Anyone use the steel shipping containers

[K-9]

I have been thinking about getting one of the 20' steel shipping containers and setting it up on blocks to use as a storage building, primarily for fuel, fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticides stuff that you need in a dry secure location but that you don't necessarily want around your other stuff.

I was wondering if anyone else has used them and what the results were long term, I am not looking at burying it or anything like that just sitting it on the edge of the field where it is out of the way but easy to access. I guess my primary question is how long will they hold up, obviously you would have to repaint them periodically and are they vented or do you have to install a vent. They seem like a sturdy storage building that is fairly secure for a fairly small investment but I wanted to see what results other people have had before I took the plunge.

If this has already been covered please just reference me to that thread as I was unable to find it, most of what I found dealt with burying, bunkering, or modifying them to live in.
Thanks in advance

[dlmcafee]

They get very hot inside during the summer, so some extensive ventilation would be needed for your intended use. I have seen my 40 footer run in the high 130s f some days. They are secure and dry if you get a good one.

[Lookin4GoodLife]

Maybe shaded at least part of the day or go with one of the elastomeric roof coatings? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-4...7705/100317815

[gweny]

I have converted many sea crates for many purposes. I've turned them into parts storage buildings for car parts, made a worm farm, and I've even turned one into a bar. It even had a DJ booth!

You will definitely need ventilation.

[ChristieAcres]

We are using a shipping container for a shop, at the moment. He framed the interior completely and we will be insulating the exterior before the Winter (foam insulation). All of DH's machinery/tools are in it, already. He wired it, installed lights, and has it completely set up. Everyone who uses them, says the same thing. Shade is good, as they get hot, ventilation is necessary, and they need heated in the Winter. To keep them from sweating, the exterior should be insulated, as that prevent condensation on the inside.

[Wolf mom]

I bought a 40 ft. container. Had 2 wind turbines installed in the roof for ventilation. Had a wood wall installed half way to make 2 20 ft storage areas. Then had a door installed on the side away from the end doors for access. Put it up on railroad ties.
Later I attached a 10 X 40 ft metal roof opposite the prevailing wind for shade for the horses. Was thinking of enclosing it for two stalls, but never got that far.

One end stored 100 bales of hay, the other is used for storage.

To answer your question, They hold up very well. Much better than my wooden shed that was moved twice. Had my container hauled 170 miles and moved 3 times since I bought it.

BTW: Easy to break into. All that's needed is a sledge hammer to knock the weld apart where the lock goes. Don't ask how I know.

"I"m not thinking of buying it or anything like that...."
Why would you want to rent rather than buy? They're not that expensive & hold their resale value.

[FarmboyBill]

Ah, just how inexpensive are they?

[Convoy]

at the farm we use a forty footer which my dad got from his work for the price of getting rid of it (gotta love wasteful corporations). We had to mouse proof it but works great for storage though we keep anything combustible in the shop (compressor room) since it's generally alot cooler. One of the best things about it though is it works as a wind block that can withstand the wind out there (we had 2-6's connected to the fence line and the wind literally snapped the fence posts to give you an idea)

[K-9]

Originally Posted by Wolf mom

I bought a 40 ft. container. Had 2 wind turbines installed in the roof for ventilation. Had a wood wall installed half way to make 2 20 ft storage areas. Then had a door installed on the side away from the end doors for access. Put it up on railroad ties.
Later I attached a 10 X 40 ft metal roof opposite the prevailing wind for shade for the horses. Was thinking of enclosing it for two stalls, but never got that far.

One end stored 100 bales of hay, the other is used for storage.

To answer your question, They hold up very well. Much better than my wooden shed that was moved twice. Had my container hauled 170 miles and moved 3 times since I bought it.

BTW: Easy to break into. All that's needed is a sledge hammer to knock the weld apart where the lock goes. Don't ask how I know.

"I"m not thinking of buying it or anything like that...."
Why would you want to rent rather than buy? They're not that expensive & hold their resale value.

I'm, not thinking of burying it, if I decide to go that way, I will buy it

[crazyfarm]

I would go crazy if I could get one. I'd make it a swimming pool myself.

[ninny]

Check out this website. This is in San Antonio, Tx., so your prices will probably be different, depending on where you're located.

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/grq/4586766035.html

.

[supernovae]

Regular containers get hot hot hot, but if you find a retired freezer container, i believe they have R ratings up to 35+ so they're insulated as can be. I'd still build/utilize shade and insulate the outside.

Prices varies greatly.. some places they're darn near free, others they're practically new and charged as such.

Some people even turn them into homes

[Wolf mom]

Originally Posted by K-9

I'm, not thinking of burying it, if I decide to go that way, I will buy it

No, I did not say anything about burying it.

Just wanted to know why you wouldn't buy in the first place. Here they hold their value and you can do whatever you wish - paint, put in turbines, etc.

[Fire-Man]

Originally Posted by FarmboyBill

Ah, just how inexpensive are they?

The price will be according to where you live etc. I bought 1 for $1600 delivered. 40ft with 9ft height. 3 years ago I found 2 on craigslist for $800 each 40ft 8ft tall. It cost me $425 to hire a company to have both of them delivered 30 miles one way. I seen another one on craigslist a week ago for $1400. I have heard of people paying several thousand for one. Mine were in great shape---no repairs.

During the summer I open mine often and leave one door open--unless we are expecting rain. They can get real hot in the sun closed up. I am in mine often---even today during the middle of the sunny day---it was closed up when I got to it---but it was not so hot I could not handle it for a few minutes. I can hand a 20" box fan at the top of one door blowing in and it will blow the hot air out the other door. It will cool it off quick or makes alot of difference.

[KIT.S]

My son built a framed-in sliding door in the opening end of one of our 40 foot storage units. He inset it in a foot so the heavy doors could still be shut, but the sliding door makes it easy to get into and keep the rodents out since the slider shuts tightly. I had the hardest time trying to shut the big doors and basically was unsuccessful enough that the rats moved in.
Ours cost $2500 each, delivered 100 miles from the purchase location.
Kit

[unregistered353870]

I have a few in varying condition. They're great for storage. I don't store anything in them that is damaged by heat, so I don't even bother to add ventilation. If you buy one, make sure it's weather tight. There are a lot out there that are pretty worthless for keeping things dry.

[Belfrybat]

Originally Posted by Wolf mom

No, I did not say anything about burying it.

Just wanted to know why you wouldn't buy in the first place. Here they hold their value and you can do whatever you wish - paint, put in turbines, etc.

The OP said nothing about renting one -- you are the one that bought up that possibility. He said he wasn't planning on burying it - just putting it on the edge of a field.

[K-9]

Originally Posted by Wolf mom

No, I did not say anything about burying it.

Just wanted to know why you wouldn't buy in the first place. Here they hold their value and you can do whatever you wish - paint, put in turbines, etc.

I know, I was just clarifying where you misread my original post, thank you for the information you provided though.

[K-9]

Thanks to all, it sounds like with a little work these things are pretty viable storage options that are easy to maintain and durable. That is one of the things I like about this forum is the variety of experience and willingness to share information

[FarmboyBill]

They aint cheap here. On Cl, there $2G+