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tiptoptune's avatar
tiptoptune
Explorer
Jul 28, 2022

Covered Storage of RV In Driveway

got a new truck camper and planning to build/buy a sun and snow cover for it. 13 foot tall clearance (haul canoes on top) 13-14 feet width clearance, 26 feet long. live in Mtns of Colorado with lots of sun and snow and wind. Have Fab skills and tools on hand. Few ideas i tossing around; 1) cable suspended pitch roof with cables going from our garage to 14 foot tall posts, 2) 6 direct bury wood post having 3 on each side topping with galvanized square tube frame and fabric cover, 3) freestanding galvanized frame with pitched roof covered in fabric - this is currently my pick. Fabric will be vinyl coated polyester (think semi cargo cover tarp) that is slippery and will shed snow good. I am leaning towards freestanding frame and staking down with large (2 foot) stakes along a perimeter frame resting on the driveway that is gravel. Problem is where i park it is within my setback so a permanent structure is not possible. Anyone done similar? Know a good outlet for structure fittings/supplies? Tarp material i plan to source form Rochford Upholstery and it can be glued together. This is how the large semi cargo tarps are constructed. I have industrial sewing machine too that i can reinforce or make tie downs, sleeves, etc. as needed. Also have tube bender i could bend up frame, however i want a more square look to match the house. Want this to look nice. Any other experiences or do's don't s appreciated. Not wanting our new camper to fade and have sun damage like the old one we had for 13 years in the elements.
Seeking Advice
  • tiptoptune's avatar
    tiptoptune
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2022
    this one is frame completed. ended up being 13-6 tall using the mid level pitch fittings form ysbw that i think are 110 degrees. I used 2 inch diameter heavy wall 40 galvanized fence posts for the piping. wall thickness is about 1/8 inch. they come in 21 foot so cut in half for 10-6 tall on each side. added collar ties using 1 1/2 galv light weight pipe, and knee braces to give roof more support for snow load using 1 x 1 x 1/8 angle iron, both collar and knee braces attached to 3/16 thick tabs of steel I pre welded to pipes and have 3/8 hole in them for bolting in. Driving in and out is easy, however it is going to be a tight fit height wise when canoes on top, however i plan to excavate a 4-6 inches out in center of gravel to gain clearance. Was just out for 2.5 weeks so now need to complete the awning material. hoping by December we have awning on it but you know how that goes. we already got snow and cold temps here and the short days make for slow progress.

  • tiptoptune's avatar
    tiptoptune
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2022
    thanks everyone for the interest and help early on and then help for posting pics. Please share any thoughts.

    And if you want, check out my post in tech titled "water heater dometic 2023 not burning at hi altitude". Disappointing that mfgs make a product that will not work above 7,500 feet and we keep buying.

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