Outside Storage for Implements

I don't have any out buildings and am toying with putting up a covered struture to keep implemnets under. How strong would a framework similar to a quonset hut be made from sections of 3/4 or 1" PVC be? I could insert the ends into metal rods driven into the ground. Then I'd cover the frame with a tarp.

Any thoughts/advice/warnings appreciated.


Larry in Michigan

The concept you speak of is a very common method of building a temporary green house covered with fairly clear plastic. I would think with a small amount of frame to frame bracing it would provide a sturdy frame for your plastic covering.I would provide some frame to ground tie downs ,maybe something like those auger in anchors used for different projects.Closing the ends to keep the wind out would be issue #1 I would think. The larger the structure the larger the PVC pipe rerquired,in some instances a tube inside a tube may be a good idea.1 1/2" PVC is good for about 20' wide structures. Wider than that would require larger tubes and here is where the tube inside a tube starts to become involved.Just my op's on this subject. I built a 16'X30' greenhouse using this method and ended up storing 3 small tractors in it for some one until the plastic let go and that ended that. The Idea is sound but plastic covering is not a long range solution to keeping the weather out.I don't know how these plastic tarps would handle the UV's etc. and I think a fabric tarp would not be the total answer either. A covering with some built in longivety seems to be your largest obstacle IMO.Good luck.Jh

If you want something fast and movable you can get those portable garage things that are like what you describe. They hold up pretty well as far as I have heard.
Zach

You can buy a kit to build what you are wanting for very reasonable prices. A company near me here in Iowa has them. wwwFarmTek.com.

The biggest problem would be the longevity of the tarps and also seeing you're from Michigan, snow-load.
If you decide to purchase a quonset hut be careful with FarmTek. I purchased a quonset hut from them in 2003. It took numerous phone calls and emails to get all the parts. They ended up not giving me all the parts and pieces and some of the pieces needed to be modified to fit. The instructions were ok but if you aren't used to construction or can't visualize the way things connect you will be lost.
Also my tarp failed after only 7yrs. They have a 15yr warranty but that doesn't mean you get a new tarp free if it fails before then.
They are less expensive than some buildings but you need to weigh your options.
My next building will be made using storage containers. Two storage containers spread far enough apart for my equipment then roofed over using trusses. They make a decent inexpensive building and you have two lockable storage units for small equipment.
Just my 2¢
Rich

I've tried it with conduit which is much tougher than PVC. First strong breeze warped, bent and tore it to pieces. The loose ends wacked the contents in the wind. Boy if only I could harness all that power.

Snow load = waste of time and money.

(quoted from post at 14:52:48 06/08/10) I don't have any out buildings and am toying with putting up a covered struture to keep implemnets under. How strong would a framework similar to a quonset hut be made from sections of 3/4 or 1" PVC be? I could insert the ends into metal rods driven into the ground. Then I'd cover the frame with a tarp.

Any thoughts/advice/warnings appreciated.


Larry in Michigan

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How big are you talking about? Maybe try military surplus on the web (google something like DRMO (defense reutilization management office) might find a maintenance tent or something.
Was just at a place today that had shelters "built" with metal cage pallets for walls and/or corners and vinyl truck tarps for roofs (2x4 and 2x2" framework). Each pallet holds about a cubic meter of firewood so tiedowns etc weren't necessary. And no taxes.

Dave

There are plans on the web for exactly what you are thinking about. I thought about it but have not tried it yet. For smaller sizes I have been building mine from 3/4 steel conduit, 1/3 furring strips, and blue tarps. In 8' lengths they come out about 9' wide. The tarps last 2-3 years. I am somewhat sheltered so do not know how they'd hold up on the plains. I usually use 1 or 2 cheap ratchet straps to anchor them to whatever heavy I have under cover, like a tractor. Seems to be if they cannot get any lift they will stay put. If they get any lift they fly like a kite. When the tarps are new the snow slides right off. Good luck! joe

Some pics of what you all came up with would be nice (and maybe some measurements). After fishing my baler through the barn a little bit ago (3 inches to play with) it won't be going back to it's original place.

Dave

Have seen quonset shaped metal frame maintenance tents stand thru the winter several years in a row don"t know how available they are thru surplus tho.kj

The quonset-style canvas buildings you see are made from MUCH stronger materials than Home Depot PVC pipe and Harbor Freight tarps.

How do you propose joining the PVC pipe? It only comes in 10' lengths. Glued together with a coupler, the PVC will simply snap at that point when you try to bend it into an arch.

Your best bet is to get some good CANVAS tarps and wrap your equipment when it's not in use. No blue, green, or silver crap tarps for anything that is going to be left outdoors 24/7. Those plastic tarps will melt away in the UV within 6 months.