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7 Best Portable Garages – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2023)
We appreciate just how important your vehicle is to you.
Whether you have an everyday work truck, a sports car you only use on the weekends or an ATV for fun and excitement, it is important that you maintain that vehicle in the best possible condition.
A car shelter is an effective and economical way to do that.
Selecting the ideal product for you may not be so easy, however. There are numerous brands and hundreds of products on the market, and making sense of it all can be quite the challenge.
In order to make that process easier for you, we tested a large selection of available products. We determined the best car shelters for the money and for particular purposes as well.
1-5/8 in. / 3, 1 cm all-steel frame, Bonded with THERMOSET premium powder-coated finish prevents chipping, peeling, rust and corrosion
The Garage-In-A-Box car shelter from ShelterLogic is available in two configurations: 12 by 16 feet and 12 by 20 feet. ShelterLogic also makes a Shed-In-A-Box product that comes in six smaller sizes as well.
The frame is constructed of high-grade steel. The poles are 3.5 centimeters in diameter and powder coated in order to avoid corrosion, rust, peeling, chipping and so forth.
ShelterLogic has made the fabric cover from a triple-layer polyurethane weave. Additionally, the fabric is heat sealed rather than stitched, which provides better waterproofing and long-term durability.
The UV protection is excellent as well. Both the inside and outside are treated. The inside material is treated during the design process, and fade blockers are added during construction as well.
A cover tensioning system ensures that the cover is as tight over the frame as possible. This ensures that the door panel is tight as well as convenient to open and close.
You will notice that the interior is a bright white as opposed to the darker grey of the exterior. This helps to enhance illumination either provided by the sun or a lamp or similar light source.
The 240 square foot provided by the largest model is plenty big enough to store a large vehicle as well as lawn equipment or anything else that you want to keep outside but not unprotected.
Our team was pretty impressed with how easy this pop-up garage was to install. As a product designed to be used year-round, we expected a bigger challenge. The frame went up easy. The ratcheting made it simple to get the cover into place and as tight as it ought to be.
ShelterLogic also includes stabilizing blocks and four 15-inch auger anchors. Additionally, all the roof joint connections are bolted. This is what makes this product the best heavy-duty car shelter.
This product can be used year-round and will have no problem handling most bad storms.
[Sturdy Heavy Weight Frame] ► This Heavy Duty Steel Carport frame was designed to weigh more than other similar styles so that the carport is more stable, safe and less...
This canvas garage is among the most versatile products that we reviewed.
It is a fantastic car shelter and serves well as a storage space too. It measures 10 by 20 feet, so that is 200 square feet of area overall. The tent is also attractive enough to be used for other purposes, and we came across a number of reviewers who use it for outdoor dinner parties and the like.
The installation process is fairly straightforward. It will take the average person about 30 minutes the first time around. This pop-up garage is certainly intended to go up and stay up, but setup is easy enough for the person who wants to use this product on an occasional basis.
The Abba Patio product can be used year-round and may be the best car shelter for winter that we tested. It can withstand snow load, and the roof is relatively easy to clear of snow.
The front and rear doors roll up and down. The two sidewalls are optional. You could leave one side open for greater access when hosting a barbecue, for instance. We also came across people who used it in this configuration against their homes in order to have access to and from a side door.
Ventilation is excellent. Even with the sidewalls down, the space receives ample light thanks to six windows. The windows can open for even greater cross ventilation.
Abba Patio has made the structure from a water-resistant material. All material has been treated for UV protection as well, and the steel frame is both rust and corrosion resistant.
You can place this car shelter on your lawn but also on hard surfaces, such as concrete. Note that while this product does include ground stakes and straps, this setup leaves a lot to be desired.
The included anchoring system is all right for occasional use. If you intend to use it long-term or even year-round, then we recommend purchasing a separate anchoring kit. An anchoring kit with weights or sandbags would be ideal and allow for placement on a patio or similar surface.
Overall, it’s not a cheap portable garage for majority car owners but does provide great value for the money.
Note that the product we are recommending here is 10 by 20 feet. We also reviewed the smaller 100-square-foot version and can recommend it as well. The smaller version is otherwise similar and a bit cheaper, so if you do not need that additional space, you can save yourself some money.
The KdGarden portable garages have an industrial look to them that we love.
Many of these products are bright, white and windowed because they want to appeal to the consumer seeking a party tent as well as the consumer seeking the best car shelters.
This portable carport, on the other hand, is specifically targeted at people who will use this product to store their vehicles, equipment, tools and so forth. It looks the part, and we know that matters to many.
The colors that KdGarden offers makes the tent much easier to keep looking clean. The material is a PE weave with three layers. Each layer is UV-treated and treated for anti-aging as well.
KdGarden provides excellent instructions. This tent garage is simple to erect, and it is fully collapsible. So, once you set it up, you can fold it down, transport it, store it and put it back up with ease.
Once up, you will have easy access via double zippered front and back doors. The openings are quite wide, which makes it much easier to back a boat on a trailer into, for instance.
The included anchoring system is solid and should prove good enough for most buyers. If you do live in an area where intense storms are common, then you may want to upgrade to a weighted system.
The biggest issue with the KdGarden products is illumination. Little external light gets in. Even if you provide your own, it does not illuminate well. So, while we love the product overall, we would not recommend to the person who wants to use it as a work space or similar.
DURABLE FRAME: Made from an all-steel metal 10 x 20 x 8-feet frame that is 1-3/8 inches thick, providing strength and stability
This is the second ShelterLogic product to make our list, and that should not come as a surprise.
ShelterLogic is an innovator and a leading name in the industry. The brand has a superb reputation for design, build quality and, of course, customer service and satisfaction.
This product includes the Ratchet Tite cover tensioning system. There are a series of handles that you ratchet evenly in order to tighten the cover and the door panel as much as possible.
The cover and door panel are made from a triple-layer ripstop polyethylene weave. The outer layer, inner layer and in-between layer are waterproof and treated for UV protection.
Additionally, the material has been treated with a fade blocker as well as for anti-aging and anti-fungal. The anti-fungal is a nice touch and prevents those green blotches that can appear over time.
The anchoring system provided is quite good too. This is thanks in large part to patented stabilizers that allow the structure to remain stable even in very bad weather. We would not recommend upgrading the anchoring system unless you live in area prone to tropical storms and the like.
ShelterLogic products in general and this portable garage in particular is excellent for snow load too. So, if you live in an area where your tent will have to support multiple inches of snow, this is a good option.
This is not the easiest of installations, however. The ratchet system is nice, but the build overall is a bit complex, and we think the instructions can do with a rewrite. It will get easier with experience, but this is certainly not a product that you will want to take down and put back up often.
Dimensions: 10ft 8in wide x 20ft long x 6ft 8in side height x 9ft 9in center peak height.
The Hercules by King Canopy is among the best car shelters we tested.
The primary reason it drops on our list is that it does tend to be on the pricey side relative to similar products. If that extra price is not an issue, then this is a product we can strongly recommend.
King Canopy makes this product from a heavy-duty tarp material and markets it as the best car tent for snow load, and it definitely performed well in that area when we tested.
The material is waterproof and UV-resistant but also fire retardant.
The frame comprises 2-inch steel shafts. Two inches is quite a bit thicker than is usual with such products, and you can definitely feel the difference in the stability.
The frame is also powder coated so that it resists rust and corrosion.
The cover is fitted and fits well. However, it is not ratcheted down as with some of the other car shelters that we ranked, so it never gets that very taut tightness, which we do prefer.
We do like that it has six roll-up windows, which is nice for added sunlight when working inside.
Many consumers noted that there are not enough ties included with the tent and that you should buy an additional bag at the time of this purchase, and we concur.
Additionally, the anchoring system provided here is not the best. You may want to upgrade to a different anchoring kit, and some users even built bases for their tents for more permanency.
Lastly, this product can come in multiple boxes that ship separately. So, you may get one box and then have to wait a day or several before you get the rest of the pieces.
CoverPro is one of the biggest names in portable sheds, garages and car shelters.
This particular CoverPro portable car canopy is among the best-selling products on the market.
The CoverPro canopy is similar in design to the ShelterLogic canopy. It also tends to be a bit cheaper, so it can be a good option for the budget-minded buyer. However, we did prefer the ShelterLogic product overall and would personally pay a little extra for it if we could afford it.
There are a couple of issues that dropped the CoverPro garage on our list. The first is the color. We do not understand the color choice at all and would prefer either white or a more industrial look.
The other is the sizing: 10 by 17 feet rather than the more standard 10 by 20 feet. We understand this is probably how CoverPro undercuts its competitors, but that 30 square feet makes a big difference.
If you can overlook those issues, then this is a fine car shelter, particularly for smaller vehicles.
A drum-tight cover and door panel are provided. One of the best cover attachment systems in the industry ensures that the cover and door are as tight against the steel frame as possible.
The fabric has been UV-treated in order to avoid fading due to sunlight.
The material is also weather-resistant and has zinc-plated eyelets in order to avoid rust.
Setup is simple, and you can get it up in under 15 minutes once you are used to the process.
The warranty is only for 90 days, however, which is on the light side relative to competing products.
✅【WARRANTY】1. Lifetime WARRANTY Replacement for Connectors, Pegs, Ropes, Elastic ropes, etc. 2. 1 Year Warranty for Covers and Poles.
Note that Quictent offers a number of similar models. The product we are recommending here is specifically the heavy-duty PE model. We also tested the heavy-duty portable carport, which is similarly priced, but we were much less enamored with it and would not recommend it.
Quictent offers one of the best warranties in this product segment.
All connectors, pegs, ropes, elastic ropes and so forth are covered for life and will be replaced free of charge. Everything else is covered for one year. Beyond the first year, you receive a 50-percent discount on all replacement parts, which is nice if this is a tent you intend to use for five years, 10 years or more.
We love the look and feel of the extra-thick polyethylene fabric. We do not think most of the images available online do this product justice in terms of how it will look in your yard.
This product is similar to the Abba Patio car shelter that we ranked at number two. It has roll-up panels at the front and rear. The two sidewalls are optional and can be removed for greater access.
Each sidewall has three windows. All six windows can be closed over. Uncover them for greater illumination, and open them up for even greater cross ventilation.
The reinforced PE material is tear-proof, waterproof and UV-treated. This is an industrial-grade fabric that will stand the test of time and can be cleaned with water and a basic detergent.
The steel frame is excellent and delivers one of the most stable products we tested. The connectors are all made from steel as well, and the poles have been powder coated to resist rust and corrosion.
The load that the roof can support is one reason this product drops in our list. If you live in an area where you expect multiple inches of snow at a time, then we would recommend a different product.
How the Best Portable Garages and Shelters Were Tested
For every product tested, we set it up and broke it down multiple times. We assessed the installations in context. Temporary garages should be easier to set up than the best car shelter for winter.
Our team was also able to simulate high wind conditions in order to test anchoring systems as well as the overall structural integrity of each car shelter. After these simulated tests, the products were installed in an open field for a three-month period at the beginning of the year.
We leaned heavily on clinical testing and professional critiques particularly in areas that are difficult for us to test directly. Waterproofing and water-resistance are simple to assess, but determining how well a certain UV protection will hold up over five years, 10 years or more is much more challenging.
As always, we relied heavily on aggregated user reviews as well. Consumers who spend several hundred or more and were happy with their purchase were very willing to share their experiences.
Of course, we considered the negative reviews as well, and we worked hard to separate legitimate criticisms from those comments made by misinformed customers who were taking it out on the brand.
We also paid attention to the kinds of questions customers often had so that we could determine the answers and present them here as part of our buying guide for the best car shelters.
Who Should Invest in a Portable Car Shelter?
Any person who owns a vehicle and does not have an attached or detached garage should invest in a car shelter. Even most carports do not provide the kind of protection that an instant garage does.
Additionally, if you are an outdoor enthusiast, then we recommend a portable garage tent that you can take with you on your trips and use to ensure that your vehicle is protected from the sun and more.
Whether used on a short-term or long-term basis, a tent garage protects your vehicles from:
Hail
Rain
Wind
Snow and ice
Sun exposure
High temperatures
These products can protect your paint from fading. They also protect your interior because heat and direct sunlight can cause wear and tear on the inside of your car or truck as well.
In addition to fading color, weather can lead to dents, rust and other damage.
A tent garage provides concealment as well and may serve as a deterrent because statistics show that vehicles kept even in detached garage spaces are at significantly less risk of theft and vandalism.
The best portable garage is great as a storage space as well. You can purchase a shelter large enough to give you walking around room as well as space you can use for lawn equipment or whatever.
How Do You Use a Portable Car Garage?
When it comes to the best car shelters, the industry uses terms like portable, instant, temporary and pop-up. But be mindful that these terms are all relative and user experiences will vary.
The best temporary car shelter is only temporary in the sense that it is not stick-built. It will be portable in the sense that you can take it down and move it, but you will not want to do that often.
A pop-up garage is built for convenience and will generally have a foldable frame. Portable car canopy products for camping and other activities are meant to go up and come down with relative ease.
How you use a portable car garage will depend a lot on what your goals are. Some people do not have a garage or have run out of garage space. For these people, a pop-up carport gives them that needed space. The best heavy-duty car shelter on the market can be used year-round and last decades.
If, on the other hand, you enjoy the outdoors and take vacations and weekend trips that involve camping, hiking, fishing and so on, a temporary carport can protect your vehicle during bad weather and from direct sunlight, high temperatures, dirt, animals, falling branches and pine cones and so forth.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Portable Garage
There are five crucial factors to consider:
Cover
Frame
Anchoring
Storage
Placement
Begin by determining your budget. The best car shelters range from as little as $100 to more than $1,000. How much you spend should be determined by how often you will use the portable garage.
If you are seeking the best car camping shelter, then the less expensive options are suitable. If you want a portable car garage that will be used daily, a bigger investment will certainly be worth it.
Cover: Materials used for coverings can range greatly. Cheaper portable garages will have a cheaper cover. We recommend ensuring and investing in a quality material. Most covers are waterproof. We would avoid those that are not, and investing in some level of UV protection is a good idea as well.
Frame: Frames are generally constructed of metal or plastic and can either be foldable or fixed. Fixed metal frames with reinforcements are going to hold up the best for year-round use. Foldable frames tend to be much more convenient for temporary garages that will not be up all the time.
Anchoring: Most portable car garage products include an anchoring kit, but make sure. You will need one even for short-term use, and an upgrade may be worthwhile for year-round use.
Storage: Measure your vehicle and all other items you intend to store in the car shelter. Add space for moving around too, and then choose a product that provides the necessary interior square footage.
Placement: For a fixed car shelter, you need to determine a placement site before you can make any other decisions. This will determine how big of a portable garage shelter you can have as well as determine if investing in enhanced waterproofing, sun protection and so forth is worth it.
What Consumers Are Saying About Portable Garages
Consumer reviews were a big part of this process for us. These buyers ranged from car collectors to people who had sought the best car camping shelter for their weekend excursions.
In our experience, most informed consumers were satisfied with their temporary garage selection.
The largest group of unsatisfied customers were those that went the budget route. Particularly with canvas garage products, the quality of the material makes a huge difference in how long it will last.
We strongly recommend investing in the highest-quality material that makes sense for your budget. You will spend more up front, but we guarantee that you will get a better return in the end.
Another group of unsatisfied consumers greatly underestimated sun damage. You are purchasing your car shelter to protect against ultraviolet rays, and it takes that beating instead.
If you have options, we recommend choosing a location that minimizes sun exposure. If your only choice is a site that will get a lot of direct sunlight, then we recommend investing in enhanced UV protection.
The best heavy-duty products are treated for UV protection. The best materials are treated on the outer surface and inner surface, and any middle layers are usually treated as well.
The most satisfied consumers were those who purchased the best car shelters for their environment and who recognized that regular cleaning and maintenance go a long way toward maximizing durability.
Safety Tips and Precautions When Using Portable Garages
Inspect all aspects of your car shelter before you set it up.
Organize all of the parts. Use the part list included with the instructions to ensure that everything is there. Make sure that those parts are clean and functioning before you begin to assemble the pop-up garage.
Do this for the first time after ordering your instant garage online and then receiving it. Do this again each time you break the portable garage down or set it up for short- or long-term use.
It can be a hassle at the end of a camping trip, for instance, to perform that kind of detailed breakdown, but it is worth it over the long-term in terms of durability and how well your vehicle is protected.
Install anchors. Most portable garages for sale include stakes or some other anchoring system. Some products require you to purchase them separately. You need to consider your local climate.[3]
If you live in an area prone to high winds, then you should invest in an upgraded anchoring system. If the local news warns of a particularly bad storm, then perhaps this is a good time to upgrade.
However, if the news warns of a tropical storm, hurricane or similar bad storm, then it is generally advised that you disassemble your portable garage and store it and your vehicles inside.
Finally, never allow snow to accumulate on the roof. Even the best car shelter for winter can actually break under that weight. Using a rake, you can usually remove any snow while standing on the ground.
Protect Your Vehicle
For so many people—us included—vehicles play such a crucial role in our lives.
These cars, trucks and recreational vehicles are among our most valuable possessions, and we want to ensure that these rides continue running as well and looking as good as the day we bought them.
Not everyone can have an attached or detached garage.
But everyone can own a car shelter.
Our team was really impressed with most of the portable garages we tested. Some of us had never even entertained the idea and were not all that familiar with these products and the options available.
A number of our team members—myself included—made a garage tent purchase shortly after we had completed these portable garage reviews. I have a beloved vehicle that I only drive on weekends, and now, I can have that car on my property and have done away with those monthly storage fees as well.
The best car shelters are excellent investments, and we hope that our top carport picks and the buying sections provide everything you need to select the best temporary car shelter for you.
Paul is a compulsive tinkerer and inventor who loves writing about latest machines technology. He is especially inclined towards home improvement, exercise and outdoor equipment that every sports enthusiast and house dweller would love to get their hands on.
Welcome to our portable garage buying guide!
