Buying a Carport
What Size Carport Do I Need?
For one vehicle, start at 12 feet wide. For two, plan on 20 to 24 feet. For an RV, plan on legs about 2 feet taller than its highest point.
| Width | Best Use Case | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
12' Wide | Single Car, Truck, or SUV | 1 Vehicle |
18' Wide | Two Compact Cars or One Large RV | 1-2 Vehicles |
20' Wide | Two Mid-Size Sedans | 2 Vehicles |
22' Wide | Two Full-Size Cars | 2 Vehicles |
24' Wide | Two Full-Size Trucks, SUVs, or Vans | 2 Vehicles |
26' Wide | Three Compact/Mid-Size Cars | 3 Vehicles |
28' Wide | Three Mid-Size Cars | 3 Vehicles |
30' Wide | Three Full-Size Cars, Trucks, or SUVs | 3 Vehicles |
Pro Tip: Door Swing Clearance
While these dimensions list vehicle capacity, we always recommend measuring your vehicle with the doors open. A 12' wide unit is a tight fit for a full-size truck with extended mirrors.
What size carport do you need?
Start with the vehicle's width, then add room for door swing, mirrors, and walking space. A 12-foot-wide carport can cover one car, truck, or SUV, though it is a tight fit for a full-size truck with extended mirrors. At Norcal Carports, we help calculate width, height, and length around the equipment you need to cover.
How wide should a carport be for two cars?
Plan on 20 to 24 feet wide: 20 feet for two mid-size sedans, 22 feet for two full-size cars, and 24 feet for two full-size trucks, SUVs, or vans.
How high should an RV carport be?
Measure to the highest point of the RV, including AC units and antennas, then add at least 2 feet. A 12-foot-tall RV would call for 14-foot legs. See the RV buying and storage guide for roof and access planning.
Measurement Best Practices
To avoid installation delays or space constraints, keep these three factors in mind:
- Door Swing: Always account for the space needed to fully open your vehicle doors.
- Top-Down Clearance: Measure to the absolute highest point (AC units, antennas).
- Future Use: If you plan on upgrading your vehicle, size your building for the future, not just today.
Utility & Side-Entry Notes
- Wide-Span Clearance: Buildings wider than 30' (32' to 60') are engineered for high-capacity storage. For example, a 60' Wide-Span structure can comfortably accommodate a mix of RVs, Boats, and Utility Trailers in a single layout.
- Side-Entry Height: If you are installing roll-up doors on the side (eave) of a building rather than the end (gable), your leg height must be significantly taller than the door height to allow for the door canister and header.
Technical Note: All standard structures are measured by their outer roofline. Check local codes for setback requirements from property lines.
Related Prices & Examples
Use product examples to translate measurements into a buildable starting point. For RV clearance, compare the 16 x 40 x 12 vertical RV carport, 18 x 38 x 12 vertical RV carport, and 18 x 40 x 14 vertical RV carport. If you are planning enclosed storage, the 12 x 20 x 10 vertical roof garage is a useful reference for leg height, door planning, and usable interior space.
Michael Ruiz
Founder & Steel Structures Expert Northern California
Michael Ruiz started Norcal Carports to help customers compare steel-building options, prepare accurate order details, and coordinate delivery and installation with the manufacturer.
Buyer Path
What to compare next
This keeps the path moving from research into product fit, local requirements, and quote readiness.
Product
RV Covers & Motorhome Carports
Move from measurements into the existing RV cover product path.
Example
16 x 40 x 12 Vertical RV Carport
Compare a common long RV cover example with 12-foot legs.
Example
18 x 40 x 14 Vertical RV Carport
Use this taller example when AC units, antennas, or extra clearance matter.
Prep
Delivery & Installation
Confirm site access, working room, surface readiness, and install-day expectations.
Engineering review
When a project or local jurisdiction requires engineering, the ordered configuration can be reviewed for the applicable wind, snow, anchoring, and site criteria before manufacturing.
More buying a carport guides
Explains how crews access your property, required working space, and how terrain, slopes, and obstacles affect install success.
A metal carport can fit a Class A motorhome if it is tall enough. Measure to the highest point, add about 2 feet, then check site access for the RV.
Quote Readiness
Check fit before pricing
Use this guide to narrow the project details, then send the details that let us quote the real site instead of a generic package.