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47WeeWind · 11-30-2008, 08:22 AM

Most of the time snow and rain in Denver falls gently straight down so the roof does an excellent job of protecting Ruby the Wee Wind. But the blizzard that just ended when these photos were taken was extremely gusty, resulting in Ruby getting covered with snow, very unusual hence the photos. The Ruby Roof is very sturdy.

The Trotter is 16 years younger and is being kept in weather-hardened shape for tougher assignments. A similar roof would be nice, but would have to be perhaps 2 feet taller and, due to the position of the hinge for the left swinging gate for both trailers (the hinge being roughly even with the centerline of the Wee Wind), the Trotter roof would have to have its left front corner cantilevered or a removable post used to support that corner, a mild PITA.

The fence section gate visible in front of the Trotter is hinged on the right and swings to the right, in front of the double door on the garage behind Ruby. Another section of gate fence not visible because it is behind and hidden by the Trotter is hinged about 1/3rd way down the Trotter's length and swings to the left into the alleyway that runs parallel to the Trotter. Also, trees to the left and right of the Trotter might die if their underground root balls are denied rain by a Trotter roof. Yet a Trotter roof would catch the tree sap that drips onto the Trotter. It would also complete the raised stockade that nearly encircles my backyard now, completing Fort Coldwell.

In short, I've been thinking about a Trotter roof for a few years but haven't yet come up with a final design that addresses all my concerns

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitsend

Fred - Your shed looks great, but 2 observations / questions from Central Texas (where our maybe once-a-year snows melt in 4 hours) -
1) Because your Wee Wind is so nicely protected, how come she's covered in snow?
2) Doesn't your "Trotter" feel neglected, abandoned, sorta, 2nd bananna'ish?

Great looking shed! Do you have any plans to add onto it, for The Trotter?

kstampa · 11-30-2008, 09:45 AM

here's one I made from a converted tent. I had to make some pole extensions. It was cheap (free). http://www.airforums.com/photos/showimage.php?i=20999

64airstream · 11-30-2008, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78GussyTX

"It stood up to Ike (which bent my stainless steel schedule 40 flag pole.) "

Roy, did Hurricane Ike make it Pennsylvania? Didn't know that. I live in Alvin, TX, about 20 miles from where it came ashore, with eye passing right over my house. Severe property damage, house ok except for all the vinyl siding torn off one side. 2 weeks with no power and about $13K to clean up, BUT ... the '78 Argosy was tucked away in enclosed storage, not a scratch on her! Here she is after the storm ...

http://www.airforums.com/photos/show...i=20866&c=3128

PS we were out on our boat in Galveston today, STILL a mess down there, parts of buildings washed up, and even abandoned boats out there!

Gussy,

Nothing by comparison. No significant flooding. Bent the flag pole and knocked a couple of trees down on our property, already cut, stacked and curing for the fire place. We were on our generator for 5 days, most of the area had power back within 2 to 3 days. All due to the high winds. The carport stood up to it without a scratch.

Your Argosy is a beauty. Glad it wasn't damaged.

Roy

Denis4x4 · 11-30-2008, 10:13 AM

Finally able to post a photo! Most of the buildings as well as the house have a moniter roof design. I can drive through, turn around in the pasture and and come back in so the AS is always ready to hook up. The hanger has overhead lights, space for the truck and a 30 amp plug. When we hooked up the septic to the guest house, I had a clean out installed to empty the holding tanks.

eubank · 11-30-2008, 10:56 AM

Of course, you could always do what my cousin and her husband did: Spend a half a million on a heated, insulated finished-out garage, the middle of which is designed for their 40-foot motorhome. (The rest of the extended family -- mostly RVers of different stripes -- is aghast, particularly since they haven't built their home yet.)

Lynn

Denis4x4 · 11-30-2008, 05:24 PM

Your cousin and her husband have their priorities straight! Friend of mine built a 6 car garage and work shop a year before the house remodel was done.

78GussyTX · 12-01-2008, 07:07 PM

"Your Argosy is a beauty. Glad it wasn't damaged."

Thanks Roy ... we were glad too, especially since it had to be our home for two weeks after the storm.

Lothlorian · 12-02-2008, 05:15 AM

You folks have giving me some great ideas for a cover for my airstream.

Thanks

Brian

**moosetags** · 12-02-2008, 08:35 AM

I like Eubank's cousin's idea. We could just live in Lucy inside the garage when we're home. That way, we wouldn't even need any stupid house.

Brian

eubank · 12-02-2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

I like Eubank's cousin's idea. We could just live in Lucy inside the garage when we're home. That way, we wouldn't even need any stupid house.

Brian

That's exactly what my cousins are doing, at least until their house is built. The "garage" has a kitchenette, a full bath, and a laundry. (Even so, a half a million bucks for what they got is pretty rich, in my book.)

Lynn

empresley · 12-02-2008, 08:40 AM

A few more ideas at:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f458...eds-27746.html

87MH · 12-02-2008, 09:02 AM

Six uprights, each 6" X 6" WF Beam (16.5#/foot, I think).

Forward 4 each buried 3' in the ground in a 3' X 3' X 3' hole (one yard of concrete each), back 2 just set on plates on top of existing concrete pad.

Cross bars are open joists salvaged from a supermarket being torn down.

30' X 12" "C" Purlins strung between joists and 16' X 3' "R" sheets were "seconds" from discount metal house. Total material in 2003, including concrete was $3,000 - going by memory on costs - 2003 seems as if it was a LONG time ago.

Sav'h Steve · 12-03-2008, 10:04 AM

I built this 8 years ago and it has held up wonderfully.

4 x 4's hold up the tubular frame from one of those 'canvased' covers less the canvas. I just re-arranged the poles to widen the roof and bored holes in the top of the posts to slide poles into. Then they are anchored by side bolts to the metal posts. All 4x4s are cement anchored.

In front is a brick patio to help keep things clean. My main concern is all the large oak limbs that fall in the area. They just glance off the 5 V Crimp metal roof. Total cost was probably $800. And there is 20 amp service for the air conditioner!

There is a work shed for my tools on the left with the same roof type.

Steve

slowmover · 12-03-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

I like Eubank's cousin's idea. We could just live in Lucy inside the garage when we're home. That way, we wouldn't even need any stupid house.

Brian

Amen.

Something to blend into the neighborhood. Makes me feel "better" about packing up before a hurricane. Might have to re-angle the driveway, make the garage door bigger, but I could make the outside of the "new" house resemble the old. Sort of like a false front . . hmmm . . . .

Lothlorian · 12-03-2008, 10:59 AM

Steve do you have a picture shot from the front the entrace to the car port. I like that. $800.00? Was it the metal roof that cost so much?

Brian

Sav'h Steve · 12-03-2008, 02:54 PM

Brian,

That $800 was a total guess. The roof was probably $300. Best to get it coated green or whatever rather than trying to paint it. The frame was less than $200, but only part of that was used. Then there are 8 long 4 x 4's. That is about it. It's sturdy with the 4 x 4s cemented down. I do have hurricane hold downs on each end of the roof to keep it from lifting. It is screwed to a lathing which is held onto the round poles with conduit pipe tie downs. It may have been less that $800.

Well worth it in my book for the peace of mind. If large limbs fall that way it may bend the top, but it'd take a falling tree to knock it into the coach.

Steve

iHayley · 03-24-2009, 03:57 AM

You know, it's funny this came up. I have had this obsession, even well before I bought my Airstream, with "service buildings" -- those iconic American buildings that are typically associated with pillars of industry, community and public service. Churches, warehouses, hangers, and particularly FIREHOUSES. I have always (even P.B. -- pre-Bambi) wanted to purchase an old Firehouse and refit the offices/living quarters above it as my apartment. When I lived in Augusta, there was a PERFECT old Spanish revival building used as a firehouse that sparked this dream. If you go to google maps, search for 2170 Central Ave, Augusta, GA, switch to street view and turn north, you'll see it. Sadly, it's still a working Firehouse.

One day, after I bought Bambi, I drove by and had a flash of insight -- PERFECT for my baby!

I adore city live -- you guys can keep the country! Give me a loft apartment in a beating city any day of the week! Trouble is that there's no place to park your Airstream.

Or for that matter, store your other toys, like your skis, your surfboard, your Vespa scooter... you get the idea. But an old firehouse would be perfect.

My dream when I retire, what I remind myself of when I save my pennies every month, is to either buy an old firehouse (or warehouse) and fit it out with an apartment above. I know it's highly unlikely I'll be able to get an actual firehouse, so alternatively I want to build something very like it. Think about it -- if ur a city person like me, it's perfect! Secure, climate controlled AS storage down below, apartment above, no yard to take care of. When you're ready to go, you hitchup and split.

Anybody know any good firehouses for sale? If you go to 380 Congress St, Portland ME in Google Maps and face SW you'll see my dream property.

wppii · 03-25-2009, 03:11 PM

This was built specifically for the A/S. Then it doubled as a platform for the solar PV system. I could send the plans if you'd like.

Keep the shiny side up.

ScottW · 03-25-2009, 03:18 PM

My avatar is small, but you can see it is a basic 'pole shed'. I'll get around to putting siding on, eventually. Shingles match the house, workshop, and barn. It is next to the shop, and I put a separate 30 rv plug on the side. I ran a sewer line to the septic tank, with the cleanout adjacent to the trailer sewer drain. Works fine.

Warbs · 03-25-2009, 04:09 PM

I put a motorhome friendly garage addition on our house here in suburban Toronto. There are many rules about storing your trailer or motorhome where others can see so I put the garage door lintel as high as I could and made a movable piece above the normal 9x7 garage door.
It takes about 15 minutes to open or close the door but I can make my motorhome disappear and no one knows. My garage is 43 feet long and fits my pie shaped property perfectly. I've hooked up a 30 amp plug but haven't figured out a sewer hookup...yet.