Has anyone used an enclosed trailer for long term storage?

sailchef · sailchef's Garage

Has anyone used an enclosed trailer for long term storage?

Security is not a problem. I live on a dead end road off of a dead end road, and the few neighbors I do have are good ole boys who define the term “neighborhood watch”. It would be out of sight and secured.

My question is concerning preservation of the car. The car has been in a dry garage sitting on top of a heavy canvas tarp which lies on top of a plastic vapor barrier. It hasn’t aged in the last 20 years; it’s only gotten better with a little wrenching and caretaking. I don’t want to undo all the work I have done by putting it in a trailer if it’s not going to protect it from rust and aging. I’m thinking I could get a 24 foot trailer that is insulated and put down a vapor barrier on the floor. This would be its home for the next decade or two. The last few years I haven’t been driving it as much as I am spending more time surf fishing with the Jeep. I wouldn’t be driving it more than a dozen times a year, with the occasional 4-5 day stretch when I get a bug up my butt and drive it to work for the entire week.

It’s hard to describe the weather here as it seems to be changing everywhere, but in general it gets cold and rainy in the winter.

What do you guys think? Would you store your 911 in a trailer? Any feedback would be appreciated.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

I would think as long as you have a trailer with good ventilation you should be fine. I'd probably want more roof vents than recommended and see if you could add some sidewall vents for cross ventilation and you should be fine.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

if you're not going anywhere for 10 or 20 build a detached 2 car garage where you'd park the trailer. store the kayaks, have a little work bench and a place to hide when the misses is experiencing hot flashes.... tv, radio, internet, fridge, cigar humidifier?? man cave!

the trailer is a cheaper way out for sure. i'd put it on blocks, remove the tires & store simply opening it every couple weeks to air out some. if you are old & fat like me getting in & out of a car in an enclosed trailer can be a pain. you can winch it in & out to be sure, but you can't hide a tireless trailer on the property or escape to it for a coldie & Cuban when the winch is broken your balls.

my 2 cents...

MARISOL78sc · 11-11-2017, 04:26 PM

I kept my 1998 C2S in a 24 foot Haulmark for 6 years without issue.

Canada Kev · 11-11-2017, 09:35 PM

As long as it doesn't leak and you can keep little critters out, I don't see what makes it different than a garage.

DanielDudley · 11-12-2017, 01:52 AM

Some people would run a couple of incandescent bulbs to push out the moisture. It seems to work.

KNS · 11-12-2017, 02:57 AM

Certainly better than leaving it outside. I’d want to make sure no one could hitch it up and drive off with it.

sailchef · sailchef's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabmando

as long as you have a trailer with good ventilation you should be fine.

I hadn't thought about this, easily done, maybe add a couple solar fans.

Quote:

Originally Posted by juanbenae

build a detached 2 car garage

Trying to get away from this. I appreciate the input though. No wife to hide from either, LOL.

I appreciate all the response. Thanks.

JackMan · 11-13-2017, 06:15 AM

Moisture, heat and cold can do crazy things to a car in storage. If you put the car in a trailer you HAVE to install desiccant in the trailer and in the car. Dark interiors of trailers are a breading ground for mold and other yucky things. I would also recommend installing a fan in the trailer to keep the air moving around. If you live in an area where the temps exceed 90 degrees during the summer I wouldn't consider a trailer for long term storage. Imagine the humidity levels in the trailer after a summer rain.

NickP · 11-13-2017, 06:32 AM

What about an ocean storage container? Used ones are pretty reasonable, they can be locked and I’m sure it’s pretty easy to add ventilation and lighting if needed.

3rd_gear_Ted · 11-13-2017, 10:16 AM

Hopefully no one calls CPS on you for abuse.

pmead · pmead's Garage

Hey neighbor!! I have used my 24' Haulmark for "storage" for years. During the summer I rotate my cars in and out of the garage, shop, and trailer. Over the winter I keep the same vehicle in it for a 4-5 months. (it may come out for a drive on a nice day when there is no salt on the road). I have not noticed any corrosion/moisture issues. I have a large ceiling vent that stays open year round and never leaks. When it is real hot in the summer I crack the side door to allow extra ventilation. Works for me!

175K911 · 11-14-2017, 05:18 AM

I've stored motorcycles, scooters, and race cars in my trailer for 7 or 8 years now. But I bought the trailer new and know it doesn't leak. Walls and ceiling are white vinyl not plywood, floor is sheet vinyl (checkered flag pattern) in one big sheet that was installed over the new wood flooring when the trailer was built. I have two side vents that stay open year round, never open the roof vent because I've had snow blow in. Just bought a Battery Tender solar charger to put in the trailer to keep the trailer batteries charged, but it could just as easily power a fan to circulate air if you're worried about it.
021-1165

Reiver · 11-14-2017, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickP

What about an ocean storage container? Used ones are pretty reasonable, they can be locked and I’m sure it’s pretty easy to add ventilation and lighting if needed.

I use one as a garage for my Hot Rod (old Ford) but not sure a 911 would fit width wise. Might.
OTOH it is 'tight' and no critters ever and they come with bug proof venting so they do breath.
I picked up a new/unused fresh paint (tan) one and had a side door (steel) added by the business and delivered for 4k.
Beat the hell out of building a garage and it is solid as in bunker solid.

Canada Kev · 11-14-2017, 07:50 AM

Standard 20' and 40' sea cans are 8' wide and about 4"-6" narrower for the inside dimension. Your 911 needs to go on a diet if it can't squeeze in there...

Reiver · 11-14-2017, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada Kev

Standard 20' and 40' sea cans are 8' wide and about 4"-6" narrower for the inside dimension. Your 911 needs to go on a diet if it can't squeeze in there...

I never tried it...the door opening would be the issue but prob doable...especially if you had a door placed appropriately on the container.

They make a great garage tho...love mine.

Canada Kev · 11-14-2017, 10:19 AM

People use them for moving cars all the time. Not a lot of room for opening the doors, though.

Reiver · 11-14-2017, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada Kev

People use them for moving cars all the time. Not a lot of room for opening the doors, though.

It would work...I'm going to try it out...if you put a soft mat door side you'd be ok.

NickP · 11-14-2017, 12:04 PM

I know the smaller size works as my 73 911 that I bought in France was shipped to me in one. I got to crack open the seal and open the door when I picked the car up in Long Beach. Memorable day.

gomezoneill · gomezoneill's Garage

This is what I use excellent product.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiK5YPr48DXAhVINiYKHRfYAksQFgirAjAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.carbag.com%2Fcarjacket%2F&usg=AOvVaw13dCRBMflSgX3eRv8IBk3T

Way cheaper than a trailer