Carports and RV covers are built the same way: a steel frame with a roof and open or partly closed sides. What changes is the size.
Choose a carport if…
- You're covering cars, pickups or a small boat
- 6–10 ft of clearance is enough
- You want the lowest cost per covered square foot
Choose an RV cover if…
- You're covering a motorhome, fifth wheel, tall boat or farm equipment
- You need 12–16 ft of clearance under the roof
- You need 30 ft or more of length
Check the clearance, not just the height
Measure your tallest point, including the AC unit, antennas and ladder. Add at least 1 ft. Then remember the roof sits on the legs, so the leg height is the clearance at the sides.
Close a side for weather
Closing the side that faces the prevailing wind, or adding gable ends, gives much better protection from blowing rain and sun, without the cost of a full enclosure.