How to Install a 20×40 Shipping Container Shelter: A Comprehensive Guide

By darren | February 6, 2025
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Shipping Container Shelter Installation

For a great visual, click the link below to watch the installation on our YouTube channel!

Looking for an easy-to-install, long-lasting shelter for your equipment or workspace? Our 20×40 Shipping Container Shelter is the perfect solution, designed to provide reliable protection and sturdy coverage in a range of environments. This blog walks you through the installation process, details the shelter’s features, and provides key information to help you get started. Read on to learn more about the benefits of this shelter, its setup, and how you can easily assemble it with a step-by-step guide!

Key Features of the 20×40 Container Shelter

The 20×40 Shipping Container Shelter is a durable, high-quality structure that’s designed for quick and easy setup. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Heavy Duty 15 oz. PVC Cover: The solid white cover is fire retardant, water-resistant, and UV-protected, making it perfect for long-term outdoor use.
  • Twist Lock Mounting Design: No welding required! The innovative twist lock system is easy to use and ensures the shelter remains secure on top of your containers. It also features interlocking mechanisms for added stability.
  • Galvanized Steel Frame: Made with 16-gauge galvanized steel for the arch tubes and 18-gauge galvanized steel for the purlins, this shelter offers robust, weather-resistant support.
  • Arch Spacing: Each arch is spaced 49″ apart, providing solid structural integrity for the entire shelter.
  • Ceiling Heights: The shelter has a 6.5′ ceiling height from its base, but it can extend to 15′ when installed on standard containers (8.5′ tall) or 16′ when placed on high cube containers (9.5′ tall).
  • Sidewall Clearance: With an 18″ sidewall clearance, you’ll have enough space to easily store and move equipment underneath the shelter.
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Installation Overview

Installing the 20×40 Shipping Container Shelter is a straightforward process that typically takes 8-10 hours. It’s a great project for a small team of 2-5 people. Here’s an overview of the installation steps:

Container Setup: If you’re mounting the shelter onto containers, space them 19′ 1″ apart. The shelter can be mounted onto standard containers (8.5′ high) or high cube containers (9.5′ high). Concrete Block Setup: If you’re installing between concrete blocks, the twist locks will need to be cut off. This setup still offers stability and can work well for permanent installations.

There are 10 key steps to building these shelters:

  1. Shipping Container Setup
  2. Unbox Supplies to Ensure all Parts are Accounted for
  3. Base Rail Assembly
  4. Hoop Frame Assembly
  5. Purlin “Horizontal” Tube Assembly
  6. Installing Ratchets
  7. Installing the Cover
  8. Threading Lower Tension Pipes
  9. Cutting Sleeves for Ratchets
  10. Securing the End Flap Ratchets

These steps and the complete installation can be viewed here on our YouTube channel:

Follow this timeline to skip ahead to specific steps in the video:

  • 0:10 – Brief Container Prep
  • 0:20 – Unboxing Supplies from Crate
  • 1:24 – Base Rail Assembly – Twist Lock Corners
  • 3:05 – Base Rail Assembly – Connecting Plates
  • 4:18 – Base Rail Assembly – Base Clamp Connectors
  • 6:04 – Hoop Frame Assembly
  • 9:00 – Installing the Arch “Hoop” Frame
  • 10:43 – Purlin “Horizontal” Tubes
  • 11:22 – Installing Ratchets
  • 12:58 – Installing Cover
  • 14:01 – Threading Lower Pipes for Tensioning
  • 14:33 – Cutting Sleeve for Ratchets
  • 17:04 – End Flap Ratchets

Why Choose the 20×40 Container Shelter?

  1. Quick Setup: With no welding required and an intuitive twist-lock system, this shelter is easy to assemble and can be completed within a day.
  2. Long-Lasting Durability: The high-quality PVC cover and galvanized steel frame ensure the shelter can withstand harsh weather conditions, with an expected lifespan of 6-8 years.
  3. Versatility: Ideal for mounting on containers or concrete blocks, this shelter can be used in many environments, from construction sites to agricultural operations, or as a storage facility.
  4. Cost-Effective: The shelter’s sturdy materials and ease of installation make it a great investment, providing reliable protection at a reasonable cost.

Conclusion

Our 20×40 Container Shelter is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a simple, effective way to create a durable, weather-resistant shelter. Whether you need it for equipment storage, workspaces, or temporary coverage, the installation process is quick and easy, and the results will last for years.

If you have any questions or are ready to get started, feel free to reach out to our team today! We’re here to help you make the most of your shelter installation.

In the market? Check out our SHOP page to see our other options!

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