Easy Up Portable Canopy for Cars on Concrete
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Portable garages can help protect your vehicle, old or new, from inclement weather, sun and UV damage, dust, mold and other potential natural damage agents. They're popular with both old car enthusiasts and overlanders alike, as while they don't protect as well as a proper garage, they're far easier to move from place to place. That mobility dovetails well with the needs of people who carry lots of adventure gear, but the units also make great home additions for added storage and coverage, particularly for project vehicles.
A portable garage functions similarly to large pop-up tent, but is made of sturdier materials for extra durability and enhanced protection from the elements. Set-up tends to be more intensive than tents, but then, these garages have to cover vehicles as large as a heavy-duty truck. Putting in the extra work is worth it, however, for those who want to protect their vehicle from sun damage, hail storms or the occasional falling acorn.
Although these structures are temporary and portable, most are designed to last for years and withstand multiple uses. We tested 10 portable garages and and evaluated them based on their structural strength, durability, ability to withstand high winds and inclement weather, price-to-value ratio and product versatility. These are the top winners, and they represent the best portable garages for your specific needs.
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Why We Picked It
The Caravan Canopy Domain provides reliable coverage for a variety of uses and at a low price. The manufacturer recently increased the gauge of the steel frame for more stability on softer ground and added more layering to its polyethylene top to better protect against UV rays. The latest version of the Domain holds up better against the natural elements than its predecessors. The best part: this tent is quick and easy to assemble without requiring any special or additional tools. Caravan Canopy also makes an upgraded version, the Mega Domain, that offers a triple-layered polyethylene top and a sidewall kit, but it also costs more.
Pros & Cons
- Easy setup without any special tools
- Upgraded materials for added durability
- Versatile
- No side-panels, so vulnerable to the elements
- Might need additional anchors for windy-day stability
- Better suited to shade parties than protecting valuables or car paint
Bestseller No. 1
AutoCove 20 ft. x 12 ft. Heavy Duty Carport Garage Car Shelter, Outdoor Gazebo with Powder-Coated Rust-Resistant Steel Roof and Frame, Gray and Dark Gray
- Higher Quality Material: The top and frame of the carport are constructed of durable powder-coated rust-resistant steel, making the car awning sturdy and durable for long-term use. Protects your vehicle on snowy, rainy, and sunny days.
- Provides Sturdy Protection & Stability: Triangle construction support adds strength and stability. Triangular reinforcement beams on the top and sides of the main body frame effectively reduce the risk of weather conditions.
- Easy to Assemble: Comes with illustrated assembly instructions and is backed by an experienced customer service team ready to answer any questions that may arise.
Bestseller No. 4
Gardesol Carport, 10'x 20' Heavy Duty Carport with Roll-up Ventilated Windows, Portable Garage with Removable Sidewalls & Doors for Car, Truck, Boat, Car Canopy with All-Season Tarp, Gray
- Larger Carport: 10'x20' size provides ample space for your vehicles, trucks, and boats. Removable sidewalls and doors to meet your various needs. It is also suitable for outdoor events like parties, weddings, and commercial fairs.
- Roll-up Ventilation Windows Design: There are 2 mesh windows on each sidewall that support much better ventilation compared to other carports, it can help with air flowing, and prevent moisture.
- Heavy Duty Carport Construction: This carport shelter made from a rust-resistant powder-coated steel frame prevents chipping, peeling, rust, and corrosion. The 8 solid legs are consists of 1.5inch diameter and 1.2mm thicken poles, It makes the whole steel carport much safer and more stable.
Bestseller No. 5
Arrow Shed 10' x 15' x 7' 29-Gauge Carport with Galvanized Steel Roof Panels, 10' x 15' x 7', Eggshell
- QUALITY CARPORT: The 10 x 15-foot carport from Arrow is a multi-use shelter that protects vehicles, boats, tractors, and even picnic areas
- DURABLE: Industrial grade steel frame and 29-gauge painted galvanized steel roof resists corrosion for years of quality use
- ULTIMATE ROOF DESIGN: Roof features horizontal panels and rounded eaves for additional protection against outdoor weather elements all year long
Bestseller No. 7
PEAKTOP OUTDOOR 10 x 20 ft Upgraded Heavy Duty Carport Car Canopy Portable Garage Tent Boat Shelter with Reinforced Triangular Beams and 4 Weight Bags,White
- 【REINFORCED TRIANGULAR BEAM】- Triangle support brings stability. Triangular reinforcement beams on top and sides of main body frame, which effectively reduce the risk of anti-twisting and collapsing of shelves under severe outdoor weather conditions.
- 【HEAVY DUTY GALVANISED FRAME】- UPGRADED heavy duty 1-1/2inch (Dia.) galvanised rust resistant steel metal frame and thickened 1.65inch (Dia.) connectors, provides whole frame increased stability. galvanizing process protect steel pipe surface from chipping, peeling, rust and corrosion.
- 【DURABLE ANTI-UV FABRIC 】- Extra-thick 180g polyethylene fabric, durable anti-UV, waterproof, tear resistance cover can provide your vehicles maximum weather damage protection against harmful UV, rain, snow, dirt and scratches.
Bestseller No. 9
Gardesol Carport Replacement Canopy, Replacement Top Cover for 10' x 20' Carport Frame, 180G Waterproof & UV Protected Tarp with Ball Bungees, Gray, Only Cover, Frame is not Included
- Replacement Top Canopy for Carport: Replacement top canopy only, carport frame not included.
- Size: 10 FT x 20 FT, Weight: 14.5LBS, Color: Gray.
- Materials: 180G PE polyethylene fabric, protect your vehicle from season elements. such as sun, rain, dust, snow, etc.
Sale Bestseller No. 10
Abba Patio 12 x 20 ft Carport Heavy Duty Carport with Removable Sidewalls & Doors Portable Garage Extra Large Car Canopy for Auto, Boat, Party, Wedding, Market stall, with 8 Legs, Gray
- [12x20 Feet Extra Large Size] ► 12x20 feet heavy duty carport garage is bigger than normal 10x20 carports. Perfect for storing and protecting trucks, boats and all sorts of other expensive tools and toys. It also providies shade and shelter for outdoor events like parties, weddings, picnics and other commercial or residential uses
- [Heavy Duty Powder Coated Steel Frame] ► UPGRADED heavy duty 1-1/2inch (Dia.) Powder Coated rust resistant steel metal frame. This Heavy Duty Steel Carport frame was designed to weigh more than other similar styles so that the carport is more stable, safe and less shaky. The metal corner joints add more support. The 8 Legs are 1.5 inch wide and to make the whole carport more stable and durable
- [Durable Extra Thick UV Fabric] ► Reinforced PE material is Tear-proof, Waterproof and Anti-UV. Industrial grade Cover Fabric for long lasting durability and protection guaranteed, keeping your vehicles against the season elements, such as sun, rain, hail and snow
METHODOLOGY
In order to determine the best portable garage for your vehicle, we considered the products most accessible to the widest swath of consumers in the U.S., which also includes performance, price and value. We also considered a broad range of end-user ratings and evaluations by multiple testers.
Forbes Wheels evaluated 10 portable garages and selected the best three products that are the most widely available. Each temporary garage was evaluated on its structural strength and durability, ability to withstand high winds and inclement weather, the price relative to its value and product versatility. Forbes Wheels also considers reviews and feedback from multiple end users.
Answering Your Questions About Portable Garages
Are portable garages worth it?
It depends on what you're using them for. For storage, a portable garage is a much cheaper alternative to renting space in a commercial garage or building a structure on your property, which might require complex permitting. On the other hand, they don't offer quite as much protection from the elements as a proper structure. For outdoor enthusiasts and ameteur racers, portable garages can offer a way to keep vehicles and people clean and double as a camping or event space, all at a relatively low price.
How long do portable garages last?
The longevity of the portable garage is variable depending on the quality of the materials and manufacturing. Generally, a good portable carport can last roughly ten to twenty years, but some cheaper options may encounter worn fabrics after less time. Generally speaking, the steel frame will outlast the outer material, though UV-treated polyethylene fabric will last a long time.
How do you secure a portable garage to the ground?
Most portable garages come with some sort of anchors, but adding additional ones can greatly help keep it secured to the ground. Remember, these are light weight structures with lots of surface area. They're vulnerable to strong winds. The most common applications for anchoring are rebar, concrete, asphalt and sandbags.
What tools are required for assembly of a portable garage?
For most portable garages, basic hand tools should be all you need to complete assembly. This includes a tape measure, an adjustable wrench, a ratchet and socket set, a rubber mallet, a utility knife and a ladder. Some garages also require screws of various types, but many socket sets will come equipped with the standard heads. A small number of portable garages have proprietary tools.
How long does it take to assemble a carport?
The assembly time will vary depending on the size and model of your portable garage, as well as if you have assistance or not. Generally, smaller carports can be installed in 2-4 hours, but very large units may take up to 6 to 8 hours.
Are building permits required for installation?
Portable garages are temporary structures and therefore do not usually require building permits for installation, though if you live in a condominium complex or a residence within a complex, it's always best to check first. For individuals in private homes, check with your building department or planning commission for specific regulations.
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Chauncey Crail writes about film, art, travel, aviation, personal finance, health, home improvement, automobiles and more for a variety of global publications, including Forbes Advisor, Robb Report and Rolling Stone. He's been turning wrenches since age three and his automotive and mechanical experience spans everything from airplanes and sports cars to tractors and other heavy agricultural machinery. He buys all his cars on Craigslist in sketchy parking lots and no, he won't sell you his rusty old pickup—no matter how many times you ask.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/wheels/accessories/best-portable-garages/
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