Storage: Covered vs. Uncovered

[Will_Brule]

We live in east Texas. Besides the cost of storage, what are the pros and cons of covered vs. uncovered?

[JDS]

I can't think of any reason not to prefer covered storage, aside from the increased cost. Better all around.

John S.

[Protagonist]

Depends on whether you're relying on solar panels to keep the house batteries charged up.

Also depends on what you mean by "covered." If you're talking about a fabric cover draped over your trailer, the abrasion casued by wind blowing the fabric every day can do more damage than the sun. Especially in a dusty environment where you can get dust under the cover. That turns the soft knap on the inside of the cover into something resembling sandpaper.

If you're talking about under a roof, that's ALWAYS better, unless you're relying upon solar panels. Some reasons: Hail turning your Airstream into a shiny golf ball. Rain finding new ways to leak in. Ultraviolet light damaging the tires and a/c shroud. None of those happen nearly as often under a roof.

[Will_Brule]

Intended it to mean a structure with a roof.

[dkottum]

Covered storage is much better than in the open. The sun eventually ruins seals, plastics, tires, and even the clearcoat finish on your Airstream. The heat generated inside an uncovered Airstream deteriorates interior components.

A con would be if the structure was too weak, and the wind blew it over onto the trailer.

doug

[PharmGeek]

I have my concrete pad ready to pour soon...and my new AS will be in the open likely until march 2014 at which point I plan on constructing something...a pole barn likely...

As I debated this question, the only argument against I heard made was:

1) if a new AS, let it get the water exposure and see if any leaks during 2 year warranty period.

2) aesthetics if in your back yard are changed...

3) cost

4) cant get a permit for covered storage at your house


It seems like your insurance rate should tick down a bit if you have covered storage?
I have seen very few arguments against covered storage, except for the cost....and I am sure many will run some numbers to show that a typical cost of build vs. projected savings in maintenance makes this pretty desirable...then factor in peace of mind and keeping it in better general appearances for longer...seems like a no brainer?

[Melody Ranch]

How long have you lived in Texas? Hail up to four inches in diameter. Inch hail all the time. And.....storage in the sun will deteriorate the clear coat for sure.

[DKB_SATX]

Between the heat and UV radiation you're guaranteed to get, and the hail you're likely to get, there's no downside to covered storage except the extra expense.

I didn't seriously consider uncovered storage for the trailers. I lucked out and found a good price on covered storage WITH power that's next door to a police station, so security is pretty decent too.

[Stefrobrts]

If you can afford a covered storage, it's totally worthwhile. You'll be protecting your finish, bird crap won't get on it, protect it from flying debris from nearby trees (if there are any in East TX). There's no downside to covered storage as far as I'm concerned.

Our cover is 12 X 20 and cost $1600 fully installed. We didn't have to lift a finger. We had used vinyl 'carport' type covers for years, replacing the cover every few years. This will last forever. This is particularly important for our vintage trailer because it has tiny leaks, and it rains a lot here.

[DKB_SATX]

There are lots and lots of trees in East TX, and quite a few in central (Hill Country) and north-central (Prairies and lakes). It's West and South TX that are largely plains country with scrubby trees or none.

[dkottum]

Under tree storage is troublesome; extremely dirty from tree sap, bird crap, leaves, bugs, seeds, mold, and dirt that sticks to it all from our experience. A difficult and abrasive scrubbing can result.

doug

[chromis]

Definitely covered also consider what amenities they have:
30a power
water
dump station

Having a place with a dump station is something to consider, it is certainly a convenience..

[BAB]

IF you can do, it go for the covered storage. Weather, tree stuff, sun, you name it....are not so much of an issue, and it's sure easier to clean the trailer without layers of gunk.

[68 TWind]

Look at a 10-15 y/o car or truck that has always been kept in a garage when not being used vs one that has never been garaged or covered. The sun is tough on things and tree "funk" is too if you park it in the shade. I am ordering a carport type cover for my 68 Trade Wind next week. Many of the things that I spent hours and days restoring are already showing age from sitting out after only 3 years.

[PharmGeek]

BAB...how much did that design/build end up costing you if you do not mind me asking...also what are the dimensions?

I am still figuring out the cover...the carport will be put down (concrete) supposedly any day

[BAB]

I didn't really have an architect, but sketched out what I wanted. The company that did the structure had built a pool house for me, and I wanted to match the roofline, the posts and the cedar siding. The SilverLeaf shed is 32 feet long (trailer is 28'), and it is 11 feet wide between the posts. This is VERY narrow when you're backing an 8.5' trailer. The shed was $17,000 and the cement slab (around 45 feet from the edge of my driveway to the end of the shed) was around $6,000. I also had landscaping done ($500), then I ran a cable and a 30 amp RV box from the panel in my pool house (around $100), water pipe (PEX) and a hose bib ($35), and tapped into the sewer line under my pool house for the sewer connection (PVC pipe-- $20). Gutters for the shed were around $200). The shed has an insulated roof, and the siding goes down more than halfway on three sides. It was also built so someone could come in and finish the siding, install a garage door and put a car or a boat in there (or perhaps use as a workshop/studio). BTW, my two basset hounds love to go out there and sleep on the cool cement slab under the trailer. This was a no-cost add on!

[cwf]

Here's our rented place for now. $220/mo

[tkowalyk]

Originally Posted by BAB

I didn't really have an architect, but sketched out what I wanted. The company that did the structure had built a pool house for me, and I wanted to match the roofline, the posts and the cedar siding. The SilverLeaf shed is 32 feet long (trailer is 28'), and it is 11 feet wide between the posts. This is VERY narrow when you're backing an 8.5' trailer. The shed was $17,000 and the cement slab (around 45 feet from the edge of my driveway to the end of the shed) was around $6,000. I also had landscaping done ($500), then I ran a cable and a 30 amp RV box from the panel in my pool house (around $100), water pipe (PEX) and a hose bib ($35), and tapped into the sewer line under my pool house for the sewer connection (PVC pipe-- $20). Gutters for the shed were around $200). The shed has an insulated roof, and the siding goes down more than halfway on three sides. It was also built so someone could come in and finish the siding, install a garage door and put a car or a boat in there (or perhaps use as a workshop/studio). BTW, my two basset hounds love to go out there and sleep on the cool cement slab under the trailer. This was a no-cost add on!

Pictures please!

[BAB]

There's a pic at post #13. Here are a couple of others as construction progressed:

[JandD]

Very nice looking pole barn for your airstream. I am hopping to have a similar one built for my 25' flying cloud. It will be a littler smaller and cheaper I trust. And thanks for sharing the cost information.