Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Shipping Container Cabins/Storage

Who has built one? Who uses one? Pros? Cons?

I like the portability, the security and the durability potential. But is it worth doing? Any regrets? Tell me your experience!

I have one. 40 footer. Built it into my shop and some storage area. Love it. Not as fancy or nice as some out there. But it fits my needs.

I've not used one, but there's a place near here that was in the business of converting them into living spaces. As I recall, one of the things that needs to be dealt with is some sort of insulator on the roof to keep them from becoming hot. I can't recall what they were doing, but there's several ways to go about it.

I have 2 x 20's joined into 1 unit side by side, full electricity/water/internet for a shop/office space. They work great as long as you use quality insulation techniques and like cutting steel. Interior walls will need cut, and woof framing installed for adjoining doors. I laid carpet in my office spaces and rubber flooring in the shop area.

They need a solid foundation because of their weight, whether block or concrete slugs. Roll off car carriers can haul the smaller units(20' units no problem), but will need a small crane to lift them into place on foundation.

Our son bought one to store his things his wife wants to toss.

We've bought some out of long beach CA., and also Military surplus that were finished offices for much less than we could build it. I'd look around, might find just what you need.

My buddy has a forty foot container to store his tractor, ATV, and tools at his summer home.

We leveled an area, and layed a railroad tie at each end to keep the container up off the damp soil. Ten years later it is still sitting on those two ties.

Containers are engineered to be moved with a forklift, or suspended from a crane attached at each end when filled to capacity.

Capacity of a forty foot container is over 45,000 lbs. I know, because I load them to 45,000 lb for shipment.

A container needs no foundation, unless one has cut holes in it which reduce its structural integrety.

Inside mine

Nice shop.

Dang Bob! Nice!


Do you have trouble with condensation?

How do you control the climate?

If you set it down in fire prone area make sure you have plenty of clearance. Son had a 20 footer set down for storage and had a bunch of lumber stacked next to it. A forest fire roared through last year and the stacked lumber caught fire and eventually burned out the wooden floor of the container and everything in it.

Had there been a clear area around the unit it would've made it through the fire no problem.

Nice shop.

Ouch!

Very nice!

South Bend?

I'm just now getting ready to purchase and use two high cube 40 foot containers as main components of a sizeable garage. A bunch of past homework/research and several design experiments have led me to what should be a good outcome, The main purposes for the containers are strong ground support, segregated shop and storage space within the completed building, and ease of access to their end openings from the integrated carport.

If it gets cold where you live, they literally rain with condensation in the winter....have to insulate in cold climates.

We use a 40 footer for storage.

So far have not had problems with condensation.

Have not used it as a shop though!

I have seem some very nice shop spaces, gun/reloading rooms, etc. inside those or inside 53 foot semi trailer boxes - very good setups. Also have seen photos of small houses and house additions where they have been very well integrated. A guy can't beat these for stout/durable - but the climate and design for use seem to be critical. If you want ideas and photos, go to Pinterest and search for the usage of shipping containers.

g5m, it’s an old Atlas like Sears used to sell.

JC, a little condensation. Not much. I have a window unit in it. Keep it on econ when I’m not there. Stays pretty nice inside. I framed inside with steel studs and installed R13 insulation in walls and ceiling. Covered work area in 1/2" plywood. Storage area in wafer board.

Not in any fire prone danger area now. I suspect it will outlast me!

Looking back other way

I got a 40' one for storage out at the olive farm...

I does well for that, but damn.. it is a hot sumbitch in there.