[AT] Using shipping containers for tractor storage

[szabelski at wildblue.net]

There is a private campsite here in Michigan that uses old cabooses as cabins for camping. The local ordinance prohibited permanent structures on a foundation unless it met all the zoning laws. So the owners put the cabooses on railroad ties with steel railroad rails. They are not considered permanent since they can be moved.

I’ve heard of others that have gotten around local ordinances by not making “permanent foundations” for their installations. Some were done by mounting axles to the underside, putting on some scrap tires, and setting the tires on cinder blocks. They apparently are movable.

Carl


----- Original Message -----
From: Carl Gogol <cgogol1971 at gmail.com>
To: 'Antique Tractor Email Discussion Group' <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Wed, 12 Feb 2020 17:39:52 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Re: [AT] Using shipping containers for tractor storage

Thanks all for the quick container replies-

Richard and others – Does putting a truss roof and a rear wall change the taxing status from personal property to real property?  I am trying to find a  piece of land near Williamsburg VA, but finding I can’t just put a garage on it.  A garage is an accessory structure so not allowed unless there is a residence.  We are now living in the South for about five months a year and a dearly miss my old iron hobby.  Don’t want to leave the place we have, but there is no reasonable way to play  iron in this neighborhood.  I am assuming and quite sure that the local zoning doesn’t disallow containers in A-1 property, but roofing a pair might make it dicey – Opinions?

 

From: AT <at-bounces at lists.antique-tractor.com> On Behalf Of Richard Walker
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2020 4:44 PM
To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Subject: Re: [AT] Using shipping containers for tractor storage

 

 Are there any opinions concerning the use of the modular shipping containers for storage of tools and tractors?  

 

I once used a 20' container for inventory storage back in the era when I was buying and selling used tools and industrial equipment (top photo).  Placed 2' deep floor-to-ceiling steel shelving sections along both sides which allowed a 4' walkway between.  Installed 4' fluorescent light fixtures in the ceiling.  Very satisfied with how the arrangement worked out.

 

Are the used ones dry enough?, 

 

Before buying, check roof condition for rust and door seals for tightness.  It helps to have someone shut you up inside during daylight and then look for any light leaks indicating rustouts, bad seals, etc.  Mine had a tight roof when I bought it, but to be safe I spread aluminum mobile home roof coating on it and never had a leak.  

 

do they need a gravel or stone base? 

 

Gravel is widely used. Be careful about blocking air circulation underneath, which could hasten rust.  I used railroad ties to support mine.  

 

Is the 8 or 8.5’ width a severe limitation for practical storage and movement?  

 

For general storage, the space is excellent.  For a tractor or two, it would be secure and out of the weather, but slightly cramped due to the 8' width.  

 

What plusses and minuses am I missing?

 

A 20-footer can easily be transported using a roll-back tow truck.

Unless you can get a heckuva deal at an auction or from a private party, price will probably be $1,600 and up, based upon current container reseller prices.  My neighbor was just looking into buying one.  We're in Oregon. If you live near a major shipping port, you might get a better price than other areas.

If you intend storing a number of tractors, implements, or vehicles, a smart thing to do is buy two containers, set them a distance apart, and then using trusses, roof over the space between them and maybe add a rear wall.  That way you wind up with a roofed three-wall open-front shed, and two lockable storage rooms. (bottom two photos),

The top photo is of my container, the lower two show the roofed two-container setup.  

 

Richard