Staying dry after skin removal--no garage

Thanks, swirlygirls. I really like the idea of a portable carport with sides, even canvas or plastic would be an improvement. I need to make sure our odd little parking space could handle it, but it is worth investigating.

I have rural roots and am used to friends and relatives with lots of barns, outbuildings and land. I have been lamenting my city life lately for exactly that 'friend with a barn' you describe. I've even considered renting a storage unit, but I am told most have a prohibition on working on cars. Don't know if that extends to travel trailers...

Thank you for the tip, RinTin. Since we are realizing that each step forward requires 50 substeps in prepwork and unexpected costs, I am going to look into getting a metal carport used from craigslist. I really appreciate the link, too.

Thanks, vikx. Problems with the city are a concern as we live in an urban area that is likely to have strict laws regarding structures. We have wonderful immediate neighbors who would understand if we erected one for a couple of weeks, but we don't know if others we haven't met will complain. Our city is inefficient, so I might get away with erecting one and removing it before they get around to processing complaints. I'm thinking our best strategy is to pick a sunny four day period of time where we can devote all day to this project while the back skins are removed. I really hope four days isn't too optimistic. We're new to these things. :-)

Thank you for the picture, katiebronleewe. It's nice to see the tarps linked above in use so I can get an idea of the size to order. I also like the way you secured it to where it is covering under the trailer a bit. Our trailer cover will not be long enough, so a good tarp like this will be necessary. I also feed a few stray cats, and I want to ensure while the skins are off they can't make their way in to be the first ones to set-up house, as cats are wont to do.

Using a single tarp large enough to diaper around the whole trailer is the easiest to work with. I have been using tarps for 10 years now. I think I have seen it all. As said above, use a tarp from Tarps Direct. Choose "Poly Silver".. It will outlast your project.

If you remove the top vent you can poke a 2x2x8ft pole up through there to make it sort of a tee pee style thing which will create run off without puddling. Put one or two old socks over the end to protect the tarp. I use one tie on each side in the middle down to under the frame. That keeps the tarp on the trailer and you can either roll up the rear or the front for work. You will only work on half the trailer at one time anyhow. I did this on the Forester in Colorado where it rained every day for an hour or so in the month of June. I got the project done in 17 days and never got my work wet. 

When you bag up the trailer at the end of the day just diaper the rear corner to the front corner on both sides with ties and you are good for the night. Then as I said the next time you work on it just untie the diapered corners and roll the rear or front back up over the trailer to expose the work.

In the photo below I also have sort of an awning tarp over the trailer just to keep the sun off me when it's clear outside. I live in the desert.



Below you see the 59 Forester I did in CO with the post up through the top vent and the front of the tarp rolled up to that post so I can work on the front. At the first sign of rain I can roll the tarp back down over the front and diaper it up easily. The owner bought this tarp from HD and it only lasted the 3 weeks I worked on the trailer. The Silver Poly Tarps from Tarps Direct will last over a year.

Wow, thanks carvelloafer and mobiltec! The pictures and descriptions are really helpful in showing us exactly how to do it. I was starting to feel dispirited, but this gives me hope that we can pull it off. I am definitely taking heed to the quality of the tarps we buy (I'm going to order them from the place everyone suggested). I didn't realize the run of the mill ones were so subpar to holding up. I'm glad we found out before one ripped or fell apart and exposed the wood to rain.