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Anchoring a Portable Shelter

     Portable shelters have become an extremely popular value based storage alternative for cars, trucks, RV’s, & boats. After all, these fabric covered buildings are a fraction of the cost of metal, vinyl, or wooded storage building. Depending on the quality of the product, these shelters & structures can provide long lasting protection for the elements with the proper maintenance.

     In addition to purchasing a quality and product and performing some minor maintenance, another key task must be completed properly to provide for a positive owner experience: sufficient and proper anchoring. Due to the characteristics of these garages, they must be securely anchored to the mounting surface to prevent damage to the portable shelter and its contents.

     Before selecting the type of anchor for application, the mounting surface must be clearly known (concrete, rocky soil, asphalt, sand, etc). It is also recommended to place the portable shelter on a base such as treated lumber. A 2 x 6 or 4 x 6 will provide for a more stable mounting application, regardless if the mounting surface is grass, concrete, or rocky soil. As an example, if placed on “soft soil”, the portable shelter should not sink if placed on a rigid piece of lumber.

     There are (3) common portable shelter anchoring types: auger, duckbill, and mounting or foot plates. Augers are typically used for rocky soil, sand, grass, and other soil related applications. Auger anchors attach to the frame or wooden base with either a cable or chain. The auger anchor is screwed into ground (same concept as a manual hand rotary digger) as far as possible. The auger anchor has a loop which attaches the cable. It may be most applicable to dig a hole and place the auger into the hole and fill with concrete or dirt. This is typically done is the soil is hard or rocky. Be sure the cable is tight between the frame and anchor or the portable shelter will shift. Longer anchors work significantly better for anchoring than short anchors due to the holding force.

     Another common portable shelter anchor type is the duckbill. Duckbill devices have a cable which attaches to the wooden base or frame. Duckbill anchors are commonly used when the soil is softer. A drive rod is used to drive a sharp anchor head into the soil. A heavy hammer is needed for this task. The duckbill application does not require having a hole be dug similar to the auger application.

     Some shelters are mounted on asphalt or other hard surfaces. In this case, the shelter owner must obtain a foot plate type application from the manufacturer. These mounting plates typically have pre-drilled holes which can then have concrete anchors inserted to fasten the shelter to the surface. Some mounting plates have up to (4) holes. If the shelter is somewhat large, many holes will have to be drilled into the concrete with smaller anchors. As a result, a treated 2 x 6 or 4 x 6 piece of lumber can be applied to reduce the quantity of holes needing drilled into the concrete or asphalt. The portable shelter can then be placed (and mounted) onto the treated lumber. The treated lumber can then be fastened to the surface using the concrete anchors.

     Anchoring for portable shelters is extremely critical in preventing damage to the shelter and its contents. Although this article is not a substitute for the manufacturer’s guidelines, it can be used to support prospective owners.

About the Author

ShelterVision is an online retailer of portable shelter products

Anchor Chain

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New Unisex Boho MURANO GLASS ANCHOR PENDANT ROPE NECKLACE Many Colours $3.15

New Unisex Boho MURANO GLASS ANCHOR PENDANT ROPE NECKLACE Many Colours $3.15

New Unisex Boho MURANO GLASS ANCHOR PENDANT ROPE NECKLACE Many Colours $3.15

New Unisex Boho MURANO GLASS ANCHOR PENDANT ROPE NECKLACE Many Colours $3.15

New Unisex Boho MURANO GLASS ANCHOR PENDANT ROPE NECKLACE Many Colours $3.15

New Unisex Boho MURANO GLASS ANCHOR PENDANT ROPE NECKLACE Many Colours $3.15

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18Kt Yellow Gold Layered Fine Anchor Necklace Chain 18in N703Y $38.56

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VICTORIAN VULCANITE CHAIN WITH ANCHOR PENDANT $104.31

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Nautical Electric Table Lamp With Ship’s Anchor & Chain At The Base $109.90

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Anchor Rode 8Plaited Rope&Chain combo 200ft = 5/8 Rope & 5/16 Galv Chain $239.95

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CROWN Part # 75385-2 CHAIN ANCHOR ASSEMBLY $23.00

New Punk Men’s Anchor Design Metal Alloy Pendant Chain Necklace 79 $0.99

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Mariner Anchor Necklace Sterling Silver FREE SIZE 30″ $41.53

STERLING SILVER NECKLACE SHIPS ANCHOR WHEEL CHARM #1948 $20.99

Fab Silver Pirate Sailor Nautical Anchor Chain Ear Cuff Clip Earring NO PIERCING $1.04

3/16″ x 4′ Anchor Lead Chain by SeaChoice 44101 $14.98

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14K Yellow Gold 18 Inch Solid Anchor Chain.. $986.00

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Two 2″ x 30′ Ratchet Straps with Chain Anchor Ends Tiedown Flatbed Cargo $59.99

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Black and White Nautical Anchor Antique Bronze Scroll Cameo Necklace Vintage $4.88

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Lewmar Anchor Chain Tensioner $34.99 Lewmar Anchor Chain Tensioner . Pulls anchor chain tight to keep it snug against its roller. Cam action offers up to 200lb. of tension with minimal effort. Use with windlasses, anchor rollers and anchor mounts. Stainless steel. 1-3/8″W x 7″L.

Fixe Chain Anchor 1 Plated Hanger $24.5 Fixe Chain Anchor 1 Plated Hanger

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Metolius Anchor Chain $49.95 No, it’s not what you clip at the top of a sport routeThe Metolius Anchor Chain is a series of sewn loops of bomber 11mm Dyneema Monster Sling that make equalizing your traditional anchors easier. Different length end loops are green and yellow to avoid confusion when you’re clipping into the Metolius Anchor Chain at the top of the crux 5.11 wide hands pitch.

C.SHERMAN Johnson Anchor Chain Tensioner $112.99 C.sherman Johnson Anchor Chain Tensioner . Holds chain up to 5/16″ firmly to keep your anchor quiet on its roller. A quick-release pin holds the welded handle securely in a tensioned position. 316 stainless steel. 1-1/8″W x 12″L.

9ct Gold Anchor Chain $249.99 9ct gold. Hollow. Guaranteed weight ¼oz. Length of chain 51cm/20in.

Gold Anchor Link Chain Necklace $135 The gold anchor link chain necklace is a simple ideaexecuted on a grand scale. Large gold plated links connect to bring yousomething extravagant. This gold necklace fastens with a toggle closure.

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BRISLIN Chain-Link Fence Anchor $8.8 From the original Brislin. This SPECIAL PATENTED Chain-Link Fence Anchor specially designed to hook into the bottom links of your fence and keep it down. Simply insert the anchor into the ground until it pulls the fence down to meet the ground. Swivel hooks at top make is easy to manuever the anchor into place and the 3-arrow base keeps the fence down and secure. Great to prevent your animals or pets from getting in or out. Patent Pending.

Aqua Anchor $1.31 All aboard! This tropical themed aqua invitation features a navy blue anchor design with anchor chain. Coordinating enclosure cards, envelope lining and envelope seals are available.

Anchor $4.99 Anchor

Anchor Pendant in 14K White Gold with Chain $199 The anchor is a traditional symbol of strength, tranquility and hope. Beautifully crafted in crisp 14 karat white gold and complete with matching chain, this anchor pendant will make a stunning and versatile addition to any jewelry collection.This pendant includes an 18 Inch rope chain. SKU: 02QG2971W

Anchor Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold with Chain $199 The anchor is a traditional symbol of strength, tranquility and hope. Beautifully crafted in glowing 14 karat yellow gold and complete with matching chain, this anchor pendant will make a stunning and versatile addition to any jewelry collection.This pendant includes an 18 Inch rope chain. SKU: 02QG1360

Acco Precut Chain Bbb Anchor Chain, 3/8 X 300′ $4.42 Acco Precut Chain Bbb Anchor Chain, 3/8″ X 300′ . Precut chain lengths make outfitting an anchor easier galvanized to prevent corrosion Handy lengths of hot-dip proof coil chain, either plain or coated. Polymer coating is a thin, flexible coating that improves the chain s appearance and provides a modest amount of protection for your deck. Vinyl coating is thicker, which limits the flexibility of the chain but provides outstanding protection for your deck. Large end links to fit oversized shackles.

Black White Anchor Chain Dangle Nipple Ring $9.99 Black White Anchor Chain Dangle Nipple Ring A nautical nipple ring. 14 Gauge nipple ring barbell with an anchor charm. This surgical steel nipple ring is sold individually. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 5/8″ (16mm), PTFE Barbell, Black Plated, Sold Individually