Firewood IBC totes and making rain caps!

Based on the last firewood moisture test, it seemed the rain was affecting the drying of the firewood totes vs the racked firewood. I knew it was time to get some quick roofs on top of the firewood totes to protect them.
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[@Down2EarthAcres]

I cut the diagonal method and used self tapping screws to fasten the roof to the top outside rail. I then cut an oval shape into the opening side for ease of access. They have held up great with no issues. With this method I can stack more wood under the roof.

[@stukaman1162]

To keep your "flat roofs" from blowing into the next county, try drilling a few holes and use bungee cords to strap them down to the metal frames. OR, you could forget the holes, and simply lay bungee cords over the roofs and secure their ends to the frames.

[@TKCL]

Actually after a year of sitting in the weather I've not had a single flat roof blow off.

[@hvacstudent967]

Cheaper to use 18-16 gauge wire than bungee's

[@johnsears3376]

I am trying cutting the liner in half (not diagonally)and zip tying to the top ring. That leaves the top sticking up about 2 feet giving you room to stack wood above the top ring. You will need to cut out an access opening above the cage access. That way the top stays put all the time.

[@TKCL]

That's an idea, thanks.

[@Back40Firewood]

What?!? You don't like the look of the teepee top tote...or the TTT....lol. If you put enough of them together and randomly spaced they look like mountain tops. You could move them close to the house really have a 'view'...hahahaha. Note: I've had to move mine as far outa sight as possible. Direct orders from management (wife)! 😆👍🍻

[@TKCL]

Lol, nope they don't look good. Even with your mountain backdrop idea, I think I'm going to have to pass 😃

[@petergriffin1546]

you get more wood in with the mountain tops...

[@RockhillfarmYT]

I like the flat caps and a bungee cord across the top

[@TKCL]

I am thinking about doing something similar

[@alonsocanaan8764]

instaBlaster...

[@jandblawncare8570]

I cant get rid of the bladders unless I cut them up into pieces that fit into a black contractor garbage bag so I'm glad most of mine don't come with them. Seems like a lot of time vs. just throwing a tarp over them. I just go to Harbor Freight and get these camouflage 7x9 or so tarps for like 4 bucks ea. and cover two totes with one tarp and throw some cookies on the top and done.

[@davidfox6189]

I use the diagonal style here in northern Michigan works better for me. The water and snow comes off easier and I just screw them to the metal tote. I have never had issues with them coming off but you have to position so all the rain and snow don't just go off the side into the tote next to it. I've seen people doing both ways and it all depends on what works best for you. All in all they are great idea and awesome to use for firewood.

[@5150cash]

My OCD was yelling at my phone say take the roof cap off it's not square... LoL.

[@TKCL]

Hush.... It's bothering me too

[@Mr5150Sarge]

Staple gun works like your screw idea but quicker and easier.

[@RockhillfarmYT]

Around here Prices area really high on IBC totes all of sudden

[@TKCL]

I'm noticing the big bulk suppliers are drying up in my area. Probably another covid mindset somehow making people buy up odd items.

[@homesteadingwiththebutlers265]

The caps are absolutely the way to go! Trust me. I like the screw idea, very nice.

[@TKCL]

Thanks for watching

[@TheSawLoon]

Hey how’s it going I started dabbling into the icb totes for firewood they work great except there kinda a pain to load until you get half way up.... so I have found it much easier to raise them up with tractor till there half loaded, saves your back just like your pickaroon

[@TKCL]

Yep that's what I've done myself in the last few episodes. Really makes a difference on the back

[@TheOldCowboy1952]

Interesting video. I like the way you solve problems. I like the way you experimented on what best worked. Thanks for another awesome video.

[@TKCL]

Thanks for watching

[@judithsmith9319]

Cement bricks will hold it down

[@ChrisTaylor-xv2tc]

Flat cap is useless because all the moisture will build up inside during the day & drip back at night plus screwing them on? I use the pyramid type lids , held with cable ties, more wood per cage , moisture/snow slide off as does condensation

[@TKCL]

Been doing this for a year now and I find the top wood is extremely dry. No moisture issues and I've yet to have a flat top blow off in a storm. The pyramid ones are horrible, always sliding off. They got tossed!

[@chrissimonis6899]

Excellent informative video Thank you very much

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@earlgeorge7573]

I've seen some leave the top bar intact for (1) overall integrity and (2) if they want to dump wood out of the tote, it is easier.

[@TKCL]

I seen those videos myself

[@ralphkanagy4602]

Nice job buddy you do good work God bless you and your wife text me back buddy

[@TKCL]

Thanks Ralph!

[@dncndan1]

Go to Dollar Store and buy swimming pool noodles and put over cut edges. Keeps water out and prevents cuts.

[@Bayou_Russ]

The diagonals will go outside of the cage and really cover-up the wood. I drilled a hole at all four corners and secure it with a string so it won’t blow off. I’m across the Gulf of Mexico from y’all on the Texas coast totally understand the wind and storm concern

[@Genman510]

Zip ties works wonders

[@davidedwards3734]

Didn't think about weep holes. Great idea!! Thanks for the idea!!

[@TKCL]

Your welcome, it'll definitely rust from the inside out without them!

[@horticultureandhomes]

You may use the heavy duty 3/4" wide zip ties.

[@mikeballou9581]

My son uses containers like those to hold liquid fertilizer to grow almonds in California and Hazel Nuts in Oregon, where we reside.

[@donchristie420]

End caps for bicycle handle bars would plug your holes and protect you from cuts

[@DudeRanchDIY]

Nice work with the caps Andrew! Not quite as intrusive to the eye as the full on roofs! Looks like you got some work ahead of you! I have 9 empty totes myself! Snow is finally starting to melt!

[@TKCL]

Thanks! Yes I've got to get to splitting! Just got another load of trees yesterday

[@peterl.1574]

Diagonals better. Sheds water/snow, can fit more wood under cap. Just use plumbing clamps or wire to strap them to top of frame.

[@nancymayorga2629]

Hi Andrew, Daniel Sent Me To Watch Your Videos !!! I've Enjoyed Watching A Few So Far And Looking Forward To Seeing More !!! Have An Awesome Week !!! From Coram, LI, NY

[@TKCL]

Thank you for the support

[@albertmcpeek8538]

May I offer a suggestion without knowing exact dimensions? What about making a cap not from the top of the bladder, but the larger two side panels of the bladder?

[@TKCL]

Dimensions get off if I remember correctly, I'll need to measure and verify.

[@ronniewood9538]

I use a bungie cord to strap mine down , works great !!!

[@jrsmith330]

I would use bungee cords . I pick them up off the highway all the time and their free.

[@TKCL]

Actually going to try tarp bungees

[@andystampfli9127]

So I have an idea for your first "livestock"... Quail. Also if you build the cages to the right size you could use an ibc tank bottom for a litter pan. Just an idea

[@TKCL]

My buddy has talked to me about raising quail. A lot of plantations in this area buy quail if raised in a flight pen. Something to definitely look into

[@paullandry8301]

Does this contain one face cord and do you keep a wood pallet underneath so the tote will not rust while the wood is drying?

[@TKCL]

It has galvanized metal bottom, so I do not store it on anything. I have personally not pulled out and measure it, but I seen one channel do that and claimed a 1/3 of a cord when tightly packed.

[@FLYLT]

How about using 4 bungees to secure the cap. Easier and quicker than the screws.

[@TKCL]

That is a great suggestion. But with these sitting for almost 10 months now, I've had none of the flat lids blow off, the big teepee lids are no good. Luckily no tie downs are needed at all

[@ckfab475]

Get you some cheap ratchet straps and throw one on them. Might work decent. Nice video.

[@TKCL]

That's a good idea too. Another viewer suggested cheap straps that I already have, might try those first.

[@kerrybowden9097]

Well I never gave it a thought about the water filling the tubes... Got to get my drill out and the tops for cover another neat idea.. Thanks for the tips...

[@TKCL]

Thanks for watching

[@Doberowner]

Leave the back, and half of the sides of the cap a little deeper. Tuck them in so the weight of the wood will hold them in. Not blocking much air and hopefully they stay put.

[@TKCL]

I'm leaning towards tarp bungees, cheap and definitely should make them stay put!

[@breakheartorchard4761]

+1 on the weep holes. Great Idea

[@TKCL]

Thanks 👍

[@haroldanderson2781]

The best thing about ibc totes is having a tractor to move them!! Maybe one day I’ll get there. Congratulations on the start of the house!!

[@TKCL]

Thanks Harold! That tractor makes country living with a larger piece of property possible. A real back saver!

[@BradMyers]

Snakes, why did it have to be snakes? (My Indian Jones flashback when you complained about the forthcoming snakes.)

[@TKCL]

It's Florida, we are loaded with snakes and northerners lol 😂

[@alkaufmann2039]

@@TKCL same thing....lol

[@fbnow2003]

Fantastic.. had to rewatch since I finally got some totes.. I’ll be trying the caps👍

[@TKCL]

Do the thin caps, the big teepee ones I made blow off

[@bigDH123]

Nice video Andrew. If you were to drill a hole in each corner of your caps then used a good tarp strap and hook it to one of the lower bars at each corner it would more than likely hold them down as well. Thanks for sharing.

[@TKCL]

Another good idea and those straps are cheap. I actually have quite a few. Thanks!

[@BurtReynoldstash]

Great job with the goat roof tops. Looks great. Works great . 👍

[@TKCL]

Thanks 👍

[@gaylewatkins4685]

How would bungie cords accross the top work? Just a thought.🙂

[@TKCL]

I'm actually going to use tarp bungees, they are cheap and small. Drill a small hole in each corner and then strap them off to the metal cage. We are on the same page 😊

[@patricktillmanns3949]

Have you seen how fricknjeep modifies his totes to increase the amount of firewood by about another 240 cubic feet.

[@TKCL]

Yes I watched his video last night and talked with him about it. Looks good

[@markheintz1878]

That would be interesting since a full cord is 128 cubic feet.

[@rwmalason7469]

Flat covers allow you to stack the totes one above the other. Good if you are tight on storage space (if your tractor will lift them).

[@TKCL]

Those weigh around 1600lbs each, definitely can't stack them.

[@rwmalason7469]

@@TKCL Fortunately my tractor will lift them. I use the plastic bin sides instead of the top. Just make cuts so the top cross rails of the cage aren’t a problem. I leave them wrapped about six inches on all 4 sides to help keep the wood dry and zip-tie the tops to the cross bars. Never had a problem with them. By using the sides, I get two covers from each plastic bin, so I don’t have to worry about cutting every one of them up. I do stack, as space is a premium, and that helps keep the bottom bin dry also. Wish I had more space to spread them out, but on the side of a mountain, flat areas are hard to find.

[@jimmccullough1051]

Consider ratchet straps, no tools required to install or remove. And if you watch, Harbor Freight should have the 1" straps on sale again soon.

[@TKCL]

Yep, I just bought some on the last sale. A good idea

[@alkaufmann2039]

@@TKCL tarp bungees like you said. Very cheap.

[@rayban5737]

Cable tie

[@TKCL]

I've been using them for a couple of years now and not a single one has blown off.

[@fricknjeep]

hi there another good show . i kind of do it the same way 2 different things i do i put the 2 braces back in just for added straight just move them out on each side drill 4 wholes . i also use the side as the top not the top it is larger . i cut them in 1/2 right threw the fill and valve . then a slit up each corner . they go rite over the top . it also lets the moisture out more . i drill wholes in them and tie them down . i have a couple videos if you want to take a look i can send them to you . the only draw is they may brake down in the sun . oh the left overs i sold on C/L for 10 bucks each take care john

[@TKCL]

Yes please, send me the video links! Thanks

[@fricknjeep]

@@TKCL hi there there are 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l360f5uMgtN3iJI and

[@fricknjeep]

@@TKCL the other start at around 8:00 kzbin.info/www/bejne/foOmooSIjqllqrM

[@TKCL]

Thanks I'll check it out

[@TKCL]

@@fricknjeep I love the "if you don't like it don't watch the damn movie" part lol. Boy do I want to say that often. I like your design

[@dougdavis4439]

The caps are a great idea. The flat ones look cleaner, OCD talking there. Your idea of using screws sounds like an easy way of securing them! Will these help with the drying are you thinking? Would be interested to see how that goes? Take care Andrew!

[@TKCL]

I'm thinking they will help with the drying since it will block the rain. But you never know, this is also probably going to slow down evaporation and cause a greenhouse effect. Time will tell on the results

[@dougdavis4439]

@@TKCL Hoping it help with the drying. The airflow will keep the greenhouse effect down hopefully. Cool idea either way. Look forward to seeing how it works out!

[@lonetreephotography]

I do the caps also then I run one tie down through the two loops where the cross braces ran through, we get some nasty wind where I live and never have lots a cap. There also easier to handle then cut diagonal.

[@TKCL]

I'm definitely liking the caps better!

[@lonetreephotography]

@@TKCL easy to store also when the tote is empty.

[@JimmyHensley36]

Caps are the way to go. Excited to see the house / poll barn build . Missed the live stream Sunday was working out in the woods starting on my wife’s shooting house . . God Bless

[@TKCL]

Wife's shooting house? Boy you found Mrs right! We might start breaking ground as soon as next week

[@JimmyHensley36]

@@TKCL 27 yrs of marriage this October. I am very Blessed .

[@1JeffJames]

You mind mentioning how much you normally pay for an IBC tote? What’s a good deal?

[@TKCL]

I like to be in the 35 dollar range

[@1JeffJames]

@@TKCL i got you, i found some around where i live at like 40-50$

[@lifewithpeter2819]

So is your wood already dry when you put it in there or do you dry it in the totes? And if so does it add any extra time or is the airflow real good? Thanks

[@TKCL]

It was put in the totes green and left to dry. Thus far after 3-4 months it's almost ready to burn, I'm shocked at how quickly it's drying.

[@lifewithpeter2819]

@@TKCL cool! Thanks

[@gsmiley7700]

Glad you showed the two ways. Personal preference from there.

[@TKCL]

Definitely caps for me

[@lendevonuk5479]

Bungees!!

[@TKCL]

👍

[@backtobasicstipswithtomrib19]

put zip ties on the caps two on each side and two on the back

[@TKCL]

I'm actually going to try tarp bungees. I often will take the caps off to check the moisture.

[@outsidewithjohnhayes4674]

I think you should just ziptie it to the frame

[@TKCL]

I'm thinking bungee cords after talking with a few people

[@reesegary]

Cool!

[@dcraft1234]

cinder blocks or big old rocks might hold em down

[@TKCL]

Yes it would

[@mark-ew8hk]

Try using a 7inch cir saw to cut the tops off of the tank

[@TKCL]

I've never cut plastic with a circular saw, I'll keep it in mind.

[@outsidewithrodney8240]

When you cut the bladders you can cut the bottom of the bladder just like the top and get two caps out of one bladder

[@TKCL]

Yes except for the large indentation that comes inside from the spout. I saved the bottoms

[@outsidewithrodney8240]

@@TKCL ok cool

[@jimmybarrow1652]

You might could make hog traps out of them,but great for wood too

[@TKCL]

Luckily no hogs on the property, don't want them either 😃

[@davebumgardner6309]

I use bladders for wood storage, cut top out, cut big “v” in front for loading, and on other 3 sides, i use 4” hole saw to start my vents. One at upper and one at lower, then using circular saw to cut between holes. Then a few slits in bottom and put on a pallet

[@TKCL]

That's an idea

[@davebumgardner6309]

Whats ur email address, I will send a picture

[@TKCL]

[e-mail]

[@pascalallard405]

Can you stack up two of this cases without chance to fall?

[@TKCL]

Not sure! They are extremely heavy, don't think I would want to try that. I do have a lot of room in other places to store them.

[@ryanzynda5114]

The totes will keep you busy for a while with fire wood

[@TKCL]

Yes they will!

[@delsmithfishing2891]

Caps are great . Maybe when you cut around the corner of the cap , come just little way and cut down maybe 6 to 8 inches and a couple inches wide and the back up the 6 or 8 inches , do this on two sides . That way the cap will have 4 straps that can be screwed into the top rail of the tote .

[@TKCL]

Good idea!

[@delsmithfishing2891]

@@TKCL Thank you, I was wondering about cutting the bladders diagonally but seeing your video made me want to do the caps !!!

[@TKCL]

Yes diagonal was a disappointment! They fall off very easily!

[@Outtahide540]

Haven’t seen that done here. Hope it works out well

[@TKCL]

I think it should work out well, I am curious if it's going to cause the greenhouse effect that will keep moisture toward the top of the wreck.

[@frankfarms1]

Glad the weather is getting back to normal

[@TKCL]

Amen to that! Supposed to be beautiful for days! I'm going to take advantage of it

[@timkelley8775]

I would think in the Florida heat the wood should cure real fast.

[@TKCL]

Well don't forget to factor in the very high humidity, everything always feels wet.

[@timkelley8775]

@@TKCL didn’t think of that. It will be interesting to see your moisture readings as time goes on.

[@edsecorr7812]

Keep up the good work thank you

[@TKCL]

Thank you for watching

[@hartleyhomesteadmichigan6041]

Great idea using a saws all on the totes!

[@TKCL]

It works a lot better IMO!

[@tractorrookie]

Good one!

[@TKCL]

Thanks

[@mark-ew8hk]

you can use the bottoms for the caps

[@TKCL]

Yes, except they have a large indentation that comes inside from the spout. I'll have to dig wood out of the way to fit them. But it's definitely a possibility.

[@mark-ew8hk]

@@TKCL that's how I did the1st one's I cut

[@garyingram875]

zip strips ?

[@TKCL]

A viewer suggested tarp straps, I happen to have quite a few.

[@garylaszewski7380]

The next question, is: how to deliver totes to the customer without manually handling all the firewood again: //kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ-neoWCgdKDhtE //kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYjLaGaDl6pqndE In the interest of reducing the # of manual touches of firewood for everyone, the above method seems to be the best. It isnt cheap, and forces the customer to pay ~$30 (for the tote) and maybe $100 for the wood, for having the tote placed into their garage, with no further piling and mess. The next time they need another refill, you just deliver another full tote, and take back their empty tote, and charge them $100 for just the wood, since they already paid for the tote!

[@markb.1259]

Really like the tote lids! Screws sounds like a hassle. I'd tie a 2 ft. section of parachute cord on each corner of the cap... and tie the cap down to the nearest horizontal tote bar.

[@TKCL]

Someone recommended tarp bungees. I have several, so going to try them out.

[@CloudLakeMoon]

To hold the caps...drill a hole middle of opposite sides near the edge, put in a piece of wire and twist it on so it stays with the lid, put the lid on and twist the wire onto the top rail of the tote. Untwist to remove. No cutting off zip ties, no drill required for screws, no threading or weathering of straps. Can you use the side walls of the bladders for covers also? Cheers. 🇨🇦

[@TKCL]

Thanks for the advice, I'm playing with a few ideas on covering. The no tool method sounds like the right way to go.