Wish List for Airstream 'Carport'

[slowmover]

In South Texas (most of Texas) wind load. And, protection from flying debris. Tiedowns per INLAND/Andy's suggestions (might be combined with anti-theft).

And, with the heat, all predatory types (birds, spiders, etc) will love the new roost you've provided. I'd do what I could via construction to keep this problem down.

Don't forget sun orientation changes through the seasons!!

[overlander64]

I haven't gotten to the stage of actually having it built, but I have been considering a pole barn/carport type of storage for my Airstream and Argosy -- side by side with additional length such that the Suburban can be parked in front of the Argosy and the Cadillac parked in front of the Airstream. At the top of my "wish list" are two very large exhaust fans (with variable speed controls mounted on a sidewall of the building) mounted in each of the gable ends (the largest that can be accommodated and permanently mounted in the gables) to insure airflow on those days when I want to work on either the Airstreams or the tow vehicles. I can't stand heat and humidity so air movement is a requirement for my storage shelter.

Kevin

[Gene]

If you build something with both ends open, and it gets windy, especially if you have walls or partial walls on the sides, you'll need braces at the front and back corners. These can be 2x4's or 2x6's attached down the side and to the beam across the top. These will make barriers for the trailer sides if the roof is too low. A high wind and no braces and the whole structure can fall over.

Gene

[DaveFL]

Even if it is Texas and wide open spaces, make sure you don't include a turn close to entrance and exit. Those side wall suggestions are good but make sure you have vents near high points.

[Alumitater]

Saw your post and thought I would pass along photos of the "trailerport" we are completing in our back yard for our 25" Safari. I had an existing pad which allowed us to build our main structure 30' long by 14' wide by 12' high. Were I starting from scratch, I would have made the pad a bit wider, but it is what it is. We opted for a metal roof with plywood underneath to protect from hail or falling limbs (we live in a hurricane prone area of the Gulf Coast). I also build a 12x30 lean-to off the side which has sufficient height to park my pickup and have workbench/cooking areas which will have pavers for flooring. 30 amp service installed with water available. Lighting is a work in progress. I think this will work for us nicely as our main consideration is protection from sun damage.

[cwf]

Snug...













Now for the roof. That is coming.

[Globie64]

I didn't reall ALL the posts, but I'd say if you can make the roof supports such that you can put planking in the bottom chords of the roof trusses so you can work on the top of the trailer, that would be awesome. I'd suggest also drainage for washing it under the cover, out of the sun? And, would you want a sewer/water hookup so you could use it where it is? I think the idea of the screening around the sides is cool, some way of protecting it from blowing debris. Where I am, I'd want to enclose the carport- I'm an architect and am always thinking of ways to house an Airstream in a simple but very cool building, using the AS as a utility module- bath/cooking/sleeping

[Frank&Mike]

Thank you for the recent thread postings and suggestions. Funny thing is that I thought planning this Airstream parking/covered storage space was going to be the most challenging thing. But now it's turning out that finding a home builder that doesn't want to gouge us with the oil & gas boom is the bigger challenge. But all the suggestions so far are great and have opened my eyes to many things I would have never thought to consider.

[av8or]

Originally Posted by Alumitater

Saw your post and thought I would pass along photos of the "trailerport" we are completing in our back yard for our 25" Safari. I had an existing pad which allowed us to build our main structure 30' long by 14' wide by 12' high. Were I starting from scratch, I would have made the pad a bit wider, but it is what it is. We opted for a metal roof with plywood underneath to protect from hail or falling limbs (we live in a hurricane prone area of the Gulf Coast). I also build a 12x30 lean-to off the side which has sufficient height to park my pickup and have workbench/cooking areas which will have pavers for flooring. 30 amp service installed with water available. Lighting is a work in progress. I think this will work for us nicely as our main consideration is protection from sun damage.

Alumitater,
That is an excellent idea. This is EXACTLY what I want for my Airstream. I'm sure living in Alabama you also have to worry about hail? I know you guys get some heavy duty thunderstorms down there. What's a ball park figure for something like that? Thanks for the idea.

[wdkennedy]

Here is a great source for inspiration.desertsandsrvpark.net
This vintage park has several spaces with constructed covers. It is extremely windy so you can be sure the design has taken wind load into consideration. I like the side fencing that these places have. Open yet effective.

[Texas Gal 61]

Originally Posted by cwf

Snug...



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Now for the roof. That is coming.

Hey Channing. We sure miss everyone. I’m doing research about covers and my major concern is sea air. If you have recommendations let me know. Hope to you two soon. Stay warm, crazy times.