What Really Affects RV Carport Prices? A Breakdown to Make a Smart Decision

Owning an RV is an exciting experience. You can travel, explore, and enjoy freedom on the road. But when you are not traveling, your RV needs proper protection. It needs to be protected from the sun, rain, snow, and wind because they can damage your vehicle if it is left outside without cover. RV covers can be the best solution for this problem because its affordable and durable.

But prices can vary a lot. Because they depend on various factors. If you know these factors, it becomes easy to figure out the exact price, and you can plan your budget accordingly. However, we don’t want to confuse you by talking about all the factors here. So we have only talked about three main factors: carport size, roof style, and customization.

If you understand these, you can make a smart decision without wasting money.

1. Size: The First and Biggest Price Driver

The size of your RV carport is the number one factor that changes the cost. Bigger carports use more steel, take more time to install, and need stronger support. That is why size has the biggest influence on price.

How RV Size Affects Carport Size?

• Height: Tall RVs need taller carports. For example, a small camper van may fit under a 10-foot carport, but a Class A motorhome could require 14 feet or more. So, the taller the structure, the more steel is used, which increases cost.
• Length: A short RV may need only a 20-foot carport, but longer RVs can require 35 or 40 feet of coverage. Every extra foot adds more roofing panels and frame materials.
• Width: A single RV may fit under a standard 12-foot-wide carport. But if you want extra space for slide-outs or another vehicle, you might choose an 18-foot or 24-foot-wide carport. Because wider structures require stronger support beams and it raises the price.

The difference is not just size but also the strength needed to hold the structure safely.

Smart Tip:

Often, you make mistakes during measurements. Since size is crucial, it can drastically affect your carport space and make it unfit for your needs. So, always measure your RV carefully. Buying too small will cause problems. Buying too large waste money. Only choosing the right size saves cost and ensures long-term protection.

2. Roof Style: The Hidden Cost Factor Most Buyers Overlook

The second crucial factor is “Roof Style”. A carport is an open structure; it doesn’t have walls, which is why most of the responsibility for protecting an RV falls on the roof. So, it should be a robust and durable part of a carport. Different roof styles change both the cost and performance of your carport.

Common Roof Styles

• Regular Roof: This is the most affordable option. The roof panels curve to meet the frame, making it easy to build and low in cost. These custom metal carports work well in mild climates with little snow or rain. But in heavy weather, it may not be strong enough.
• Boxed-Eave Roof: This roof looks like a house roof with an A-frame shape. It is slightly stronger than the regular roof and has a cleaner look. The cost is higher, but it offers better performance against wind and light rain.
• Vertical Roof: In this style, roof panels run vertically instead of horizontally. This allows snow, rain, and debris to slide off easily. It is the best choice for areas with heavy rain or snow. But vertical roofs require extra framing and more steel, making them the most expensive option.

But Why Roof Style Matters?

The roof you choose depends on where you live. A buyer in Arizona may be fine with a regular roof because of the dry weather. But a buyer in Minnesota, where snow piles up in winter, should invest in a vertical roof. Even if it costs more upfront, it prevents damage and expensive repairs later.

Smart Tip:

When you choose a roof style, consider soil, weather conditions, and your budget because they affect the choice. Spending a little more for the right roof style can save you thousands in RV repair bills later. Check out the RV carport prices before you make the final decision. You can also directly contact experts at (336)-914-1654 and inquire about anything you want related to steel carports.

3. Customization: Where Price Can Double

Customization is the factor that most often surprises buyers. A simple open carport may look cheap, but when you start adding features, the price can climb quickly. You can transform a simple carport into a beautiful outdoor place that is not only used to park vehicles, but also a soothing place during the rain where you can watch your favorite series.

Open vs. Enclosed Carport

• Open Carport: It is the most economical option, because it has only a roof with open sides. It protects from the sun and rain but offers limited security, since it is open.
• Partially Enclosed: You can add side panels or gables for more protection. Although it will increase the cost, the RV will be safer from wind and snow.
• Fully Enclosed: When you fully enclose a carport, it looks like a garage. Since it is closed now, you can add windows and doors. It offers maximum protection, but the cost can be twice or three times higher than that of an open carport.

Other Custom Features

• Colors and Finishes: When walls are added, you can also color them as per your choice. However, it will require additional spending if you opt for premium shades or custom finishes.
• Flooring: A basic carport may sit on gravel or dirt. However, adding a concrete slab or asphalt foundation can increase the total by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To maximize your investment, it’s essential to understand how to prepare your site.

Smart Tip:

A carport is not that costly if you start simple. Choose the size and roof style first. Add custom features only if you really need them. You can always upgrade later if your budget allows.

Estimated Price of RV Carport in The US

We have listed some prices of carports based on location and roof style. Have a look to get an idea of how much a carport can cost you.

We have shown only one size here. The price will increase or decrease as you expand and contract the size of a carport. Let’s read the example below to calculate the total cost of a customized carport.

Example Price Breakdown for a Customized Carport

Suppose you want a 12×20 vertical roof carport in a northern state. Here’s how the pricing works:

• Base Price: $2,195
• Extra length is 10 more feet: $200 per 5 feet = $400
• Height increase from 7 ft to 10 ft: $150 per foot = $450
• Side panels (partial enclosure): $300
• Concrete foundation (optional): Around $1,000

$2,195 + $400 + $450 + $300 + $1,000

Total Estimated Price = $4,345

Choose Smart Investment with Carports Advisor

RV carport prices vary for many reasons, but the three factors, like size, roof style, and customization, are crucial ones. Size is the biggest driver because larger structures need more steel. Roof style is a hidden cost factor that changes depending on your climate. Customization is the area where prices can double or triple based on your choices. Carports Advisor takes care of all three factors and others as well.

We provide customized carports not only for RVs, but also for boats, cars, trucks, and other vehicles you want to park. They are manufactured in America using high-quality materials. You can share your specifications at (336)-914-1654. Our experts will discuss your requirements before taking any steps towards construction. If writing specifications is overwhelming for you, use our 3D estimator tool and design the structure you want on your property. With the right carport, you will have peace of mind knowing your RV is safe and secure for years to come.