Community Forums

CoCoDave · 07-28-2009, 09:01 PM

Am in the process of figuring out what to do with the MH when not in use. I have room and zoning/building codes are not going to be a problem. Cost is always a consideration.

I can get a gravel covered pad scratched out and leveled for about $600-$700. That done, I'd like to put up a canopy to keep some of the sun and weather off. Done this way I can park the MH near power and water so that it is easy to keep the batteries charged and handy to provision for a trip.

I see these metal framed structures that are open on the sides and ends but it looks like one might do a little better in bang for the buck in a DIY scenario.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Bob (WA0MQE) · 07-29-2009, 07:15 AM

I built one years ago along side my house (before they changed the building codes, now you can't do it). It's attached to the house in my case. Just a very high and long car port. Initially the roof was actually a large silver tarp attached with those small bungee balls. After a couple of winters, this didn't work out to well. So I beefed up the roof framing and covered it with that corrugated roofing. There not metal it's the plastic like (not plastic though), sold at Home Depot or Lowes. There white except for a couple that are clear over the solar panels so they still get sun and keep batteries charged. The clear ones aren't as tough as the white ones though. Hail actually penetrated the clear ones once and I had to replace them. The whites ones just bounce the hail off. It's been four years now and has been holding up well.

Jim28730 · 07-29-2009, 10:23 AM

I opted for a 25' X 35' metal carport adjacent to my garage. We we able to closley match roof colors to existing shingles on the garage roof. I also had 3'sides added that match the color of the garage siding,. Brought power from the garage, water is close by. Worked out great and it sure keeps the coach clean!

powerboatr · 07-29-2009, 10:46 AM

in a pinch about 12 years ago
i built a frame from 1" pvc one end in the ground and then bent in a huge curve to the other side and covered it with a huge silver tarp
it looked like a huge 35 foot long WHALE

, lasted the winter until i could get approval for a real structure....it swayed in the wind and looked alive, scared my neighbor real good

CoCoDave · 07-29-2009, 03:36 PM

Thanks, guys. Creative solutions, there! Powerboatr, how long were those PVC ribs before bending?

powerboatr · 08-04-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiplomatDave

Thanks, guys. Creative solutions, there! Powerboatr, how long were those PVC ribs before bending?

if i remember right it was two sections of 12 foot lengths per riblet

CoCoDave · 08-05-2009, 06:54 AM

Thanks, Bob. I would have to make them a little longer in order to clear our MH. I was trying to get a sense of proportion and I can see how your description of the structure made it look, and act, like a living thing!

Best,