Truck Camper carport

[gvgeode]

After losing our CalMark Sunbrella cover during a very hurried evacuation from the recent River fire I've decided to put in a concrete pad and a metal carport for our truck camper and not have to deal with getting the cover on and off, sometimes in a hurry. I wasn't able to find any forum topics on the subject of metal carports for RVs. I've found lots of companies online that sell these carports so I thought I'd reach out here and see what thoughts you might have. Any recommendations or suggestions?

[harley4275]

Don't know if this helps , but I put up a steel carport for the camper,no walls , I unload on the driveway and put on a utility trailer and back that camper and trailer under. I just leave it on the trailer unless I need the utility trailer for any reason. Works great and don't need 14 ft high.

[gvgeode]

Thanks again for the good suggestions. I have one quote for a steel structure and am in process of getting a local contractor to give me a quote on a wooden one. Also getting a quote for the concrete work.

[bigfootford]

Sounds like a good plan... The American carports in Tex may provide the steel for your project through Alans Factory...
The steel panels and framing is ordered by locals and the steel comes from somewhere..
Alans puts the trusses/bends the etc and produces your product...
At least that is what I went through with my 2 projects.

Jim

[TxGearhead]

I've been on/off about one of those carports. I've got a 40ft 5th wheel, Bigfoot, 18ft GoDevil mud boat and a utility trailer sitting out in the Texas sun. I was thinking about running 40 or 44ft concrete runners X 24" wide to anchor it on. Probably 14ft tall. Two panels on the sides for 6ft of side sun protection. Looking at Alans Factory Outlet.com it's fairly easy to price one out. Then compare to whoever else.

[JimBollman]

Not sure if they are National or only East Coast but I have Carolina Carport that I am very happy with. You can design as little or as much as you want. I went with heavier steel and extra tie downs to get their longterm guarantee and the peace of mind. I had 2 sides that don't show enclosed with steel and put wood siding to match the house on the 4th, front is open. Some I have seen do just hold walls so things will not blow in.

[Terryallan]

Grit dog wrote:
As you said, there are lots of companies that put up car ports. So a specific mfg or contractor in your area would be a local recommendation only, likely.
Sure a pole barn would be a great idea. So would a shop, but presumably those aren’t options for you or you haven’t explored them, as that was not your question.
Issues? Properly assembled and anchored down, there are really no issues to have that I’m aware of. They last virtually forever and keep sun and the wet stuff off of what’s parked under them. That’s about it iMO.
One suggestion is don’t go cheap on the sides. Windward and or sunny sides of car ports, spring for the 3/4 or full siding.

I understand it may not have been his question. But it could be a option he hasn't thought of. I too was going to get a metal shed. Then I talked to a contractor, and he made me a better deal.
As for a shop. Now that the TT is gone. we are thinking about closing it in, and making one.

[Terryallan]

JRscooby wrote:

Terryallan wrote:

gvgeode wrote:
After losing our CalMark Sunbrella cover during a very hurried evacuation from the recent River fire I've decided to put in a concrete pad and a metal carport for our truck camper and not have to deal with getting the cover on and off, sometimes in a hurry. I wasn't able to find any forum topics on the subject of metal carports for RVs. I've found lots of companies online that sell these carports so I thought I'd reach out here and see what thoughts you might have. Any recommendations or suggestions?

Before you pull the trigger. I would get a contractor to make you a price on a "Pole" shed. I got one of those instead of the metal carport. Why/ because it was not only built better, but was also less expensive. a 13' high 16' wide, and 40'longe metal carport is going to be expensive. May as well get a better one for the same or less.

13X16X40? Big truck camper.
OP, I don't know about your area, but many places the bigger the building the more regulations you run into. A smooth floor, and fine brush finish on the driveway in front would let you offload the camper on car dollies, lower it down, and roll it into a smaller pole building.

Can get any size you want. But it would be worth the call to find out a price. Still get better for the same, or less price.

[bigfootford]

I have had two structures built by American Carports. They have several outlets in calif. Our closest is in Colusa, Northern Calif. I live in he Sacramento area.
I would use them....
The installers put together my 30x30x 13. shop, insulated 16x 12 rollup and a 8x7... Took them 2 days!
Both the camper barn and shop was built to the 90mph wind.

If you are going to have sides I would have the panels installed vertical instead of horizontal!
Horizontal collects dirt etc and is not easy to clean. It might cost a bit more but that is what I recommend.

https://americancarportsinc.com

Jim

[mkirsch]

JRscooby wrote:
13X16X40? Big truck camper.
OP, I don't know about your area, but many places the bigger the building the more regulations you run into. A smooth floor, and fine brush finish on the driveway in front would let you offload the camper on car dollies, lower it down, and roll it into a smaller pole building.

What part of "in a hurry" did you miss? Sounds like he had to bug out quickly due to a wildfire. In that situation you don't have time to roll the camper out of the garage, jack it up and load it. You have to get in and GO.

[gvgeode]

Thanks to you all for your responses. With the fire season lasting so long now and wanting to be ready to leave at a moment's notice I keep the camper on the truck from March when we start our spring camping into early November when we're done camping for the year. So while I like the idea of a lower cover that the camper would roll into on dollies it won't work for me. I'll check out the dealers mentioned and am planning on extending the windward/sunny side 3/4 down. Thanks again, I've learned so much over the years from this forum and have been able to share a bit also.

[Grit_dog]

As you said, there are lots of companies that put up car ports. So a specific mfg or contractor in your area would be a local recommendation only, likely.
Sure a pole barn would be a great idea. So would a shop, but presumably those aren’t options for you or you haven’t explored them, as that was not your question.
Issues? Properly assembled and anchored down, there are really no issues to have that I’m aware of. They last virtually forever and keep sun and the wet stuff off of what’s parked under them. That’s about it iMO.
One suggestion is don’t go cheap on the sides. Windward and or sunny sides of car ports, spring for the 3/4 or full siding.

[Kayteg1]

I am in Las Vegas, yet California company was advertising on local CL and they build me 90 mph rated carport for less than competition from Utah would do.
If you don't find them, I can dig my old receipt.

[Geo_Boy]

I have a VersaTube and love it.

[ranholago]

Someting to think about;
In the next county over, when putting up one of those "carports" You know the ones you see all over the place, $895.00 on your prepared lot. Just the county fees are more than the price of the carport. I went with a building from "metallic" out of Sacramento... the county fees were not cheap for that either. Its been a few years now but the guy I talk to was "John AZ" pretty good guy, had lots of options.
I have been thinking of doing one for my Lance and have been throwing the idea of just putting it up, and will take it down again when I move.