RV Storage Guide

Storing an RV, motorhome, fifth-wheel, or travel trailer under a metal canopy protects it from sun damage, rain, and snow. Because RVs are taller and wider than standard passenger cars, they require careful structural planning.

Here is the dimension planning guide for steel RV shelters. If you’d rather work from your RV’s exact measurements, the sizing estimator will translate them into a recommended width, length, and leg height.

1. Height Calculations (AC Units & Slide-Outs)

Determining the required height is the first and most critical step:

• AC Units & Satellites: Measure your RV to its highest absolute point, which is typically the rooftop AC unit, satellite dish, or vent cover.
• Side Leg Height: Order a side leg height that is at least 1 to 2 feet taller than your RV’s highest point. If your fifth wheel measures 13 feet at the AC unit, you need a minimum 14-foot side leg height.
• Peak Rise Benefit: If you use an A-frame or regular roof, the center peak will rise several feet higher than the side legs, providing extra center clearance for roof maintenance.

2. Width Considerations (Slide-Outs & Mirrors)

A standard RV is 8.5 feet wide, but that does not account for operational clearances:

• Slide-Out Extensions: If you plan to extend your slide-outs while the RV is parked under the shelter, measure the width with all slides fully extended. This typically increases the total width to 11 to 14 feet.
• Door and Mirror Clearance: Choose a shelter width of at least 14 to 18 feet to allow you to back the RV in safely without scraping mirrors, and to permit opening the cabin doors comfortably.

3. Structural Bracing and Wind Resistance

Tall carports act like sails under high-wind conditions:

• Extended Corner Bracing: RV canopies (with 12-to-16 foot side legs) require diagonal corner bracing on every vertical frame post to resist lateral wind pressure — see the bracing gallery for how these configurations compare.
• Heavy Framing (12-Gauge): Upgrading from standard 14-gauge to thicker 12-gauge steel framing is highly recommended for structures with wall heights exceeding 12 feet.
• Concrete Pads: Anchoring a tall RV cover to a reinforced concrete pad using heavy wedge bolts provides the highest wind uplift safety. See site prep & foundations for slab specs.

RV Height-to-Leg-Height Quick Reference

RV Highest Point (AC/vent)	Minimum Recommended Leg Height	Notes
Up to 11’	12’–13’	Standard travel trailers
12’–13’	13’–14’	Fifth wheels, most Class A/C motorhomes
14’+	15’–16’+	Tall Class A units, add margin for roof AC and vents

[!NOTE] These are planning ranges, not certified clearances. Always measure your specific RV to its tallest point and add the 1–2 foot margin before finalizing an order.