Plans for a large carport?

softdown

This group has some analytical builders - so I address this challenge. With ten cars and trucks baking in the desert like sun - they lose more value every month. Wondering if anybody is happy with the carport design they implemented.

So far I am favoring treated 4x4s in concrete footers for main structural support and resisting high winds. 2 x 4 frame gets the job done. Maybe a rear roof slope starting at 6' (for cars) and going up to ~ 8' for taller trucks. Front roof would be 8' to 10' from side to side. Roof will be galvalume steel -  have some used material.

Guessing the county would want a permit pulled. Kind of nuts all things considered but they can make ones life sheer misery. I am extremely remote from county services and city slicker eyeballs.

Marc Kurth

I suspect that wind loading could dominate your design.

softdown

Concrete footers hold everything down. The brother of the steel roofing guy built a 60' x 100' with no concrete. He thought the weight would hold it down. Plus it had a large patio overhang and a very large door. Perfect for wind lift. The wind picked it up and carried it a while. It was completely destroyed. Imagine the weight and cost of a 60' x 100'.

Doing a lot of cleaning and finding a lot of space here and there. Could make room for 3-4 cars with much effort. There is that.

Not really sure I will do it. Newest car is a 2012 so the values have already mostly been lost. Be a good time to buy an Alaskan wood mill and make my own posts if I do it.

Raj174

I if you can find storage for a few, then you might try good quality car or truck covers for the rest. Good ones cost between $200 and $300 and should last a few years.

Wheelman55

Any chance to reclaim any of the steel from your neighbor?

softdown

Raj174 said:

I if you can find storage for a few, then you might try good quality car or truck covers for the rest. Good ones cost between $200 and $300 and should last a few years.

2-3 years in normal conditions. This area has a lot of high winds. My covers have lasted until the nest real wind storm. 

I'm going to build the carport. I have a lot of logs and time right now. This is not fast but it is  good one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XHLVY6Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A1UMBRA5ZTBCX8&psc=1

Should do the job for a couple dozen ~ 5x5 posts. Lumber has gone up - a lot. Time to do it myself. I have pretty good chainsaws being a tool junkie.