How To Measure Your RV for a Carport
or Metal Cover

Want to make sure your RV carport fits perfectly? Whether you're protecting a Class A, B, or C motorhome, trailer, or fifth wheel, accurate measuring is the first and most important step.

At Pro Metal Buildings, we help RV owners get it right the first time — so you end up with a carport that’s strong, secure, and sized just for your setup.

Why Accurate RV Measurements Matter

Choosing the wrong size RV carport can lead to:

  • Clearance issues with your A/C unit or roof accessories
  • Not enough coverage for the front or rear
  • Problems passing local building inspections or setbacks
  • Wasted money on a structure that doesn’t meet your needs

When you get your RV dimensions right, we can build a custom RV cover that provides maximum protection, lasts for decades, and even boosts your property value.

Need help choosing a structure? Start with our RV Carports Buying Guide.

General Measuring Tips

  1. Add extra space: Allow at least 1 ft on each side for easy access, doors, and airflow
  2. Measure on level ground: Tilted driveways can affect true clearance
  3. Account for elevation: Taller vehicles may need more clearance if your site is on a slope
  4. Use the largest dimensions: Go by the largest measurement — don’t guess or round down
  5. Think about use: If you’ll open slides or work on the RV under the carport, increase width

What to Measure for an RV Carport

To get started, you’ll need the following key dimensions for your motorhome or trailer:

1. Overall Length

Measure from the very front bumper or hitch to the rear bumper or ladder. Don’t forget to include:

  • Spare tires or rear storage racks
  • Bike mounts or extended bumpers
  • Tow hitches

Tip: Add 2–3 extra feet for easier access and buffer space.

2. Overall Width

Measure from the widest point, usually including:

  • Extended side mirrors
  • Slide-outs (if they stay extended)
  • Awning arms or side storage

Most Class A and C motorhomes are about 8–8.5 feet wide.

3. Total Height

Measure from ground level to the highest point on your RV. This often includes:

  • A/C units
  • Satellite domes
  • Roof vents or solar panels

 Leave at least 1–2 feet of clearance above your RV roof to allow ventilation and prevent roof rub.

If you want a full enclosure, explore our metal RV garages for an all-weather, secure solution.

Choosing the Right Carport Size for Your RV

Once you have your dimensions, here’s what to consider when ordering:

RV Type

Class C (22–32 ft)
Class A (30–45 ft)
Fifth Wheel
Travel Trailer

Suggested Carport Size

12–14′ wide x 30–36′ long x 12–14′ tall
14–30′ wide x 35–50′ long x 14–16′ tall
14–30′ wide x 40–50′ long x 14–16′ tall
12–14′ wide x 25–36′ long x 12–14′ tall

For help selecting a model, visit our Metal Building Size Guide or call 888-536-1585 to speak with a real person.

Site Prep Tips for Installing Your RV Carport

After measuring your RV, make sure your installation site is ready:

  • Clear 5 feet of space on all sides (including height)
  • Level your pad or base (gravel or concrete)
  • Check for slope, drainage, and local code requirements
  • Review your setback rules or HOA guidelines

Need help? We’ve created a full RV Carport Site Prep Checklist to walk you through the process.

Local Regulations & Building Codes

We engineer every RV carport to meet your local building codes, including wind load, snow load, and permit requirements.

Serving customers nationwide — including California, Texas, Oregon, Florida, and more.

Check out our Permitting Help Center or call us with code questions.

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Instructions for Measuring Your RV for a Carport or RV Cover

For Class A, B, C Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels, Toy Haulers, Truck Campers & Travel Trailers)

Use these measurements when ordering a metal RV cover from Pro Metal Buildings
Need help? Call 888-536-1585

Basic Measuring Tools You'll Need:

  • Tape measure (at least 25 ft long)
  • Ladder (for rooftop features)
  • Notepad or phone to record
  • Helper (recommended for longer RVs)

Measurements You Need for All RV Types:

 

Measurement

What to Include

Total Length

      Front bumper to back of rear ladder or spare tire (include bike racks, bump-outs, etc.)

Total Width

      Wall to wall + add extra for side mirrors or slide-outs

Total Height     

      From the ground to the highest fixed point (AC  unit, vent cover, antenna, satellite)

Additional Clearance

      Add 1–2 ft in height & width to allow for ventilation, movement & carport framing

Class A RVs (Big Motorhomes – 30 to 45 ft)

  • Length: Measure bumper to bumper including tow hitch or rear accessories.
  • Height: Include rooftop units. Many Class A RVs are 12–13.5 feet tall.
  • Width: Usually 8.5 feet, but add clearance for side mirrors and slide-outs.

Recommended carport height: 14–16 ft
Suggested size: 14×40 to 16×50 ft depending on RV length

Class B RVs (Camper Vans – 17 to 22 ft)

  • Length: Measure bumper to bumper
  • Height: Include roof fans, solar panels, or A/C
  • Width: Usually 7–7.5 feet, compact footprint

Recommended carport height: 11–12 ft
Suggested size: 12×25 to 12×30 ft

Class C RVs (Cab-Over RVs – 22 to 33 ft)

  • Length: Include front overhang and back ladder
  • Height: Typically 11–12.5 ft
  • Width: 8–8.5 feet, but watch for slide-outs

Recommended carport height: 13–14 ft
Suggested size: 14×30 to 14×40 ft

Fifth Wheels (Trailer w/ Raised Front Section – 30 to 45+ ft)

  • Length: Front hitch to rear bumper, include rear racks
  • Height: Often 13 to 13.5 feet
  • Width: 8–8.5 ft, with slide-outs to consider

Recommended carport height: 14–16 ft
Suggested size: 14–30 ft wide × 40–55 ft long

Toy Haulers (Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel w/ Rear Garage – 25 to 45 ft)

  • Length: Bumper to hitch or rear loading ramp
  • Height: Up to 13.5 ft, especially if carrying UTVs
  • Width: Allow for extended sides, ramp clearance

 Recommended carport height: 14–16 ft
 Suggested size: 14×35 to 16×50 ft

Truck Campers (Mounted in Truck Bed – 8 to 12 ft)

  • Length: Camper only or truck + camper if stored together
  • Height: From ground to roof vent/A/C
  • Width: Typically 7–8 feet

 Recommended carport height: 12–13 ft
 Suggested size: 12×20 to 12×25 ft

 Travel Trailers (Tow-Behind Campers – 20 to 36 ft)

  • Length: Hitch to rear ladder/spare tire
  • Height: Up to 10–12 ft
  • Width: 8–8.5 ft, account for awnings or slides

 Recommended carport height: 12–14 ft
 Suggested size: 12×30 to 14×40 ft

Need Help Picking a Size?

Let our team design the perfect metal carport or enclosed RV garage for your exact RV type.

Call 888-536-1585
Or Get a Free Quote

Helpful External Resources:

Ready to Build Your Custom RV Carport?

Once you’ve measured your RV, we’ll help you choose the perfect structure — fully customized for your rig, your space, and your location.

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