Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I've spent about 6 months trolling this and other sites, and have a really good idea of what I want out of a trailer. I'm really anxious to start building, but I have one HUGE hurdle to get over first! I don't have anywhere to build!! I live in an apartment with no garage, so my place is out. My dad lives a couple of miles away, and has a large shop with all the tools I would need, but he's a bit of a hoarder and the place is a mess! I've offered to organize it for him in exchange for some space in it, but he doesn't want me to. I've been asking him about it for a couple of months now, and I really don't want to turn into a nag. So I've been trying to come up with alternatives. I'm 24, so most of my friends are still in apartments as well, so I can't really use any of there places. I'm considering renting a storage unit and building out of it, but I wanted to see if anyone here had any better ideas first! Also, keep in mind that I live in northern Utah, and it's December, so building outside is really not an option! I'd really like to be able to use the trailer next summer, and I want to give myself time to build it how I want it, so I'd rather not delay too long either! Any suggestions?

Be careful about using a storage unit as a workshop. Some cities have ordinances about that even if it isn't commercial.

That said, I did the same one time. To get power I had to unscrew the bulb and put in a gizmo with outlets on the side. If you do that be VERY careful about how many amps you draw. YOu could pop a fuse or melt something. Find out where the circuit breaker/fuse box is just in case.

Tom

a storage unit is really my LAST resort, I just can't think of where else to go!

I stored my show car and race car in storage unit.... Manager let me do anything I wanted (well almost) and long as I did not leave area a mess or block drive way... Agreed not the best, but may be possible...

Before that I was in a little (non commercial) shop, about size of two car garage in small complex that had contractors using it as a "base" for one man operations... Look in local paper for garages or non commercial space for rent... Also watch for "for rent" signs cruising around industrial areas... Put ad in local paper "looking for garage to rent"... Maybe some vehicle less person can help you out....

Dale

you are more than welcome to use my driveway and if you clean my shop you can use it too. It may take you six months to clean my shop and the six day commute might be a problem. Patrick

In Portland not to far from me is a place call Shop People. It's a membership based industrial arts shop. Tons on tools and space. Maybe there is something like that close to you?

Yeah I had the same problem when I moved from Washington to Utah, where to do my build. So I rented a 10 X 30 foot storage area. I was lucky to have electrical power just around the corner. Once I moved into the house in West Valley when we sold the house in Everett, the build went quick (until I broke the hip). I paid 100 a month if i recall right and it was good place in Ogden.

If the unit rental is your last and only option then, You gotta do what you gotta do. Just make sure that they have short term rentals so you aren't locked into a long contract. I built mine in a single bay of my garage. I did have to pull stuff out into the driveway on occasion though. Like when I married the frame to the body.

Maybe you could post an ad in Craigslist wanting to rent someone's garage or shop that is close to you?

Or just drive around an look for unused work shop space that is close by. Probably focus on industrial areas so the noise you make won't be a problem. With the economy like it is someone who can't get a renter for a shop might do it short term for you at a good deal.

I have rented a garage at someone's home for a boat project in the past, and a small industrial building at another time.

As others have said you can rent garage spaces. Sometimes large shops (Garages) will rent a bay out if they are slow or thier space is too big. You could alos look into Hacker Space (Hackerspace.org)or other orgnizations like that where you are a member and can build and have access to a workshop full of tools.

I have the same issue but at my own home. I am thinking when I go to build I am going to buy or build one of those temporary tarp garage things.

Stan

I have been renting a (detached) garage for several years. you might look around the neighborhood for a rental property that has a garage and see if the landlord will let you split it off. Since mine is not attached to the actual house, it was no problem at all to get different locks on and stuff. I have to be kinda careful with my power because it is drawn from the house (same bill), but I do have my own fuse box, even had my own telephone line installed. My landlord gives it to me for $50 a month, although I have no idea what prices might be in a different area. Never hurts to ask, the worst they can do is tell you no.

Stimson Marine has plans for a bow-roof shed. Manya boat has been built in one in all sorts of weather and times of year. Maybe your dad would allow you to put up a temperary bow-shed next to his shop/garage. Free tools, free electricity, and built in security. Would work for me. Doug