Vehicle Port Buying Guide
From a canopy to a garage, find out what vehicle port will work best in your space.
Protect your vehicle from harsh outdoor elements with a vehicle port. Also known as a portable garage or auto shelter, a vehicle port is the perfect storage solution to keep your car or other outdoor equipment out of harm's way. To get started, consider two types of shelter options: canopy and garage
Canopy * A cost effective option, consider a canopy for easy set-up. Although it does not offer you the full protection of a garage or shed, it is used seasonally for cars, trucks, boats, and backyard or special events.
- Pop-up canopy: Easy to set up, this temporary canopy is ideal for one-off events. Mostly used on decks, patios, and backyard events.
Garage * This type of vehicle port is commonly use for seasonal auto, truck, boat, ATV, lawn and garden, or bulk storage. Depending on your weather, opt for a portable garage with sidewalls to protect your possessions during storms. To help you determine what type of shelter will best meet your needs, we provide three questions you should ask yourself before shopping. Read on to find out more!
1. How many vehicles do you plan on storing?
* The first step in choosing a vehicle port is determining what type and size vehicle you want to store (car, boat, or ATV), as well as how many vehicles will need to be protected. It is important to consider these factors, because vehicle ports vary in size.
- To ensure you choose a vehicle port that offers plenty of room for walking and storage, pick a vehicle port that supports the size and type of your vehicle.
2. How much shelter space do you need?
- Determine the dimensions of each vehicle you will be storing and protecting. While this measurement does not have to be exact, it will give you a rough idea of how much space the vehicle(s) will take up.
- If you are storing larger vehicles, like trucks or cars, it is a smart idea to add a few extra feet to your measurements—just to be on the safe side! The extra space allows for more room when opening car doors and trunks.
- Measure the height of the tallest vehicle to make sure you have enough clearance in your vehicle port.
- Keep in mind how much space is available. For example, a shelter that is too large will make the rest of your yard feel tight on space.
3. What types of conditions will your shelter be exposed to?
- Whether you are exposed to Northeast blizzards or Southwest heat, where you live will determine what type of coverage is necessary for your vehicles and other items to withstand specific climates. Ask yourself questions like: Do you need an overhead covering (like a canopy)? Or do you need a completely enclosed vehicle port (like a garage)?
- This type of information will help you determine any logistical issues, such as durability and how much outdoor space you have to work with.
