unwind.

portable garage

4. Extra Cars and Toys

If you’re someone who likes toys and owns your fair share of weekend cars, bikes and boats then you need somewhere safe to keep these in the off-season so they don’t endure the harsh outdoor elements and become damaged.

greenhouse

5. Greenhouse/Gardening

Depending on where you live, you can invest in a portable garage for extra protection of your flowers, plants, and trees. They work great as small greenhouse kits and can even have lighting added to them as a method to aid in their growth and care.

horses canopy

6. Livestock

In addition to better management of your “things” portable garages can even help you with livestock and animals. Keep your horses and other outdoor animals and their food safe from heavy wind, rain, snow, heat, and other potentially damaging elements.

Portable Garage Depot provides everything you need to protect your valuables. From custom garage and carport frames to covers in a variety of colors and surface anchors that accommodate all applications.

Check out the video below to hear more about why our Portable Garages are the way to go!

Can You Take a Portable Shelter Camping?

Going camping is a favorite pastime for many. It’s also a great time to bond with family and friends or to just disconnect from technology and get back in touch with nature. Whatever the reason you like to go camping, it’s important to take the essentials along with you to make the trip an enjoyable one. Depending on where and how you like to camp that might include a sleeping bag, some basic food, and supplies – or even a tent.

You might be wondering if you can take a portable shelter camping too. The answer is. Yes!

Additional Cover

If you’re setting up a dedicated spot for your family to stay for a few days you might want to create a space where you can sit and eat meals. Quickly set-up a portable shelter like a canopy to cover the table and gathering area. This will offer shade during the day as well as protection from rain should inclement weather pop up while you’re camping.

While braving the wilderness is part of the experience, having somewhere to get some cover can be a great relief if rain, snow or high winds occur during your trip.

Portable, Easy Set-up

Portable shelters are also a great option to take with you while camping because they are easy to move. If you want to take it over to the river with you but bring it back for dinner, all you need is someone to give you a hand and remove the stakes and tie downs to then relocate it for your convenience throughout the camping adventure.

Shelters of America carries a large selection of canopies, shelters and portable garages and carports to meet varied needs. The instant storage buildings are durable and made of galvanized steel frames. Whether you’re looking to store farm equipment and livestock or somewhere to keep your RV when its offseason – there’s something for everyone!

SHOP TODAY.

Portable Shelters & Camping

The spring and summer months are the most common times of year to go camping. This fun activity offers a great opportunity to disconnect from our mobile devices and hectic lifestyle and reconnect with nature and family and friends. Whether you prefer to rough it out in the wilderness with bare necessities or park your RV at a more accommodating campground, there are ways having a portable shelter along for the ride (other than your tent) can be beneficial.

Here are some of the ways a portable shelter can make your camping experience more enjoyable.

Easy to Transport

“Pack lightly!”

That’s the advice you’ll typically get when you tell someone you’re going camping. After all, you’re there to enjoy nature and what it has to offer, not lug around half of your possessions. The great thing about portable shelters is that they are easy to transport. Depending on the type and size you can take them down and put them up without much effort and they can pack up nicely.  Carports and other smaller covered canopies are great for a covered picnic area and can remain pitched until your camping trip is over.

Protection from the Elements

Nothing’s worse than a day of fun outside spoiled by adverse weather conditions. Heavy rainfalls, beaming hot sun and windy conditions can all make being outside borderline unbearable. With a portable shelter, you’ll have adequate protection from the elements. Not only are they designed to retain heat if needed but with suitable ventilation standing under them makes sense when the weather isn’t cooperating. Give yourself a chance to dry off, eat with fewer flies around and get out of the harmful sun’s rays for a bit.

Shelters of America has everything you need to store and shelter your belongings. Our instant storage buildings are made with galvanized steel frames to ensure true All-Weather protection from sun, wind, rain, ice, and snow. Our inventory includes truck covers to instant shelters, boat covers, car garages, garage kits, portable shelters, portable garages, carports, car covers, portable buildings, motorcycle covers, metal carports and metal buildings.