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For those among us susceptible to snowstorms, a portable garage, or carport, is an ideal strategy for avoiding the dreaded scenario of digging your car from the snow. With the winter season making its welcomed exit, now would be the time to catch a great deal on winter gear and items in preparation for the next snow season.
When looking for the best portable garages for snow load, we analyzed product features such as durability/material, standing style, and size to create a list of the most recommended models, as determined by our expertise. The best carport for snow will allow you to save time and energy when it comes to the post-storm car clean up.
Additionally, these portable garages shield the interior from the wintery forces outside, preventing any unnecessary damage to your vehicle. This also makes them applicable beyond cars. Read on to discover the best models on the market!
The 9 Best Portable Garages for Snow Load:
1. Caravan Canopy 10 X 20-Feet Domain Carport
Jumping back to another budget carport, we have the Caravan Canopy Domain Carport at the eighth spot. This model is among the most affordable carports and garages on the market.
This model by Caravan Canopy is the exact same in form and function as the Quictent model reviewed just prior at the seventh spot.
It’s a large, unenclosed tent-like canopy with six support legs upon which the canopy roof attaches. It’s perfect for protecting your car from the elements or serving up some shade in the summertime.
Although there are better options available, this unit is still serviceable for those on a budget. The Caravan Canopy Domain Carport seems perfectly plausible in rain and as a party tent, though I wouldn’t push its ability to withstand heavy snows and high winds.
The reviews on this product are highly mixed. On one end of the spectrum is people claiming that the tent is great and holds up in poor weather. On the other end is people claiming that wind alone knocked over or destroyed the carport and subsequently damaged their car/belongings.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Durable cover that’s UV treated
Cons
- California Proposition 65 warning: This product can expose you to chemicals including Diethylhexyl Phthalate
- No cross rails for additional canopy support
2. ADVANCE OUTDOOR Adjustable 10×20 ft Heavy Duty Carport Car Canopy Garage Boat Shelter Party Tent
Capping off the car shelter reviews is a portable winter garage that closely resembles the Abba Patio Outdoor Canopy. The ADVANCE takes on a party tent/canopy style and because of this, it’s suited for multipurpose use.
As with many of the unenclosed, canopy-style tent carports, this model is large in length and width, making it suitable for some SUVs and larger cars.
It comes in an elegant white color, making it a great option for special events.
The ADVANCE is a great model to top off the list. It’s both sturdy and widely applicable. It’s suited for weather-protecting vehicles and other possessions as well as entertaining and enjoying the outdoors in the hot sun!
The consumer reports on this model are straightforward and generally represent satisfied customers. Many of the consumers note that it offers nothing special but that it’s sturdy and comes exactly as described.
Pros
- 8 Legs with foot pads (added stability)
- Large coverage area
Cons
- No cross-rail support
3. ShelterLogic 10′ x 20′ x 8′ All-Steel Metal Frame Peak Style Roof Instant Garage
At the first spot in the portable winter car shelters, reviews are the ShelterLogic Instant Garage and AutoShelter.This model is another large carport suitable for larger vehicles such as larger trucks.
This model is a large, enclosed shed/carport. It has one zipper door at the front of the unit. Its outer canopy protection sports a light brown, sandstone color.
This ShelterLogic AutoShelter is a good option for those with large vehicles and objects in need of snow, rain, and wind protection. Having only one zipper door, the carport provides ample enclosure.
Interestingly, this product has widely varying reports from consumers. Those who report satisfaction note the unit’s stability and success through the seasons. Those who report dissatisfaction claim the item to have completely collapsed and in one particular case, the canopy’s holes to be off.
Pros
- Triple-layer cover is highly durable
- Ratchet strap fastening system for ultimate stability
- Large interior space suitable for large vehicles/objects
Cons
- Only one zipper door at the front
- 2 Person assembly
4. Quictent 10X20ft Upgraded Heavy Duty Car Canopy
While you wouldn’t want to cheap out on a carport, it’s nice to know there are budget carports for those keeping an eye on their finances.
This next model, the Quictent Upgraded Heavy Duty Car Canopy is a great example of a budget carport. As its title suggests, it works great as temporary garages for winter or as party tents for events.
The sizing is similar to the previously reviewed Quictent model, but this model is only the framework and a roof canopy piece; meaning it’s not enclosed.
The Quictent Quictent Upgraded Heavy Duty Car Canopy is great for those looking to get more than just a carport out of their portable garage/tent. When the snow season passes, you can turn this model right into your outdoor shading!
For the most part, reviews on the Quictent Quictent Upgraded Heavy Duty Car Canopy is positive. The unit is noted as sturdy and able to stand up to bad weather as well as serving as a great party tent for shade and seating areas.
Pros
- Metal corner joints add stability
- Multipurpose
- Heavy-duty materials in the frame and canopy
- Multiple warranties
Cons
- Assembly by 2 people is necessary
5. Abba Patio 10×20 ft Heavy Duty Carport Car Canopy Portable Garage
The next item in our quest to find the best car canopy for snow is the Abba Patio Outdoor Carport Canopy. Unlike the Abba Patio model mentioned at the one spot, this canopy is just that, a canopy.
It doesn’t take on a shed form and as such it’s not fully enclosed. This design decision allows for the Outdoor Carport Canopy to be widely applicable beyond your vehicles. Its aesthetically pleasing design makes it a great party tent candidate!
One of the most unique model reviews thus far, the Outdoor Carport Canopy is a phenomenal portable garage for snow load. Additionally, its design allows it to be multi-purposed and used in other manners than car protection.
Consumers have nothing but praise for this Abba Patio Outdoor Carport Canopy. Many consumers seem to enjoy using this as a yard tent for relaxing and for get-togethers. Others, with cars such as SUVs and pick-ups, enjoy the spaciousness and protection of their vehicles.
Pros
- Extra durable canopy cover
- Fully collapsible for easy transport/storage
- Easy assembly
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- N/A
6. Ikuby Medium Carport, Car Shelter, Car Canopy, Car Garage
The next item on the list is also one of the best portable carports for snow. The Ikuby All Weatherproof Medium Carport is less of a shed and more of a cocoon of sorts.
The Ikuby model functions similarly to a convertible car top with its horizontal support bars spreading the canopy over the car or other objects inside.
Because of its design, there’s no door and in order to use it, you have to fully enclose the inside.
The Ikuby Lockable Carport is great for those looking to protect the value of their car or other vehicles/large items from all of the elements, sun exposure included. With its unique cocoon style, your possessions are guaranteed protection.
Consumers generally have positive things to report about this Ikuby model. Some people are totally satisfied with it while others note the ease with which it’s assembled and used.
Pros
- Very Durable outer fabric
- A retractable cover is easy to use
- Complete car protection
Cons
- Not fit for SUVs (see other products)
7. Palram – Canopia Vitoria Carport
The next model in review, the Palram Arcadia Carport & Patio Cover, is by far the best portable garage for snow load.
This model is unique because while it’s portable it takes on a more permanent appearance and function. It’s much more sturdy than most of the carports reviewed so far as it boasts thick aluminum supports that can anchor to the ground.
Debatably the most significant difference between this model and the various models so far reviewed is the lack of soft body material.
Possibly the best carport for snow, the Palram Arcadia is a stunning carport that’s sure to stand up to the elements and protect your belongings. Its easy setup and installation make it a great candidate for just about anyone!
Past consumers rave about this carport model. The unit is repeatedly claimed to be very sturdy and able to withstand all sorts of bad weather. The solid body is appreciated among users as well.
Pros
- Thick, heavy-duty aluminum frame
- Sturdy, permanent appearance and function
- Long warranty lifetime
- Fit for SUVs, large trucks, etc
Cons
- Roof canopy only, not enclosed
8. VINGLI 10x20ft Easy Pop Up Canopy Tent w/ 6 Removable Zippered Mesh Sidewalls & Portable Wheeled Carrying Bag
Coming in at the seventh spot in the best carport reviews is the VINGLI.
In form, it closely resembles the Abba model at number one with its tent/shed style but this VINGLI sports transparent sidewalls instead.
There are also two window-like cutouts in the outer canopy layer towards the front end of the sidewalls.
The VINGLI is perfect for folks with larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs. It’s even reasonable to get two small cars in the shed at one time. Despite your use for it, the shed is sturdy and will protect your car from the elements.
Customers’ reviews on the VINGLI are a relatively mixed bag. Some consumers report being satisfied with the item they received but others are not as fond with reports of non-fitting canopy pieces and misplaced punch holes in the canopy.
Pros
- Reinforcing ground bar and triangle structure for added stability
- A transparent canopy allows for 24/7 sight on car/possessions
- Roll-up doors in front and back of the tent
Cons
- Some reports of miss-sized pieces
9. Abba Patio Outdoor Shelter with Rollup Door Shed Portable Garage Kit Tent
The second item on the list, the Abba Patio Outdoor Carport Shed, is one of the best portable car shelters available. Abba has created a heavy-duty portable garage with this unit that’s prepared to stand up to any unpleasant weather.
As its name implies, the unit closely resembles a shed with the exterior being comprised of polyethylene walls that hand over a steel leg framing.
Abba Patio created a very strong product with its Outdoor Carport Shed. It’s ideal for those in areas with high winds, rain, or snow that don’t have a garage of their own!
Consumers report great satisfaction with this carport for good reason. It’s repeatably noted as a durable product, withstanding winds up to about 50 mph. However, many note the difficulty, if not impossibility, of assembling the shed alone.
Pros
- Full cover shed style
- Collapsible for easy transport/storage
- Durable, protective top canopy
Cons
- Only suitable protection for items the size of small trucks and below
- Tough to assemble alone
Tips on Choosing the Best Carport For Snow
Research styles
As we can tell from the list of reviews, there are many styles of carports and portable garages on the market The first thing we’d suggest is reviewing each style to understand how the structures come together, how each style differs in protection, and how each style sets itself apart from the pack.
While many people may already have a style in mind, it doesn’t hurt to explore the other options to understand them more and potentially open your eyes to some aspect of a portable garage you had thus far been unaware of.
Have an intended use in mind
The previous tip leads directly to this tip about having an intended use in mind. Once you’ve reviewed the various styles of carports, decided exactly for what purpose you need one.
Perhaps you need the best portable garage for snow loads, or maybe you simply need rain and sun cover that can double as an entertainment tent.
Knowing exactly how you intend to use the tent will help you narrow down your options to a few models that can successfully provide the protection you’re seeking.
When you’re able to keep a clear vision and keep your options limited to a few that fit your needs particularly well, you’re completely removing the stress of guesswork and hoping that what you get works out.
Shop multipurpose use carports if you can
The final tip would be to shop for a multipurpose use carport if it’s at all feasible for what you’re looking for.
Obviously, in many locations, the cold and snow season lasts longer, but for those few months to half a year when there’s no snow, it’s nice to be able to use your carport as a tent and outdoor event space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best portable garages for snow loads are going to depend on where you’re located and what kind of protection you’re seeking for your vehicle or other objects.
The entirely enclosed models are phenomenal for locations with heavy snow and rains that tend to be brutish and relentless.
The non-enclosed carports are perfect for areas where the weather is less harsh and you just need some sun and occasional rain protection for your vehicles.
They also successfully double as party tents!
Whether you’re looking for the best carport for snow or a great carport for simple sun and rain protection, these reviews should have you relatively equipped to take on the shopping experience.
By comparing and analyzing the features of these various models, we’ve provided you with ten great options to begin your shopping with.
With the snow season all but ended, now is the perfect time to stock up on a nice tent for that summer sun and in preparation for next season’s snowfalls!
