 | Home > Off Topic > Shipping containers - has anyone bought one before? |
 
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| Cupboard Member Since: 21 Mar 2014 Location: Suffolk Posts: 2971   
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I'm looking at buying a second hand 20ft shipping container to move all my garage stuff in to.
Are there any gotchas that I should be aware of, any things you wish you'd known before you bought one? If anyone has a recommendation for one in the Suffolk area that would be appreciated too  |
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26th Oct 2018 4:29pm |
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| Cupboard Member Since: 21 Mar 2014 Location: Suffolk Posts: 2971
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Hmm, even if I ply lined it?
What I'm comparing it to is a single skinned brick garage with no insulation and that has condensation issues in winter. |
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26th Oct 2018 5:19pm |
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| gilarion Member Since: 05 Dec 2013 Location: Wales Posts: 5111  
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Just make sure you have a viewing before buying, obvious things to look for are heavy rust any obvious signs of damage and make sure you check door alignment also check welded seams for cracks or damage as cracks lead to water ingress, inside should be dry if it isn't, walk away.
The most important thing you should budget for is the delivery and siting, depending on size is their easy access for the delivery HGV, bearing in mind you need to know what method will be used such as the simple tip the bed, where they drop the bed at an angle and then drive forward sliding the container to the ground as they do so, others use a harness and affixed crane where they lift and swing the container. Also, make sure where the container is to be sited the foundations are solid, concrete is the best as containers are heavy and if the ground is not firm they sink and then you have difficulty opening them. I have seen containers placed on a line of railway sleepers on the ground and within a year the sleepers have sunk into the ground along with about four inches of the container. I bought a used shipping container from Manchester Liners years ago (when they were cheap) the price nowadays is not so cheap particularly when you factor in the transport cost for delivery so as an alternative have you considered an insulated storage container (better than steel) Secure, Strong, No Condensation. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/insulated-stora...SwfcVUHTyJ Try also giving this company a ring which, may be local to you for advice on containers. Boxtor Ltd 289 Sandycombe Road Kew Richmond Surrey TWP 3NG Tel: 01371 811111 For those who like Welsh Mountains and narrow boats have a look at my videos and photos at.. http://www.youtube.com/user/conwy1 |
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26th Oct 2018 5:55pm |
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| Inigo Member Since: 13 Nov 2011 Location: Kent Posts: 617 
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I rent one off a local farmer. It appears to be brand new, but he assures me it wasn't. Has a ply floor, vents in the side and robust seals around the door. It used it for about three years and not had anything rust in it to date. It appears dry whenever I've been in it, but I only access it about once every month or so.
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26th Oct 2018 7:02pm |
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| blackwolf Member Since: 03 Nov 2009 Location: South West England Posts: 17464 
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The condensation problem can largely be solved if you drill a series of 2" holes along the top of the sides and ends.
Depending on location, you may want to bear in mind that they are not very secure in standard form, but plenty of firms offer lockbox upgrades. |
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26th Oct 2018 7:09pm |
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| JOW240725 Member Since: 04 May 2015 Location: Suffolk Posts: 7907 
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We've recommended a few companies with work. For a decent one try the below:-
https://www.portablespace.co.uk/ https://www.mrbox.co.uk/ James MY2012 110 2.2TDCi XS SW Orkney Grey - http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic43410.html MY1990 110 200TDi SW beautifully faded Portofino Red - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post743641.html#743641 MY1984 90 V8 Slate Grey - https://www.defender2.net/forum/post744557.html#744557 Instagram @suffolk_rovers |
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26th Oct 2018 7:25pm |
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| Rashers Member Since: 21 Jun 2015 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3525 
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As above, Cupboard. View before you buy if you can. We used to buy them at work. Some were new (although bought as second hand) some looked like they had been bumper cars and were pretty dented. They used to sell single trip boxes which were generally better condition. Mostly, You got what you paid for but it was a bit of a lottery.
We used them as site storage and must admit we didn’t get too many issues with condensation, but it can be a problem. Best advice is to get a cover welded over the point where the padlock goes. It secures them a little better and slows the low life’s down. Locked ISO containers seem to draw criminals like flies to a cowpat. I have bitter experience of losing all my tools from a well secured container. Rather than going to a wholesaler, try Gumtree or eBay and if you can find a fairly local one, employ a haulier with a rigid truck and hiab. I hope you find what you want  |
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26th Oct 2018 11:19pm |
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| LiftedDisco Member Since: 17 Aug 2014 Location: Towcester Posts: 354 
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I've used Tim Davis at Container Exchange before.
Think they are now Titan Containers - best option, as mentioned above, is to get a 'single use' container |
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27th Oct 2018 7:27am |
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| Cupboard Member Since: 21 Mar 2014 Location: Suffolk Posts: 2971
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thank you for the advice
Some of the container people I've talked to won't let you view in advance because their stock turns over too quickly. That's frustrating. I've send the retired fridge box people a message so we'll see how things go there - it seems like a solution that would make sense. I had been planning on insulating the container but if it comes pre-done then brilliant. |
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27th Oct 2018 7:01pm |
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