Outdoor Car Storage - Car Tents, Temp Garages etc.

[Alex_225]

I am looking to SORN my CLS55 over the winter which isn't uncommon for me to do and I've had good success with car covers over the years. I'd usually consider a Stormforce cover with specific netting over it to prevent it ballooning, job done.

But I've noticed that all of the car covers I've used before are way more expensive now, it's been a couple of years since buying a cover but the Stormforce covers are now around £100 more than the last I bought. I picked up two lightweight covers for indoor use for £90 in 2023, they're now £145+ from the same supplier.

So, if I'm spending £240+ on a cover, there are other options I've seen around the same kind of price. One of which are temporary car ports like this : Tent

I just wondered if anyone had any real world experience of these temporary garage type setups. Seems potentially the same kind of price as a cover but safer on the paintwork and once set up, more convenient.

[JakeT]

I think if I were to have one of those outdoor 'touchless' covers, I'd get a Carcoon. Someone locally to me has one for his Corvette and it stays up, and where it should be even during stormy weather. On the one you linked I'd be concerned about those mesh windows letting water in which will then just make the whole area inside of it very humid. Same with it having no 'groundsheet', unless you're storing the car on hardstanding.

[Krikkit]

Unless you're going to have to park it right under a tree, just give it a really good clean and poish before winter, then clean it in spring.

Or go the whole hog and get a carcoon with dehumidifier

[Huzzah]

Krikkit said:

Unless you're going to have to park it right under a tree, just give it a really good clean and poish before winter, then clean it in spring.

Or go the whole hog and get a carcoon with dehumidifier

I have a convertible, so a 1/2 cover just to protect the hood, glass and window seals. benefit is it's easy to take off if need be. The rest of the bodywork just gets a decent coat of wax prior to parking up.

The 1/2 covers seem to vent and clear condensation more effectively too.

[Alex_225]

JakeT said:

I think if I were to have one of those outdoor 'touchless' covers, I'd get a Carcoon. Someone locally to me has one for his Corvette and it stays up, and where it should be even during stormy weather. On the one you linked I'd be concerned about those mesh windows letting water in which will then just make the whole area inside of it very humid. Same with it having no 'groundsheet', unless you're storing the car on hardstanding.

I had looked at the Carcoon type ideas, but then we're upping costs toward the £600+ mark. Was just wondering how this kind of thing compared to the likes of a car cover.

I know what you mean about the mesh windows, although they can be covered. My thinking was that given it'll be parked on a driveway, I don't want to trap moisture where possible. So had considered the windows remaining an inch or two open to allow ventilation through. Assuming they can be.

[CoolHands]

Maybe get second hand one bid £350 ish?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187527520601?

[TVRBRZ]

Pros and lots of cons discussed here:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I spent 3 x what your Amazon item cost to get a mid range branded product. It has survived two named storms without damage. I'd have my doubts that your Amazon product would very the same quality at a third of the price...

[dunc_sx]

CoolHands said:

Maybe get second hand one bid £350 ish?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187527520601?

That's an indoor one, put outdoors for the photo only I think

I use outdoor carcoons and one been happy enough with them. I think the cost is reasonable given they are the next best thing to a garage.

Dunc.

[Alex_225]

TVRBRZ said:

Pros and lots of cons discussed here:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I spent 3 x what your Amazon item cost to get a mid range branded product. It has survived two named storms without damage. I'd have my doubts that your Amazon product would very the same quality at a third of the price...

Thank you. To be honest, I wouldn't object to paying more as I feel as storage that's more comparable to a garage would be worth the cash. I just think £250 for a cover that'll last a couple of years compared to an option like this. Covers used to be relatively cheap so I didn't give it much thought.

dunc_sx said:

CoolHands said:

Maybe get second hand one bid £350 ish?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/187527520601?

That's an indoor one, put outdoors for the photo only I think

I use outdoor carcoons and one been happy enough with them. I think the cost is reasonable given they are the next best thing to a garage.

Dunc.

I'll certainly have a look. Carcoons or similar certainly seem to be the ideal, even if inside a garage.

[996Type]

Do you have space for a wooden gazebo?
You could build it either DIY or from one of the online kits then sell it when you’ve done with it.

If you wished you could add tarp curtain sides to it but I’d suggest leaving a couple of feet clear at the base to allow air to circulate.

[Alex_225]

996Type said:

Do you have space for a wooden gazebo?
You could build it either DIY or from one of the online kits then sell it when you’ve done with it.

If you wished you could add tarp curtain sides to it but I’d suggest leaving a couple of feet clear at the base to allow air to circulate.

There is certainly space. I have a double garage (storing two other cars) and a space outside each door. The right hand door I don't use unless one car comes out so I park this car in front of that. I do technically have space for any of the options really.