A VersaTube carport incorporates a patented Slip-Fit connection of steel tubes that are assembled to construct a high strength shelter frame and are manufactured at the company’s corporate headquarters in Tennessee and Arizona in the US. The frame assembly is pre-cut and machined to a workable size for easy handling and packaging to customers worldwide. The Versatube carport can be assembled with limited construction skills making it a popular choice amongst DIY enthusiasts and the manufacturer offers a twenty year limited guarantee on frame components and roof panels. Only licensed dealers can offer the Versatube carport and they have to be authorised by the manufacturer. They are available in all different sizes to cater for different applications such as RV’s, automobiles, ATV’s, yard equipment, and even as shelter for livestock.
The standard size appears to be up to 52ʹ wide, up to 16ʹ sidewall height and there are 4ʹ and 5ʹ incremental length extensions. These structures are available in a wide range of colours and are also considered stronger alternatives to aluminium carports. It is advisable when enquiring about your type of application to be as precise as possible as the Versatube representative can offer reinforced customisation to cater for local authority compliance. While Versatube have excelled in the commercial and industrial market with large engineering projects (covers for plant machinery), the same patented technology can be found with their domestic products. One customer who purchased a two car carport with truss bracing found the product top class in terms of value for money, design, quality and ease of use. Another customer who purchased the same carport stated it was a great product but found assembly quite a challenge.
It seems that the Versatube carport is a strong player amongst the many competitors that are vying to get your business. Manufactured from patented Slip-Fit steel tubes that fit together, they offer a long lasting structure that is guaranteed for twenty years. The dealers offer to include installation in the price of the carport but also offer a Premium DIY Kit for the enthusiast. If you decide that you have the expertise to carry out the installation yourself, some preparation work needs to be done, in particular the ground upon which the Versatube carport is to be built. The ground needs to be levelled flat with a decline of about four inches to make sure that water can run off the back gable and not the front. Also before attempting to purchase the kit you need to ensure whether you need planning consent. If you decide you will do the assembly yourself, plan on spending about eight hours on a standard sized carport (from 8ʹ to 30ʹ wide). If you are adding to the standard structure such as a sidewall or back or front then expect to take longer. If anchoring to concrete there are about seven standard anchor bolts that have to be installed using a hammer drill. If you are anchoring to a wooden deck, the company recommends lag bolts installed through the pre-drilled holes in the base and then screwed down securely.