Best RV Shelter Ideas for 2023

Owning a recreational vehicle (RV) you know firsthand how important it is to protect your RV when it's not in use. Harsh weather elements like rain, snow, heavy winds, and hail as well as general dirt and debris accumulation can make your motorhome or camper susceptible to damage in need of repairs that cost hundreds of dollars.

Having a place for RV storage that includes a roof shelter when you are not using your vehicle is essential for weather protection. RV carports and metal RV covers are the perfect cost-effective way to offer the best protection for your RV trailer, motorhome, or camper.

Metal Carports has everything you need to protect your RVs and other vehicles and equipment by installing metal buildings to keep your RV covered year-round. Our experts in RV carport installation want to help you choose the best RV cover shelter for your property.

Metal RV Carports

Whether you are making the investment to have a new metal RV building installed on your property or you're going the DIY route, it's important to know everything you can about the installation process and building permit details, among anything else like customization options. Our metal RV building specialists want to help you learn the essentials of working with RV carport kits and how to get the most out of your storage facility.

How Tall Does An RV Carport Need To Be?

The height of your RV carport will depend on the height of your specific RV, but most RVs will be sufficiently covered by a 12-foot-high carport. If you have a larger-sized RV, motorhome, or camper that exceeds 12 feet, a 14-foot-high carport or taller would be a better option.

When choosing the dimensions of your new metal RV carport, it's important to consider what you plan to do in that space. For instance, do you simply need a parking spot when the vehicle is not in use, or do you want your RV canopy to cover other items or equipment? Taking a few factors like the capacity of your property, the size of your RV, and your intended use of the space of your RV shelter, you can better decide the size of the metal building you need.

The Benefits Of Using a Metal RV Carport

While you may already rent a storage facility to protect your recreational vehicle from outdoor elements when not in use, many RV owners agree that investing in a metal building to protect your RV is the best way to save money in the long run.

When you build a metal RV cover on your residential or commercial property, you are making a significant investment to protect your RV. Here are some of the benefits of using an RV shelter for your vehicles:

• Protects against harsh weather like rain, snow, and winds that can lead to costly repairs.
• Protects against UV rays and other outdoor conditions that damage the exterior of the RV when exposed over time.
• Convenience of having your RV on your property versus a storage rental unit.
• More cost-effective than a rental facility or concrete building installation.
• Easily customization options to build the carport that aligns with your aesthetic.

The Case Against DIY Options

It's possible to install an RV shelter on your own, but our metal carports installation experts advise against going the DIY route when it comes to protecting RVs, motorhomes, trailers, and campers. RV carport kits involve knowing how to put together the components of a metal building. If this is not an area of specialty for you, it's best to leave the job to the experts. One of the main causes of damage to metal RV covers and RV damage from rain pooling or a heavy snow load is the result of faulty installation done by non-professionals.

Types of Steel RV Shelters

Depending on the amount of available space on your property and your budget, there are a few types of RV shelter ideas that offer different roof styles and other features. Let's look at some of the best, fully customizable, metal buildings available for installation at your home or business.

Normal Roof Metal RV Carports

Most metal carport designs include an A-frame, but when it comes to this regular roof metal RV cover, there are some features that differentiate it from an A-framed roof. For instance, a normal roof has both metal roofing panels as well as metal side panels that run along the length of the carport.

While the metal roof of the RV carport does come to a center peak, the edges of the regular roof carport are curved against its walls. Typically, a normal roof RV shelter needs to be enclosed on one end for structural support in addition to limited airflow that can access the space and create potential damage.

Vertical Roof Carport

A vertical roof RV shelter is a great choice if the aesthetic impact of the carport is important to you. With the vertical roof design, the carport's roof can be customized to take on the architectural features of the building it's installed next to, blending in with the building by mimicking the appearance of either your home or business.

With a reinforced frame for durability and optional gable ends for increased wind resistance, a vertical roof carport is a low-maintenance choice to save money while protecting your vehicles.

A-Frame / Boxed Eave Metal Carports

A-frame carports, commonly called boxed eave carports, are built of quality metal materials and structured with vertical roof panels, horizontal panels, and side panels. The eaves of the roof extend out on either side and include a center gable that runs the length of the shelter.

A-frame metal RV carports have the structural integrity needed to protect your RV from the elements while additionally preventing the possibility of leaks or tears. Boxed eave carports are easily customizable with many different options for colors and design features.

Enclosed RV Garage

A metal garage for your recreational vehicle is a great RV shelter idea if you want to fully enclose the storage space. Metal RV garages are available in the regular roof, vertical roof, and A-frame roof options. Customization options include door placement, door type, window placement, and interior shelving to make the most out of your enclosed garage for your RV, motorhome, trailer, camper, or other vehicles.

Considerations For Designing Your Own Custom RV Shelter

It's worth the added attention to detail to build a fully customized RV carport to shelter your vehicles. From different sizes, colors, roof types, and more, let's look at the various ways you can design your custom RV shelter.

Size

After choosing the style of roof you want for your custom metal RV carport, your next decision is to choose the size of metal building you need. Our custom metal building experts create RV shelters that range anywhere from 12 feet to 60 feet in length, with adjustable heights as needed.

Location

Deciding where on your property to install your new RV garage or RV storage unit is important. Your new metal structure needs to be placed above any areas prone to flooding or water accumulation. Another thing to consider is if the area chosen gets excessive sunlight which could affect the overall protection and heat temperatures of your metal building. Finally, find an RV metal carport installation site that is free of any potential fallen leaves, sticks, dirt, and other debris that might accumulate on top of your RV canopy.

Permits

If you are building a new structure on your property, you must secure the appropriate building permits prior to the start of construction. Failing to do so may result in fines, penalties, or the potential of the RV shelter being removed entirely. Be sure to check the building permit laws that pertain to your property's location.

Doors/Windows

From areas of entry and exit to windows and other features, our RV metal storage buildings can be customized with different door and window placements and designs.

Ventilation

Choosing the ventilation needs for your carport might depend on your area's climate and what outdoor elements might affect the well-being of your RV and its metal shelter. Some carports will need more ventilation than others, which could call for customized options like windows or fans to be installed.

Contact Metal Carports or Use Our 3D Building Tool Today To Find The Perfect RV Shelter Solution

Investing in an RV cover carport that is made from quality galvanized steel structures and customized with your needs in mind will make all the difference in caring for your recreational vehicle. If you want to stop spending money to rent a storage facility by building a custom metal RV carport on your home or business's property, we can help.

At Metal Carports, our custom metal building professionals will build a durable, sturdy, reliable structure to protect your RV, camper, motorhome, or other vehicles and equipment from harsh weather and debris.

Contact us today at 877-517-4422, design your dream shelter, or request a quote on custom metal buildings.