Indoor shed for outdoor gas equipment

[JHZR2]

Hi,

Does anyone have an "indoor shed" for keeping outdoor gasoline equipment stored?

I have a garage, and keep the mower and weedwacker in it, but the more expensive and/or more sensitive stuff (like power washer, mini tiller and chainsaw) I'd be afraid to keep out there due to cold temperatures, limited space and potential of theft.

hsa anyone made a partition in their basement to serve as an indoor shed?

I was thinking of putting up a plywood wall in my workshop, and then a bathroom vent fan through 1.5" PVC out the side of the house to keep the odors out. My biggest fear in keeping gas equipment in the basement, even if drained of fuel, is the odor. I HATE the smell of garages and stagnant gasoline odor, so Id have to be sure it vented properly.

Has anyone done anything like this before? It wouldnt take much material, just a couple 2x4s, a couple sheets of thin plywood, some hinges, a bathroom vent fan and some pipe. Seems something I could "put up" in an afternoon.

Any ideas?

thanks!

JMH

 

[eljefino]

First you would want to use a marine rated bilge fan, an ordinary bathroom fan might have sparky contacts.

Second, check your building codes... for garages for starters... but I'd put fireproof drywall all around the storage area.

Third, see what your homeowner's insurance policy has to say on the subject of storing gas and gas-fueled gadgets.

With all this, I'd build a detatched shanty out in the backyard somewhere. Make it look decrepit, put a rusty padlock on there, and your stuff won't get stolen.

I've kept a rototiller on dirt under a tarp with 2-year old sta-bil-ized gas and it still runs fine. Not recommended but a shed with a floor and roof would be heaven for my gear.

 

[road_rascal]

I park my motorcycles in my backyard shed. Never had a problem with cold temps, mice or theft. I make sure the equipment is properly winterized, I throw down mice bait, and lock the doors.

 

[michaelc80]

In my opinion there's just too much of a danger storing any sort of flammable liquids in your basement even if it is walled off and vented. What happens when you go on vacation, the electricity fails, the vent fan stops and your house fills with fuel fumes?

The cold temps won't hurt any of the equipment-I store my chain saw, tiller, weed trimmer, tractors, power washer, etc in an unheated shed all winter. They all fire up in the spring just fine. If space is a big concern perhaps you could rent a storage area for the winter months to store them in.

 

[JHZR2]

I wouldnt store any flammable liquid down there. No gasoline would be there, and the only remnants would be what vapors are left in the tank after I ran it out of fuel. The anount of potential vapor in there is quite small.

Space for keeping stuff is the biggest problem. My garage is filled and there is noplace to put a good looking backyard shed if I want to have a reasonable sized garden... Would a rental space be any safer as far as vapors and whatnot goes?

Lots to think about, thanks for the insight!

JMH

 

[Bret Chase]

most rental places (at least all of the ones I've seen/used) specifically prohibit storage of gasoline powered equipment (except cars). the one I currently use allows you to store a boat, but not the fuel tanks (if removable).

 

[JHZR2]

But yet plenty of folks have attached garages (which I personally really dont like) and townhomes are now built three-story high with a garage on the lowest level...

Really no different than keeping a car in your basement... And Id not be doing that.

Still much to think about. Maybe Ill just try to expand the storage area in my garage.

Thanks!

JMH

 

[Jeepster_nut]

I had no idea that this many people didn't store gas and gas equipment in their basements! Ya got me feeling a little paranoid now...

I have 2 cars, my riding mower, my walk behind mower, walk behind leaf blower, snow blower, mini tiller, 2 hand held leaf blowers, chainsaw,hedge trimmer, and string trimmer in my basement. All filled with fuel and 5 gallons of gas in my gas container. My basement doesn't smell like gas though.

 

[JHZR2]

Suprising! Every "attached garage", whether dedicated as a garage or a section of a basement, always have a characteristic smell to it, like rancid gasoline or something...

Glad your basement has been safe!

JMH

 

[Matt_S]

My garage doesn't stink.

Besides, every time it's raining when I arrive home, I thank goodness I have that attached garage (mine is for cars only, BTW).

Anyway, if you're draining the gas out of the equipment before you store it in your basement, I don't think you have anything to worry about.