We have decided we need a shipping container to store the stuff we have and will get for the fireworks show (including the fireworks prior to the show.) We can also use it to store our targets and clay target throwers for our shooting sports.
A Standard 20′ shipping container has the following dimensions:
External Length 19ft 10½”
External Width 8ft
External Height 8ft 6″
Internal Length 19ft 4″
Internal Width 7ft 8″
Internal Height 7ft 10″
Container Door Opening Width 7ft 8″
Container Door Opening Height 7ft 5″
Internal Cubic Capacity 1,170 cu feet
Tare Weight 4,780lbs
Net Load Weight 62,420lbs
Maximum Gross Weight 67,200lbs
Floor Space 150 sq ft
This will be perfect for our needs once it is set in place on a suitable foundation. There are several options:
A concrete pad is the best permanent solution.
Pros: permanent, done right will stay level and flat making door operation consistent over time, clean.
Cons: time to install and expense.
The next best option is solid concrete cap blocks under each corner. This is the preferred choice of our supplier, Twisted S Containers.
Pros: inexpensive and easy to install, remove, or move.
Cons: can become unlevel over time if one corner sinks differently than others, leaves unfinished ground under container. (Possible solution is to put down landscape fabric and cover with gravel under container.)
Farther down the list is wood blocking or landscape timber under each end.
Pros: same as blocks, easy and less expensive.
Cons: same as blocks, plus they will degrade over time and have to be replaced.
I think we are going to go with the middle option including the landscape fabric and gravel and adding weight distribution pads to prevent point loading from cracking the concrete blocks.
Another consideration is electricity and venting. We have decided not to worry about electricity for now as this is primarily storage and we can use partable lights if we need illumination. Venting is another issue as the interior temp of a metal storage box in Oklahoma in the summer can easily range between between 100 and 135° F, with the potential to get as hot as 145° F. The container we are looking at has cross ventilation, but we can also install a turbine vent to move more air. We are also looking at possibly building a “lean-to” roof over the container and extending it out over the side to protect a shooting area from the sun.
If we later decide electricity for lights and minor power use would be helpful, we can install solar panels and use a battery and inverter. This guy came up with a cool way to install LED lights using yardsticks and magnets.
Finally, we will want some shelves for storage and a work bench to use for shooting set up.
Will post pics of construction and finished installation as project moves along…