If you’ve ever tried rolling up the door on a ShelterLogic™ shelter, you’ve probably noticed how tricky it can be. I’ve been there too—wrestling with the door, only to have it roll unevenly or start to droop. And unless you’ve got a second pair of hands to help, it feels almost impossible to get it just right.
After some trial and error, I found a solution that makes the whole process so much easier—even if you’re working solo. Let me walk you through it!
The Problem: Uneven and Droopy Doors
The first time I tried rolling up my ShelterLogic™ shelter door by myself, it was a mess. The sides wouldn’t stay aligned, and the middle sagged, making it look (and feel) like a hassle every time I needed access.
If the wind picked up, it was even worse. The door flapped around, making it hard to handle. That’s when I realized: there had to be a better way.
The Simple Solution: Add Weight to the Door
Here’s the game-changer: insert a weighted bar or rod through the pocket at the bottom of the door.
Most ShelterLogic™ shelter doors already come with a pocket sewn along the bottom edge, and it’s perfect for this little hack. Adding a weighted bar does two things:
- Keeps the door steady in windy conditions.
- Makes rolling up the door smoother and easier.
Step 1: Find the Right Bar or Rod
For my setup, I repurposed some metal poles from an old trampoline. They were the perfect size and weight. But if you don’t have anything like that lying around, here are a few other ideas:
- Shower curtain rods: These are affordable and easy to find.
- Heavy wooden poles: Just make sure they’re thick and sturdy enough.
- Metal pipes: A bit heavier, but great for extra stability.
The key is to choose something that’s long enough to span the width of the door and heavy enough to act as a counterweight.
Step 2: Insert the Bar Into the Door Pocket
Take your chosen bar or rod and slide it through the pocket at the bottom of the door. The fit should be snug but not so tight that it’s difficult to move.
Step 3: Roll Up the Door
Now comes the fun part. With the added weight, you’ll find it much easier to grab the bottom of the door and roll it up smoothly. The weighted bar helps keep the roll even and prevents it from sagging or going off track.
You’ll also notice how much more stable the door feels when it’s down—no more flapping in the wind!
Another Option: Use a Roll-Up Kit
If you’re looking for an even easier solution, ShelterLogic™ offers a very reasonably priced Pull-Eaze Roll-Up Door Kit designed specifically for their shelters. It works like a venetian blind, where you pull on a set of ropes to roll up the door. While this is a convenient option, I’ve found the weighted bar hack to be just as effective (and budget-friendly!).
Why This Hack Works
Adding weight at the bottom of the door solves two common issues:
- Uneven Rolling: The weight helps distribute tension evenly, so the door doesn’t droop or roll off-center.
- Wind Resistance: A weighted door is less likely to flap around, keeping your shelter more secure.
Try It for Yourself!
I’ve been using this trick for months, and it’s made accessing my ShelterLogic™ shelter so much easier. If you’ve been struggling with a droopy, uneven door, give it a try—you’ll be amazed at the difference a simple bar or rod can make.
Related read: Shelter Logic Garage in a Box Shelter Review
Got any tips or hacks for making ShelterLogic™ shelters even more user-friendly? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!
Nice tip. Works way easier. Thanks.