Probably the simplest way to do some additional stiffening is to put some steel cables wit a turn buckle in each. A couple of 'X' setups could help a lot without getting too much in the way. You and also make stiffening braces out of EMT conduit and just flatten the ends in a vise and screw into place.
Auger some 6"x6" posts on each corner and attach the structure to them. It will stiffen everything up, give it more protection against the wind and give your corners some protection. Dave
I am surprised that the kit did not come with corner braces, similar to what you have on the Tempo Garage Frames. In my opinion you would need a 45 degree angle brace from the bottom corner to the mid height of the next vertical frame. A triangle is very solid. Engineers use them in bridges all the time.
Thanks for the feedback, the angle braces inside the frames at a 45 would is a good idea. I'm also thinking of building a lean to on one or both sides so that should also help.
I ordered panels and put them on the side to stiffen mine up. It also keeps the snow out in the winter. Both ends are open because I have seen people try and close on end off and a big storm can flip it. Besides I drive through it to get to the spitter under cover.
Once you add all your screws to the roof sheeting it will help stiffen up the entire structure, that's part of the sheeting's job besides adding cover. Unfortunately, with 12ft high walls you're still going to have some movement unless you add some additional bracing. I know VersaTube offers them but at an additional cost which they may not have told you that when you made the order. You can always add some diagonal cable bracing to help.
Getting all the screws in helped a bit, but I just think that's how these things are. Even with concrete anchors I think it would do this cuz the frames don't go into the ground, just onto the bottom plate. I'll come up with some redneck engineered solution sooner or later...lol
I solved the same "side to side" wobble by using cheap 3/4 inch triangular shaped plywood gussets connecting a few of the metal side support posts to the roof truss beams. I know "you hate" to climb up there one more time to install these, but a good strong wind can/will reck your hard work, if you dont do this! I think you did a "pretty good" job on your shelter. Congrats!
My concern is using the rebar stakes to anchor it into the ground. If you have a large windstorm it seems like the wind could get under it very easily and pull it out of the ground. I like the idea of using a full IBC tote to set on top of the frame between the wall supports. Yes, a concrete footer would be better but those IBC's have to go somewhere.
Try to get some cable go from the top of one side to the other back-and-forth along there and run a big ax and where they cross. In the middle make sure you attach him with Au brace to make sure it's tight and it seems to help a lot at the same time if. You're only gonna go in-and-out one in. It never hurts to run a strap from the ground to the middle of the top and from the other side to the middle of the top. Seems the firm i'm not pretty good just this suggestion
I think they like to have a concrete footer. That might make a big difference in the stability. If you have room for a bigger triangle, less acute angles, that will help. I’ve been looking at these guys and worry about the effort of construction. I am not sure it beats wood framing with walls vs cost. Thanks so much for showing this process candidly!
Replace the rebar with ground anchors so it doesn’t wind up in Kansas! If you close in the gable ends it might take the flex out. Call the factory and tell them what’s going on they might be able to help you deal with the issues.
Great job on putting that together..... definitely takes patients. I would think that there would be alittle give. Your a real professional now on putting carports together lol. Stay safe my friend
Get yourself some wire cable with turnbuckles & go from corner to corner & take the wiggle out of the frame. Maybe even a ratchet strap would strengthen it up. Myself I would try wire cable & turn buckles. ❤ your videos.
Go inside and start lifting with the tractor, even servicing it under the shelter, raise a dump trailer etc under the cover, you’ll be glad you got the 12’ walls and likely wish you had 14’ walls. Eyebolts and cables will help stiffen the shelter.
That was a monumental task Dan. I think you did a great job. Have you consulted with Versa Tube on the wobble? I would think they offer some sort of angle braces that would stiffen it up.
As a person that did some professional framing work, making sure things are square as you are going is really important. I imagine that the building is not square corner to corner and side to side all the way from front to back. Just my opinion but it looks good and if the extra steel sheets keep it from racking you should be okay. Stay safe.
Very cool that you didn't slam VersaTube. There are some things I DIY and other things I leave to pros. That said, I think you did a good job. A lot of people, myself included, make a lot of scrap on our way to getting professional results.
Kinda expected. Very tall, skinny supports with a lot of weight on top, it will be a bit wobbly. Is it stable enough is the question. I get a lot of wind and heavy snow, and it would buckle and collapse in my area. I'd watch it like a hawk during weather events to get an idea how it will hold up.
jmo but, I think you will see additional stability once you get all the screws in. With any roof the stability improves once you get everything nailed down properly. You may want to call Versa Tube and ask if them if the issue still persists.
hi there the front to back racking will go away with sides . your back and forth wobble will lesson with the gable ends covered . those style buildings down here have short braces between the up rights and the roof rafters , that being said i dont know or remember if you are putting sides or ends on .
My plan was to keep both ends open, and there's no gable to cover the end peaks...so I'll have to brainstorm a few redneck engineering ideas and see what I come up with...lol
I would get some more totes and add whatever you can quickly . U never know when a fast moving storm might come your way? I would hate to see all that hard work tore up!
your supposed to cut a pvc pipe for spacing between the frame sections then you ratchet strap the legs together for support and keep shape untill ur done then remove
I would agree. I am in a place where i can fixe and repair my own cars and trucks but there is a point where its cheaper for me to pay someone to do it snd i can go do something else..
I would check your square side to side. Measure at the bottom and at the top and see if it’s the same. Your bottom might need to be pushed outwards a little bit.
I have never dealt with this type of structure and sure dont grasp the engineering behind it. Alot of the great comments left are exactly what a guy would want to do with a wooden pole structure but I can't help but wonder if they arent designed to move some? The more rigid it becomes may cause something to buckle instead of just "sway" with winds? I would order more truss purlins for the walls myself. They would look better then the old tin.
Yes I was able to walk on top of the roof and install the ridge cap. I did however try to walk as close to if not on top of the purlins as much as possible.
I think though even with it being on concrete an anchored in it would wobble...the reason is that the side rails/trusses only attach to the base frame, they don't go into the ground.
I’m sorry Dan please don’t take to much offense to this but I live on the motto buy once cry once, you should have bought a pole shed and did it right the first time, you bought cheap junk so you will have cheap junk, kinda like buying a box store splitter vs a Wolfe ridge or Easton made
Tell the truth Dan, you added the side support so you could do some more screwing around🙃😅. It will be functional is no time and that project will be behind you.
Be careful about hiring a crew. Usually, they are Hispanics who don't speak English. They assemble the project but usually with poor quality work. At times I just think they hire just anybody to assemble the project and will have no clue about Quality Control.
After researching building an RV shed and reviewing numerous videos, I have come to the conclusion that these tube manufactured building are inferior in design and product. Therefore, I will build a timber frame pole barn to cover the MotorHome.
