Re: Has anybody built their own portable carport?
ZmOz,<br />I bought a 10x20 in 2001 at a home improvement store in my area called Menards. (I think this is a midwest chain only). The normal price was $100, and I got it on sale for $70. One of the best buys I have ever made. I have left this thing up for 4 months at a time with only a slight wearing of the top at the peak. (easily remendied with some clear duct tape run down the entire length on the inside). As a matter of fact it is up now being used as a temporary "work shop" while I am working on an old Mercury Mark 6.<br /><br />The following is what is on the Instructions...<br /><br />North American Outdoor Products<br />17 Wood Street<br />West Haven, CT 06516<br />1-800-524-9970 <br /><br />10 X 20 Deluxe Canopy Model #23511<br /><br />I don't know if they make this model anymore. I hope so, because there was also an option available which included three sides and a roll up side for the door. And the last time I checked, it was only around 50-60 bucks.<br /><br />I noticed in the ebay one that it only had 4 corner posts..I think that would be pretty flimsy.<br />Mine has 4 poles going down both sides. Very sturdy, especially when staked to the ground. I have seen many since I got mine that had only 3 poles down the sides on a 10 x 20 which IMO would still be on the flimsy side. Especially during heavy rains and most importantly, if it will be in any snow storms. Can't let ANY snow build up. That's from experience
...I've had other shelters collapse (EZ-UP and Quik-Shades)<br /><br />You also mentioned using standard blue tarps. I have also had plenty of "experience" with tarps..lol..and better to get a heavier grade with reinfored grommets. Otherwise, you will be buying blue tarps like you do toilet paper. They wear out quickly.<br /><br />Also, in my experience, I bought a grommet "tool" and added grommets in between the factory ones.<br /> Another trick I learned is running the biggest rope you can get thru the grommets the full perimeter of the tarp. Then anchor your ground ropes to the perimeter rope...otherwise a healty gust of wind will pull the grommets out if you were using the rope from the grommet to the ground. Hope that made sense.<br /><br />At first I was going to build one myself, but after adding up the cost, the factory ones came out way cheaper....even at full price. And good tarps "ain't" cheap. <br /><br />Sorry this got so lengthy. I spent about two straight years fighting a second story deck(over a living area to boot) leak and went through a crapload of tarps. Turned into a nightmare, so if I can save anyone the kind of crap I went through, I am more than happy to pass my "tarp knowledge" along.<br /><br />If you like, I can scan the instructions that came with this shelter and email them to you. Might give you some ideas for the one you are going to build.<br /><br />good luck,<br />chuck
