Build a Portable Garage for Boat and RV Storage

When people buy a boat or RV, they think about visiting new locations with loved ones and making memories together. They typically give less thought to the issue of where to store the vehicle when they’re not using it. A portable garage is an ideal location.

Why You Should Invest in a Portable Garage

Temperature fluctuations, direct sunlight, rain, snow, wind, pollen, insects, and animals are just some of the many hazards that can damage your vacation vehicle. You should store your boat or RV inside a shelter where it will be shielded from those potential sources of damage. 

The garage at your house is most likely not suitable for the job. Even if you have space available, the structure is probably not tall or wide enough to accommodate a boat or RV.

Renting space at a storage facility is an option, but it can be costly. It can also be a hassle to drive back and forth from your home to a storage area whenever you want to inspect, clean, or work on your boat or RV or when you need to load it up with supplies to prepare for a trip.

A portable garage can give your boat or RV the protection that it needs, save you money in the long run, and give you easy access to the vehicle at any time. Storage buildings come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate even the largest vehicles. 

How to Choose the Right Place for Your Portable Garage

You’ll have to find a location that’s level and free of trees, bushes, large rocks, and other obstructions. The site that you select should also be in a place that’s easily accessible. A boat or RV is large and difficult to maneuver, so you’ll need to find a spot where you’ll be able to move the vehicle in and out without too much trouble. 

Once you’ve chosen a suitable location, you’ll discover that setting up a portable garage is surprisingly easy. You and a family member or friend can get the job done in a few hours with some simple tools. 

Order a Storage Building to Protect Your Boat or RV

A boat or RV is a significant financial investment. You’ll want to protect it from damage so you and your family can enjoy it for as long as possible. A portable garage is a simple, affordable, and convenient solution. 

Portable Garage Depot offers a wide range of storage buildings to suit vehicles of all sizes. They’re easy to set up and have steel frames and durable covers that can stand up to severe weather. Order a portable garage today.

Getting Ready to Store Your RV for the Winter

As the end of summer approaches, you may be planning to take one last camping trip with your RV. Then you’ll have to get it ready to go into storage for the winter. An RV can experience several types of damage during the colder months, but a handful of simple steps can help you avoid problems.

Clean the RV Inside and Out

Before you put your RV into storage, go through it and remove any perishable food. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer and leave them, as well as cabinets and drawers, open. You should also clean the A/C filter as you prepare your RV for winter.

The sun’s UV rays can cause your RV’s paint to fade and can make exterior materials dry out and crack. Wash and wax the RV’s exterior to prevent damage.

Protect Your RV’s Interior

Vents and spaces around windows are potential access points for insects and small animals, such as rodents. If they get into your RV, they can cause significant damage. Cover vents and seal any gaps to keep critters out.

You should also lubricate any hinges and locks on doors and windows. That way, they will be easy to open and close in the spring.

Your RV’s interior can be damaged by exposure to sunlight. Closing the blinds is a simple way to avoid that.

Protect Your Vehicle’s Vital Components

Turn off any gas appliances, the supply of gas, and the main breaker that supplies electricity to the RV. Remove dry cell batteries from appliances.

Before you put the RV into winter storage, remove the batteries. Keep them charged in a safe, temperature-controlled location so they don’t freeze.

Fill up the RV’s gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Let the engine and generator run long enough for the fuel stabilizer to work its way through the fuel system. Change the oil and oil filter for both the engine and generator.

Check the tires and make sure that they’re inflated to the recommended pressure. Put wood underneath the tires so they’re not in direct contact with the ground. That can prevent damage to the tires if the ground freezes.

Look for Issues and Make Repairs

As you go through the process of preparing your RV for winter, check for signs of problems. Cracks and gaps around windows damaged electrical components, and other issues can get worse if they’re not addressed before winter and the RV is exposed to harsh weather and animals. Get any problems taken care of before you put your RV into winter storage.

Order a Portable Shelter to Protect Your RV This Winter

Many problems, such as sun and animal damage, can be avoided by keeping your vehicle covered. Portable Garage Depot sells storage shelters in a wide range of sizes, including ones that are tall enough to cover an RV. Order a shelter today to keep your RV safe this winter.

Why You Should Get a Portable Garage For Your RV

Whether you’re an avid camper or road trip connoisseur, RV’s provide a lot of spacious and flexible travel room. Even though RV’s may be sturdy, they are generally not indestructible. Just like any other vehicle, RV’s require protection from the elements. But if you don’t have a garage on your property, how can you accomplish this? The answer is simple: get a portable garage!

A Shield From The Elements

The number one reason to invest in a portable garage for your RV is protection. Rain, sleet, hail, snow, and the rays of the sun can all wreak havoc on your RV. With a portable garage, you can easily avoid this problem. Just park your RV underneath it when you’re not driving it, and you’re good to go!

Easy to Move

If you’re doing work on your house or having a lot of guests over, it can be beneficial to have a garage that you can actually pick up and move. In addition, if you do go on road trips, then wouldn’t it be nice to be able to bring the garage with you? While this can’t be accomplished with a traditional garage, it can be done with a portable garage.

Ready to Check Out Some Portable RV Garages?

Shelters of America has everything you need. If you don’t find something specific that you like, then don’t worry–you can customize everything! Shop RV shelters now!  

Tips for Storing Your RV During Usage Season

Summer is almost here, and many families will be setting out on vacation in an RV. Those trips may only last a week or two, and during the rest of the season, the RV will need to be kept in storage. Here are some tips to protect your camper when you aren’t using it.

Keep Moisture out to Prevent Mold

If moisture accumulates inside an RV in storage, it can lead to mold. The presence of mold could create a health hazard for your family and could make the RV unusable for the remainder of the summer. The best way to ventilate the interior of an RV and keep it dry is to leave the vents in the roof open while the vehicle is not being used. Don’t completely seal off the windows because if water leaks into the RV, the lack of ventilation and air circulation can lead to mold.

Keep Pests out of Your RV

Insects and rodents can enter an RV in storage through tiny holes. Once inside, they can chew through the interior, including electrical wires, which can cause major damage and may render the RV inoperable. They can also leave urine and feces, which can affect human health.

Walk around the RV and cover or screen any openings on the outside. Pay particular attention to the plumbing vents, refrigerator vents, furnace exhaust, and air intake piping. Remove any potential food sources from the RV after you return home from your trip and before you put the vehicle in storage to avoid attracting pests.

Where to Store Your RV This Summer

An RV should be stored in a secure location. A garage is ideal, but most people don’t have a space large enough for a vehicle of that size. If you don’t want to pay to keep your RV at a storage yard, you can store it on your property.

A portable shelter is a good alternative to a traditional garage. It can be set up on a level surface and can protect your RV from rain, wind, rodents, and insects so it will be in excellent condition the next time you decide to take a family trip this summer.

Shelters of America offers portable garages in a wide range of sizes and styles to suit virtually every need. We even have shelters that are large enough to accommodate an RV. Our portable storage buildings have steel support frames and polyethylene covers to protect vehicles from the elements. Order a portable garage from Shelters of America today to keep your RV safe.

5 RV Components To Check Before Driving It This Spring

We know you’re excited that spring is finally here—so are we–but before you embark on the 1st camping trip of the season, it’s important to make sure you dewinterize your RV the right way. If you don’t, you could find yourself in a tough spot. Don’t risk it; It won’t take that long, we promise. Ready? Inspect these 5 essential parts of your RV before you do anything.

1. Batteries: Are They Fully Charged?

If your RV has been in hibernation for awhile, then there’s a good chance that they’ve lost a considerable amount of juice. In fact, batteries tend to discharge up to 10% a month while in storage. If you did not check your RV’s batteries regularly while it was in storage, don’t sweat it. Just make sure to charge it fully now. If you’re using lead acid batteries, add distilled water. Remember that this rule only applies to acid lead batteries;if you are adding distilled water, only do so after the batteries are fully charged.

2. Water System: How Clean Is Your Water?

Whether your RV was dewinterized with non-toxic antifreeze or not, you should empty the fresh water holding tank and flush the entire system with clean water. To do this, bring a bucket of water from your house, add it to the fresh water holding tank, turn the water pump on, and open all of the fixtures. Let the water run for 15 – 20 minutes. This will ensure that your system gets a thorough cleaning.

3. Plumbing: Got Any Leaks?

The last thing you need on your upcoming road or camping trip is an annoying leak. That’s why before heading out for the spring, you should pressurize the water system by letting your pump run until it shuts off. If the water pump automatically turns back on, there is a leak somewhere.

4. Exhaust System: Is Your Generator Working Properly?

We recommend running your generator periodically while its in storage, but if you didn’t do that this time around, don’t worry. The goal here is to see if your exhaust system has suffered any damages. Check for damages before starting the generator; never run a generator with a broken exhaust system. If you don’t see any glaring issues, start the generator for about 2 hours with at least a half-rated load. Consult your generator’s owner’s manual for load ratings. If the generator won’t start, or you hear any kind of knocking noises, shut it down immediately, and contact a repair professional.

5. Tires & Safety Devices: Are You Prepared For The Worst?

Your tires will have lost a considerable amount of pressure when you remove it from storage. Before driving anywhere, make sure that all tires–including the spare–are filled to the correct PSI. Similarly, you should check to ensure that your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detector, and fire extinguishers are working properly.

3 Reasons to Shelter Your RV With a Carport

Unlike a standard SUV or sedan, most RV’s and campers do not act as daily drivers. Primarily designed for road trips and camping, it’s common for these behemoths to stay stationary for extended periods of time. Whether they’re hibernating for the winter, or taking a short summer break, RV’s and campers need to be properly protected from the elements.

Traditional Storage Units Can Be Pricey

One go-to solutions for some people is rent out a storage space specifically designed to house these big vehicles; however, these facilities typically charge a monthly fee. if you want to save money while retaining the benefits of adequate RV storage, then carports offer the best bang for your buck.  Here’s 3 additional reasons why you should protect your RV or camper with a carport

1. Carports Give you Instant Access To Your Vehicle

When you house your RV in a rental space, you have to travel there whenever you need to pick it up; conversely, a carport allows you to store and protect your vehicle on your property. While it may not see as much action as your daily driver, it should still be made accessible to you should you ever need to drive it.

2. Carports Provide Exterior Protection

As with any vehicle, it’s important for your RV or camper to be protected from the elements. When exposed to scorching hot temperatures, the paint will begin to fade. When no barrier exists between your vehicle and the sun’s beating rays, the vinyl or rubber on the outside of your RV will start to crack. Similarly, in the winter time, hail, freezing rain, and falling trees can damage the exterior too.

3. Carports Provide Interior Protection

These same principles apply to the interior as well: the sun’s rays can pierce the exterior, causing the materials inside your RV–your seats, dashboard, and living area–to fade. Both frigid cold and piping hot temperatures will lessen the energy efficiency of the vehicle too. This will make it harder for the RV to maintain a consistent living temperature.

Ready to Protect Your Investment? Check Out Our RV Storage Solutions!

If you’re serious about protecting your RV with a carport, then you’ve come to the right place! Shelters of America offers steel carports specifically designed to house your RV. Available in 3 sizes: 12’x15,’ 18’x28,’ and 30’x42.’ Browse our RV storage shelters today.

 

 

Prepping Your Boat and Bike for Storage

With the cooler weather quickly approaching, you’ll most likely find that you don’t need your boat or bike anymore and you’ll need to place it in storage. Having a storage spot will not only help ensure that the boat or bike stays dry and warm but it’ll also give you the peace of mind until you’re ready to break the toys out once again in the spring. Here’s why a portable shelter is the best option for you and how you can prep your boat and bike for the treacherous winter conditions.

Why a portable shelter?

Unlike other storage options, portable shelters are not only moveable but they are also able to fit any shape or size of the toy, whether it be a rowboat or a fishing boat. You can also select a portable shelter made of galvanized steel which has a much longer lifespan than those made of powder coated steel if you desire. Other storage options can also be extremely expensive and will not be able to fit larger boats and toys. Portable shelters come in a variety of shapes and sizes to help avoid this.

Prepping your boat

Both winter weather conditions and long periods of storage can affect your boat meaning costly repairs and a lot of maintenance in the spring. Before storing your boat in your shelter, you will want to change the oil, fill the tank with gas, and refresh the coolant system. This will help prevent the corrosion of your engine as well as help the engine parts from freezing.

You will also want to disconnect the battery. Leaving the battery in will most likely cause it to drain and die. Instead, take it out and charge it every so often so that when it’s time to start boating again, it will be fully charged and ready to go.

Prepping your motorcycle

Much like a boat and RV, a motorcycle requires some maintenance before storage to help ensure that come warmer weather, it will be in drivable condition. You will want to top of the tank, get an oil change, and remove the battery but you will also want to fill your tires to the maximum recommended volume and rotate the front tire once a week. This will help prevent flat spots.

If you’re not sure what kind of portable shelter is right for you, we have a custom quote form that allows us to get a sense of what storage shelter you need. You can also contact us at Shelters of America and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Getting Your RV or Camper Ready for Winter

While fall is just beginning and winter seems very far away, it’s really right around the corner. And while many travel south to avoid the freezing weather, many RV owners choose to store their RV for the cold months. If this is you, there are a few things to do to protect your ride.

Here are some steps to take to get your RV ready for winter and ready to be stored.

Prepare the Plumbing

You’ll want to prepare your plumbing from freezing which means draining all the tanks, draining the water heater, and draining the fresh water. If your RV has a washer/dryer and ice maker, you will also want to follow the manufacturer’s steps to protect those appliances. You will then want to use an RV antifreeze or air pressure to blow out all the remaining water. Antifreeze is the surest method to guarantee that your pipes will not freeze.

Decide What to Do with the Battery

There are a few options when it comes to the RV battery. If you’re not storing the RV in a location where AC power is available then it’s best to take the starting battery out and store it in a place where it won’t freeze. A discharged battery is more likely to freeze than a full one so if possible, charge it about once a month. If you don’t wish to disconnect from your RV, then it’s important to disconnect them. This will help keep the battery from draining. Again, you will want to top off the charge about once a month to help it from freezing.

Fill Gas & Get an Oil change

While it may seem a bit strange to fill your RV up with gas before storing it, it will help prevent condensation in the tank. As for the oil change, used motor oil contains acidic compounds that can cause corrosion and damage inside the damage.

Cover it up!

Most importantly, use a portable garage to store your RV. While it may be tempting to just throw a tarp over your RV, the plain plastic allows moisture to build up which means bad news. A portable garage, made of heavy-duty structural steel frames, can withstand heavy winds, rain, and snow. Plus, when you’re not using them for your RV, they also double as a storage space for your equipment, tools, tractors, etc.

There are so many storage options for your RV’s and other toys. Ready to buy? Have questions? Contact us at Portable Garage Depot and we can answer any questions that you might have!

Order a Portable Garage to Protect Your Camper or RV

portable garage camper RVMany families enjoy spending the summer months traveling across the United States in a camper or RV. This can be a fun way to relax, spend time together, and see many of the sites and attractions the country has to offer.

Campers and RVs Need Protection from the Weather

If you have spent the summer traveling in a camper or RV with your family, you want to keep your vehicle in good condition so you can enjoy it again in the future. Even though RVs are large, they can become damaged by weather and intense sunlight just like other vehicles. This is why it is important to protect your RV when it is not being used.

The best place to store a camper or RV is in a garage, but many typical garages are not tall or wide enough for these large vehicles. If you cannot fit your camper or RV in your garage, there is another alternative that can keep it protected from the weather. You can buy a portable garage from Carport Depot and set it up in your yard.

Benefits of Storing Your Camper or RV in a Portable Garage

A portable garage is an excellent place to store a camper or RV in the off-season. It can provide protection from rain, snow, and the sun’s UV rays so your camper will be in good condition when you are ready to use it again next year.

Our portable garages for RVs are designed to be strong and durable. They are made from heavy-duty steel frames that can stand up to all kinds of weather, including rain, snow, and strong winds. The polyethylene cover will protect your RV from precipitation and the sun’s UV rays that could cause the paint to peel, crack, or fade. We offer portable garages in a variety of sizes to suit any RV or camper.

Order a Portable Garage for Your RV or Camper

If you have a camper or RV that you enjoy using with your family during the summer, you need to protect it when it is not being used to keep it in excellent shape. This can help ensure that you will be able to use it to enjoy spending quality time with your family for many years to come. Order a portable garage for your camper or RV from Carport Depot today.

A Portable Shelter Can Protect Your Camper Once the Summer Is Over

camper storageMany people enjoy spending the summer in an RV at a campground or taking a trip across the country, but when cold weather arrives, it is time to store the camper. A portable storage building offers all-weather protection for your camper or RV.

Our camper storage buildings come in a variety of sizes to fit any type of RV. They can also provide protection for other vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and ATVs.

Our portable storage buildings are constructed with high-quality powder-coated or double-galvanized steel frames for strength and sturdiness to stand up to even the harshest weather. The frames bolt together for easy assembly.

We offer several design styles to match your individual storage needs. You can store your camper in a Quonset round style shelter, peak style, or truss building. Round storage shelters allow rain and snow to run off easily, keeping your camper or other vehicle dry and reducing the amount of weight on the cover. If you choose a peak or house style building, you will have a high center and additional space on the sides to have access to your camper. A large truss style portable building offers the greatest amount of storage space.

All of our portable storage shelters are covered with heavy-duty material designed to withstand the elements. Our covers are made of UV-resistant, fire-retardant, rip-stop polyethylene material with heat seam construction to provide the best protection for your valuable camper or RV.

If you own a camper, you want to protect it from harsh winter weather so that you will be able to enjoy it again next summer. Now is the time to begin thinking about how you will store your camper once the weather turns cold.