Carport opinions

I have had 2ea metal covers installed over the years. First was for a car cover that can fit 3 cars wide (open span). The second cover was for my travel trailers. Had a bumper pull and 5th wheel at the time. Now just have the 5th wheel and the extra room is nice to have. While home I can use the extra room under the cover to bar-b-que, etc. I have been very pleased with both covers and they have held up well. Both were installed on just a gravel pad. Both have open sides although on the RV cover I had one panel along the side at the top. Both were installed on-site within a few hours.

Area13 wrote:
I am finally going to pull the trigger on a metal carport and am limited on space. The biggest I can do is right around 24'X 24'. Height is important too and figured 12' with a no gable A-Frame will be enough height for my setup- 4X4 with basement and AC unit? I would hope my AC unit would clear as it would be maybe 13-14' where it would enter???

I also am going to have my boat in here 20'. 24' wide looks plenty and 24' deep is just enough to keep direct rain off of them.

This is all new to me so appreciate any opinions, advice or personal experience. Thanks!

Having problems entering links. It's through United Carports.com, A frame roof, 24'X24'X12' 14 gauge, no gables, 1 panel each side. About $2800.

I have a United Carports shop. 25Dx30D with 13' legs, A frame with a 1 ft gable. I have a 12X 16' rollup door.

I would go 25'... The frames from them are set at 5' intervals. 24 is ok too but that extra foot for length is really nice...

I also have a 25x14 Camper Cave....

One last recommendation...
Get a Vertical Roof.... Rain run off with a horizontal roof will cause a lot of splashing and will really keep the ends wet.... Horizontal sides are cheaper but after a few years moss and dirt will really build up on the sides and in the seams... Vertical sides eliminate this build up... Just saying.

My Shop is all vertical, sides and roof.

My Camper Cave is horizontal both sides and roof... After <> 10 years I just pressure washed it and OMG it was a chore because of the horizontal sides and the seams. Washed inside and out.

With Vertical roof you can add gutters later if you want to remove all that water coming off the roof. Can not put gutters on a horizontal roof... does not work All that water runs off the ends and boy does it splash.

Right after you have the carport built If you are putting it on concrete I would seal the frame to concrete with calk...

PM me if you have more questions.

Jim

You should measure, but I think you'll be over if you ever go with a crew cab. Also, be careful about the length required for your boat. Yes, you could go with a swing tongue, but I think 24 is probably too short. I also think 12 foot is too short as well. You can easily go over with a different truck/camper.

I will add this separate:

I ordered from United Carports online. This distributor was in San Jose. Just a middle man for my shop.

The steel provider was American Steel out of Joshua, Tx

The steel order from American Steel was sent to American Steel Carports and the kit was fabricated. Truss's to width, legs to length, siding to length bottom rail to length and with leg stands. All kitted and then their installation team brought the kit on a trailer and assembled.

My carport install took about 4hrs. The shop 2.5 days. It was fully insulated too by them.

Both experiences were a 10! The shop did take a month longer to arrive due to a mix up in scheduling... It was right around Christmas... The delay did not bother me. Gave the concrete longer to cure!

I would go 14' on the roof height. 12' may end up too short for whatever your next camper or RV might be.

Thanks guys for the input!

When I go 25X25 it jumps up to $2000! I plan on keeping my truck, forever.. I do have a swing tongue and realize things will be tight, I just don't have a lot of room to work with since I have to back up my driveway and turn into it.

Back to the height...It says call over 12'. Special order, special price. Man I was hoping 12' with an A-frame and NO gable would accommodate my setup. Anyone else have this setup and know? I'm in gravel, btw.

I would get an accurate measurement of your height (when hooked to tow vehicle) and contact the cover supplier to discuss your concerns and find out from the supplier what the minimum height will be to the bottom of the trusses going across the width of the cover. You might also suggest that the clearance height be put in the contract when purchasing the cover.

lc0338 wrote:
I would get an accurate measurement of your height (when hooked to tow vehicle) and contact the cover supplier to discuss your concerns and find out from the supplier what the minimum height will be to the bottom of the trusses going across the width of the cover. You might also suggest that the clearance height be put in the contract when purchasing the cover.

Yeah, probably a good idea when I get my new rig Wednesday, oops, was gonna wait to talk about that!

Area13, do you have a link on what you are considering for $2000?

Wayne

Area13 wrote:
Thanks guys for the input!

When I go 25X25 it jumps up to $2000! I plan on keeping my truck, forever.. I do have a swing tongue and realize things will be tight, I just don't have a lot of room to work with since I have to back up my driveway and turn into it.

Back to the height...It says call over 12'. Special order, special price. Man I was hoping 12' with an A-frame and NO gable would accommodate my setup. Anyone else have this setup and know? I'm in gravel, btw.

My legs are 13'. So note the truss cross piece is about another 1ft. Although you will not have the extra foot close to the sides.

Here is what my trusses look like.



Jim