Community Forums

okmunky · 02-13-2019, 04:16 AM

I've decided to buy a few acres in rural southern Arizona, probably Yuma County, where I can park my RV during the winter and enjoy the warmth.

So I don’t have to transport the stuff that I only use down south,aaaa I'm thinking of buying a used shipping container as a secure storage shed.

Anyone have any advice?

I could also use advice about buying land. I'm thinking 4-10 acres. I won’t need any utilities since I’ve boondocked for years. I'm just looking for a quiet spot not more than an hour's drive to Yuma, Tucson or Phoenix.

Thanks!

MrBelvedere · 02-13-2019, 05:05 AM

We use the containers to store our duck hunting items during the off-season. While humidity may not be an issue where you will be, we found that installing a vent was of great benefit.

MikeO58 · 02-13-2019, 06:55 AM

Not sure what you are considering storing in the container but the summer time heat kills most everything stored in a shed or container.

lucky1320 · 02-13-2019, 07:01 AM

I've read about people burying the container, both to keep it secret and out of the elements. Then either building stairs or a ramp to access it.
I think what you're planning sounds great.

Chief Alen · 02-13-2019, 07:10 AM

You might consider buying a 8x8 or 10 plastic type shed.

Finance · 02-13-2019, 07:23 AM

Get land with neighbors and utilities, although you could use a cellular based monitored alarm with solar power.

If you have no monitoring and no neighbors to observe there's nothing you can do to reinforce a container adequately to exclude bad actors.

Might be cheaper in the long run to buy a cargo trailer and keep it in secure storage when away.

Eastham · 02-13-2019, 07:41 AM

I bought a 40 foot container in 1986. I am still using it.it does seem to sweat if you dont keep the aluminum roof coated with cool seal. I would be more concerned about the thieves cutting the lock or the squatters moving in and setting up house keeping.also not much difference in the price of a 20ft or the 40ft.

Busskipper · 02-13-2019, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okmunky

I've decided to buy a few acres in rural southern Arizona, probably Yuma County, where I can park my RV during the winter and enjoy the warmth.

So I don’t have to transport the stuff that I only use down south,aaaa I'm thinking of buying a used shipping container as a secure storage shed.

Anyone have any advice?

I could also use advice about buying land. I'm thinking 4-10 acres. I won’t need any utilities since I’ve boondocked for years. I'm just looking for a quiet spot not more than an hour's drive to Yuma, Tucson or Phoenix.

Thanks!

Lot's of options available - https://www.trulia.com/for_sale/32.5...;d_sort/10_zm/

Sometimes it just easier to join the Pack.

Best of Luck,

HJLowell · 02-13-2019, 10:13 AM

Contact realtors firms that specialize in farm and ranchland.
For what I think your wanting. Bare land. ?

okmunky · 02-13-2019, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeO58

Not sure what you are considering storing in the container but the summer time heat kills most everything stored in a shed or container.

Nothing that the heat should hurt - plastic barrels, mesh tarps, EMT pipe, garden tools, etc.

okmunky · 02-13-2019, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucky1320

I've read about people burying the container, both to keep it secret and out of the elements. Then either building stairs or a ramp to access it.
I think what you're planning sounds great.

Interesting idea! I've seen people make tiny houses out of shipping containers. A partially buried one might extend our season in the desert. I'm a DIYer and love thinkering with new ideas of doing things. You've just sparked my imagination.

okmunky · 02-13-2019, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Alen

You might consider buying a 8x8 or 10 plastic type shed.

I fear that anything less stout than a shipping container with a really beefy lock wouldn’t be there when we returned in the fall. Between the wind and thieves nothing would be secure.

lucky1320 · 02-13-2019, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okmunky

Interesting idea! I've seen people make tiny houses out of shipping containers. A partially buried one might extend our season in the desert. I'm a DIYer and love thinkering with new ideas of doing things. You've just sparked my imagination.

Glad to help. I'd love to see what you end up doing. Keep us updated as you go.

I plan on doing something very similar as soon as the kids head off to college. And im absolutely not above stealing any good ideas you come up with.

okmunky · 02-13-2019, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finance

Get land with neighbors and utilities, although you could use a cellular based monitored alarm with solar power.

If you have no monitoring and no neighbors to observe there's nothing you can do to reinforce a container adequately to exclude bad actors.

Might be cheaper in the long run to buy a cargo trailer and keep it in secure storage when away.

Thanks, I'll compare the price of both. I doubt an alarm would do any good. The thieves would be gone before the authorities could get there. But I will put up signs warning of video surveillance and some dummy cameras as a deterrent.