Any way to temp shave 9 inches off the top to squeeze under a car port?

[Ddobier]

I was thinking like those pop up event tents where you raise one leg, secure it, raise another, secure it, ... maybe like a trailer tongue Jack on each leg but your take off the wheel and bolt it to the concrete.

[NavyCorpsman]

Can't go higher? Excavate! I would remove 3 ft and pour a 6 inch slab and retaining wall with steps where and as needed. If you can't grade it for runoff a sump pump might be needed. I would also play the Jimi Hendrix rendition of the national anthem every morning within local ordinance.

[Mattirs]

Or dig two trenches a little wider than the tires at tire width and learn to backup really well.

They only need to be as long as it takes to get the high point past the low point?

And send your neighbor monthly reminders of how much he can sell his place for and buy desert land outside of Area 51.

Thanks,
Matti


Opps I see someone beat me to this idea, so make this a second.

[ondaroadagin]

Why not modify the carport into a house extension? Would adding a large "music" room for example be possible? Then just drive in, and slide a facade front closed ;>)

[Bob 3]

I would add a vertical post 1 ft left of you utility trailer shown in your photo.
Then cut out the header and replace it with a structural 2” tube at roof height to support the load of the roof.
Then install a metal fascia that could be removed when parking your new airstream.
Bob 😎

[memguy]

maybe sell me your existing AC for a good price and buy a low profile one......Then let a few pounds of air out of your tires!

[wymal123]

I noticed while visiting the North Texas Airstream Community (NTAC) that many of the garages had a removable access panel at the top of the garage door that opened up an extra 12” or more for the full width of the trailer. The panel would be removed, the trailer backed into the garage with ample space for the height of the trailer, and one in, the panel is replaced. The garages of this type at NTAC were mor like carports with doors that opened out and not up. If you this kind of cover,, you might be able to build such an access panel in your garage similar to NTAC.
Mike L

[mike28]

Move or buy a pop Up!

[nduncan]

We have the same problem, the inexpensive carports and shelters are too low to clear the a/c. I am in an urban situation with little space. I would love to see Airstream relocate the a/c to a compartment on the side and provide space for a generator also. Then you could really boondock!

[Dan and Liz]

If you solve it ...

[Gulfbreeze]

Back it into carport to the air conditioner. Build or buy a portable carport cover to cover the remainder of AS. Attached the bottom of portable carport to some fixed or removable mounting bracket on bottom of AS instead of letting it set on driveway. Your AS will be covered and no modification made to carport. The portable carport is not touching ground and is part of AS. It would require replacing the tarp fabric when it wore out

[Fawudd]

All of the options are expensive, but given your situation, I would consider a modification to raise the front of the carport temporarily using hydraulics. You only need it to go up while you go in/out, and it sounds like you are ok otherwise.

That said, for all the options posed here, how many months of storage elsewhere would they be equivalent to? Not sure about your area, but there are options for covered storage around many areas that might be reasonable. As a bonus, you gain a spot under your carport.

Best of luck

[MAJORJDB]

Not sure how much property you have, but you could just park your AS uncovered. It is designed to be exposed to the weather. If you keep it waxed and seal seams/rivets annually, it will be good for years. In the mean time you can examine storage options in detail and still enjoy the AS!!
Good luck and safe travels!! Jim

[sgschwend]

1) split the front beam into two beams. One can be temporarily removed to provide full height. The second beam would be sistered to the cutout one to provide the normal strength.



2) don't have a roof AC.

[brick1]

Back up really fast...

[tallytwo1994]

[QUOTE=I'm seriously considering a Flying Cloud 25FB. I see that the overall height with the A/C is 9'9" tall.
My wife says that if we pull the trigger, the trailer needs to fit under the carport.[/QUOTE]

After reading all the suggestions I think you might be able to accomplish your goal by both modifying the legs of the carport in order to raise the roof while moving in the trailer, and perhaps by using a set of wheel skates. Of course if you’re able to fit it in without the skates it would be an easier transition. Too bad Airstream doesn’t have the option of a mini-split AC, this is the direction I’d pursue. If you find you do need the skates, I’d suggest this design:

Carol

[Jason in TX]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. We have also started looking at some Bambi trailers. We see that they are 9' 3" tall. With the carport at 9' 1", we may be able to let the air out of the tires and back it in.

The other idea was reading up on people who have installed mini-split units in their trailer.

Still keep looking at how we could hydraulically lift the top.

[Alex AVI]

I

Originally Posted by Jason in TX

Thanks for all the great suggestions. We have also started looking at some Bambi trailers. We see that they are 9' 3" tall. With the carport at 9' 1", we may be able to let the air out of the tires and back it in.

The other idea was reading up on people who have installed mini-split units in their trailer.

Still keep looking at how we could hydraulically lift the top.

JASONINTX - How much do you want to spend to do this? Roofs are hydraulically lifted for temporary ingress/egress methodall the time. But you already said the carport can not be modified - to quote you "carport is a fixed part of the equation. No raising, modifying, etc" & "neighbor prevents me from modifying the carport."


So go below ground level. Either way you go, it is an expensive proposition. I had to raise my garage header awhile back to fit my 9' 8" AS Interstate Sprinter van and it was a 5-figure job even with some labor done my me. I had other reasons why the expense was justified, i.e. part of a bigger extension to rear of garage. But if its just to store my AI, I would not do it again . I would just find suitable off site storage if I want it fully enclosed. Where I am, they cost $250 for a 12x30 with 10ft overhead door opening.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=cYmgKlr46lk

[tommydSL64]

Buy a good quality Cover for your trailer and just park it on the side yard in view of the "neighbor".

I bought a very nice Classic Accessories cover for a 26' vintage Streamline travel trailer. It looks nice, has a side entry zipper flap for entry door access, and keeps the weather off and out of the trailer, successfully now for over three years. I recommend them. Their prices are reasonable, and they sell via Amazon, too.


Then you have no fussing with raising or lowering anything, and you and your wife can put the cover on or take it off, as needed for traveling!
I suggest however, making sure rodent entry points are closed underneath the trailer once parked. That may be another strike against lowering the trailer vs. covering it. Lower = accessible to rodents, too.

[thiel]

Dig trenches for the wheels.

You could easily get six inches down and it wouldn't alter the exterior appearance of the carport. You don't even need to go all the way back... just far enough for wherever the wheels will rest when the trailer is all the way in.