This post might not be allowed since I'm asking for recommendations. I want a metal rv port built and there are lots of companies on the internet that do that, but if you google them and complaints, stand by for some real horror stories. Every one that I looked up had complaints, but you see the ports everywhere. So did you folks suffer through the process to get your's built or did you happen upon a reputable co? I found a co that builds metal building and things with a real store front you can walk into but they wanted over 5k, the on line jokers over 2k. I know, you get what you pay for, but isn't there a happy medium out there? What your experience if you have one of these? Wa.area rich

The local area companies usually leave catalogs/circulars in local businesses, like nurserys, hardware stores, trailer sales lots, etc. I picked one up from a nursery about a mile from my house and had them build me one.

I got mine, erected, by a dealer in Grapeview. The framing was 2x3 metal and the sheet goods were one gauge thicker. Look for 12 to 14 ga for framing and 17 ga for sheet goods

Try Deer Creek Portable Shelters & Distributing in Smokey Point right on I-5 north of Everett. They built our 30 ft long by 15 ft wide shelter last summer, good materials, good workmanship, and they stand behind their product. If you can, visit their place to see the different types of metal, framing, colors, etc, not just pictures but the real stuff.

If you see the garages everywhere, then why not just stop and talk to the owners?

Islandman wrote:Try Deer Creek Portable Shelters & Distributing in Smokey Point right on I-5 north of Everett. They built our 30 ft long by 15 ft wide shelter last summer, good materials, good workmanship, and they stand behind their product. If you can, visit their place to see the different types of metal, framing, colors, etc, not just pictures but the real stuff. I think they are out of business, number disconnected and vacant where they were. thanks

metal rv port | Good Sam Community

mlts22
Explorer
Mar 02, 2015
On my "to do" sheet for a property I'm looking at is exactly this -- a carport that is not just rated for 100 year winds and snow, but the roof is designed (and rated for the extra physical weight) to point south so I can load it with PV panels. A decently sized carport will get me a good chunk of electricity... good enough to keep the RV's batteries topped off and provide a low-wattage circuit for computer stuff.
1L243
Explorer II
Mar 02, 2015
One thing to consider is engineering plans. The company I got my RV Port from provided engineering plans for FREE. One outfit I called wanted several hundred dollars for the plans. Why did I need this? I live in the city limits and a building permit is required for the structure prmiarily for "Wind requirement 110mph rating" When submitting the plans, the engineering plans needed to be attached. Can you get by without a permit?, maybe if you live out in the country but in my case, funny story was that the building inspector said "I look at your house every day with my morning coffee" Seems she lives near by!

I priced stick built shops for the RV Port but could not joke down the cost. But when I had the foundation poured I had it made as if I was going to build a stick built shop so if I ever change my mind in the future the slab is ready...
tarnold
Explorer
Mar 02, 2015
Note most of the ports have two styles of roof. The rounded rafters are not as strong as the roofs with the perlens(sp?). If you are subject to high ends and snow, consider the latter. The direction of the roof sheeting is also different. I have one of each.
rockhillmanor
Explorer
Mar 02, 2015

Great Picture!
:B
hypoxia
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
I built a Versa Tube 30X30 shade cover in 2002, then added a Versa tube 10' wide lean to a few years later making it 40' wide. Last week I extended the length, it is now 47X40. Versa Tube has been great to work with, their engineers are accessable for questions etc. and they are easy to erect, I get 2 buddies to help and we git'er done in one day using a scissorlift. The sides are enclosed and the ends are open.

I buy the metal sheeting separately from MBCI. We were amazed that the original sheeting matched the new so well, virtually no fading. We are fortunate to have a manufacturing plant from both companies nearby.
westend
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
noe-place wrote:
Forgive me if I'm missing something about these structures but why would you spend so much money and leave both ends and most of each side completely open to the weather?
No law says you can't enclose the whole structure, some do. You do limit access when totally enclosing and there are diminishing returns in regards to protecting the RV. I have one steel frame enclosure with clear polycarbonate side pieces, basically full length windows. It's nice to let some light within and the plastic window material is near indestructible.

When I was building steel buildings, Lester and Butler were two of the biggest names.

That port that 1L243 has is one of the slickest looking I've seen. Nice addition, Sir.
1L243
Explorer II
Feb 25, 2015
I got a flyer form a display that you see along the road... I think your just going to have to pick one after getting a couple of price qoutes to compare pricing..

I had a 20x41 with 9 foot legs. That gave me a inside center height of 11"10"..

They said it would take several weeks before they would be out and they actually had it up in two.. It only took them about 4 hours to construct the RV Port..

Cost was about $4400 which included heavy gauge steel, gable end (although I did not use it but I might someday) one extra panel on each side and enclosed end. (concrete extra)

The only prolem I had was they were short on the material and had to come back a week later to finish..
Milt
Explorer
Feb 25, 2015
I got mine at Menards as a kit. Starts out as a carport and can be altered in 4 foot increments for length, height and width. Assembled it myself, but they may have contractors if needed.
Milt
colliehauler
Explorer III
Feb 24, 2015
noe-place wrote:
I was thinking of the exposed sides/front/rear and tires to the elements and in particular blowing cold winds along with snow and rain not to mention sunlight on the tires.
You have to keep in mind the sun is most intense midday. My trailer is in shade most of the day. A large Oak tree blocks the morning sun and the West side only gets a few hours of evening sun. The overhang keeps rain and snow off the trailer. The main reason I bought it was hail protection and it has already saved it from one hail storm.
Oaklevel
Explorer
Feb 23, 2015
noe-place wrote:
I was thinking of the exposed sides/front/rear and tires to the elements and in particular blowing cold winds along with snow and rain not to mention sunlight on the tires.

Still a lot more protection than nothing & cheaper than buying covers every year. A cover lasts less than a year for us & does damage to the camper. At $400 each for a cover a carport is cheaper & for less than $400 I enclosed our sides.

When buying a carport for the camper watch comparing prices to apples to apples.... same gauge metal? same options? same size?