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What Size Carport Do You Need? A Complete Guide

6 min read
What Size Carport Do You Need? A Complete Guide

Choosing the right carport size is critical — too small and your vehicles won't fit, too large and you're wasting money. Here is how to size your carport correctly.

What Size Carport Do You Need? A Complete Guide

One of the most important decisions in the carport buying process is choosing the right size. Too small and your vehicles won't fit comfortably; too large and you're paying for space you don't need. Here's a complete guide to sizing your carport correctly.

Standard Carport Sizes

Carports are typically available in these standard widths and lengths:

Width:

  • 12 ft — Single car (tight fit)
  • 18 ft — Single car (comfortable)
  • 20 ft — Single car (generous) or compact double
  • 24 ft — Standard double car
  • 30 ft — Wide double or triple car

    • Length:

  • 20 ft — Standard passenger car
  • 25 ft — Longer vehicles, trucks
  • 30 ft — Extended trucks, vans
  • 40 ft — RVs, boats, multiple vehicles

    • Height (leg height):

  • 6 ft — Standard
  • 8 ft — Tall trucks, SUVs
  • 10 ft — Large trucks, vans
  • 12–16 ft — RVs, motorhomes

    • Sizing for Specific Vehicles

    Vehicle TypeRecommended Minimum Size
    |-------------|--------------------------|
    Compact car12 x 20 ft
    Standard sedan/SUV12 x 20 ft
    Full-size truck12 x 25 ft
    Dual-cab truck12 x 30 ft
    Two cars24 x 20 ft
    Class A motorhome14 x 40 ft (12 ft height)
    Fifth-wheel trailer14 x 40 ft (14 ft height)
    Boat on trailer14 x 30 ft

    The Golden Rule: Size Up

    When in doubt, go larger. The cost difference between a 20-ft and 25-ft carport is relatively small, but the difference in usability is significant. Consider:

  • Door swing — You need room to open car doors fully (add 2 ft per side)
  • Walking space — Allow at least 3 ft on each side for comfortable movement
  • Future vehicles — Will you be buying a larger vehicle in the next 5–10 years?
  • Storage — Do you want to store bikes, lawn equipment, or other items under the carport?

    • Measuring Your Vehicles

    Before ordering, measure your vehicles:

  • Length — Measure from bumper to bumper, including any tow hitches
  • Width — Measure at the widest point (usually the mirrors)
  • Height — Measure at the highest point (roof rack, antenna, etc.)

    • Add at least 2 feet to each dimension for comfortable clearance.

    Accounting for Your Site

    Consider your property when sizing:

  • Setback requirements — Most municipalities require carports to be set back a minimum distance from property lines (typically 5–10 ft)
  • Driveway width — Your carport needs to align with your driveway
  • Slope — Sloped sites may require taller legs on one side

    • Getting It Right

    The best way to ensure you get the right size is to:

  • Measure all vehicles you plan to cover
  • Add 2–3 ft on each side for door clearance and walking space
  • Consider future needs
  • Consult with a professional installer

    • Find carport installers near you who can help you choose the perfect size for your specific situation.

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