Choosing a carport starts with a simple question: how much usable covered space do you need? A vehicle may fit within the advertised dimensions yet leave too little room to open doors, walk around the bumper or park comfortably. For taller vehicles, the highest point of the roof also tells only part of the story. This Canadian carport size guide walks through width, length and clearance so you can compare options for your actual vehicle and property. Start with measurements, then choose a size that supports the way you use the space every day.
Measure Three Things Before You Shop
Measure your vehicle’s overall length, width with mirrors in the position used when entering, and highest point. Include roof racks, cargo boxes, rooftop air conditioners, antennas and other accessories. For a trailer or boat, measure the complete parked combination, including the hitch, drawbar or outboard motor where applicable.
Next, decide what needs to fit around it. Door opening, loading groceries, reaching storage boxes and walking between two vehicles all require additional space. Mark the proposed footprint on the ground and test your normal parking routine. This often reveals a better size than comparing vehicle specifications alone.
Width: Fit the Vehicle and Your Daily Routine
An 11′ wide model is a starting point for one vehicle. A 20′ wide model offers more room across the structure and is the natural starting point when comparing side-by-side parking. Neither choice guarantees a fit: usable space depends on the model’s posts, base frame and your vehicle dimensions.
For two vehicles, add their parked widths together, then allow room between them and at the outer sides. Check whether both sets of doors can open comfortably. Two wide pickups can need substantially more working space than two compact cars, even though both arrangements are described as a double carport.
Length: Include Bumpers, Hitches and Working Space
Length should cover the complete vehicle and leave space for the activities you want under the roof. A rear hatch, bicycle rack or trailer hitch can change the practical requirement. If you plan to store tools or seasonal equipment behind a car, include that storage depth in your measurement.
A longer carport does not make the opening wider. An 11′ × 30′ footprint may suit a vehicle with equipment stored behind it, but it is not a substitute for a wider model when the goal is side-by-side parking. Choose width and length separately.
| Range | Available nominal lengths | Start your comparison here |
|---|---|---|
| 11′ wide | 15′, 20′, 25′, 30′, 35′, 40′ | One vehicle, a trailer or narrower equipment |
| 20′ wide | 20′, 25′, 30′, 35′, 40′ | Two vehicles or larger recreational equipment |
Height: Peak Height Is Not Entry Clearance
Overall or peak height measures the highest point of the structure. Usable clearance is the unobstructed height along the route the vehicle takes beneath the roof and bracing. A sloped roof is lower toward its edges, and structural components can reduce the available opening.
This matters particularly for RVs, tall vans and trucks with roof accessories. Do not assume a carport advertised with a 12′9″ peak provides that same clearance at the side or entrance. Ask for the exact opening dimensions and a drawing that shows the lowest relevant structural obstruction.
Compare those details with the vehicle’s actual highest point and allow a practical margin.
Choosing a Carport for a Car, SUV or Pickup
For one car or SUV, compare the 11′ wide range first, then select the length using your measured vehicle and working space. For a pickup, check mirror width, cab height, bed accessories and the combined bumper-to-hitch length. A label such as “full-size truck” is not enough to confirm fit.
If you regularly load equipment from the sides or want more room around the vehicle, compare a 20′ wide model too. The choice should reflect how you use the covered area, rather than simply the smallest footprint that contains the vehicle.
Choosing a Carport for an RV, Boat or Trailer
Begin with complete dimensions of the parked unit. RV roof equipment and boat trailer fittings are easy to miss when using brochure measurements. Also consider the approach: a slope or uneven surface may change the vehicle’s angle as it enters.
A 20′ wide carport can provide a useful starting point for larger recreational vehicles, but height and length must be checked model by model. Request clearance confirmation before ordering. If a height extension is being considered, obtain the revised opening dimensions and confirm that the complete configuration suits your site.
These areas are width multiplied by length; they are not measurements of unobstructed interior space. Size examples are comparison starting points, not guarantees that a particular vehicle fits. For metric planning, 11′ is approximately 3.35 m, 20′ is 6.10 m and 40′ is 12.19 m.
| 20′ wide size | Nominal footprint area | How to compare it |
|---|---|---|
| 20′ × 20′ | 400 sq ft | Check short vehicles and compact parking layouts |
| 20′ × 25′ | 500 sq ft | Compare when you need extra length |
| 20′ × 30′ | 600 sq ft | Measure longer vehicles or rear storage needs |
| 20′ × 35′ | 700 sq ft | Compare longer recreational combinations |
| 20′ × 40′ | 800 sq ft | Check extended vehicle and equipment layouts |
Check the Property Before You Choose the Footprint
Allow room for the structure, installation access, vehicle approach and maintenance around it. Consider drainage and where roof runoff or sliding snow could land. A footprint that fits on paper may still obstruct a walkway, gate or turning area.
Confirm local siting and permit requirements with your municipality before committing to a location. Plan the foundation and anchoring for the chosen model using its installation instructions and any site-specific design requirements.
Avoid sizing a concrete base from the roof’s advertised dimensions alone; use the manufacturer’s base layout.
Compare Construction Alongside Dimensions
At Carports Factory Outlet, our ranges include hot-dip galvanized steel construction and reinforced roof bracing included at no additional cost.
Our buying message is straightforward: Built for Harsh Canadian Winters — Snow-Load Ready; Built for Strong Canadian Winds — Wind-Resistant Design.
Choose the size first, then confirm the exact model specifications and installation requirements. Weather-focused descriptions do not establish a site-specific load capacity; request the documentation needed for your location and configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right carport size for one vehicle?
Start with the vehicle’s complete dimensions and the space you need to open doors and move around it. An 11′ wide option is a useful comparison point, but confirm usable dimensions.
Is a 20′ × 20′ carport enough for two cars?
It may suit some layouts. Measure both vehicles and test door access within the actual post layout before deciding.
Can an RV fit under a 12′9″ high carport?
Peak height alone cannot answer this. Compare the RV’s highest point with the confirmed unobstructed opening and travel path.
Should I choose extra length for storage?
Yes, if storage is part of your plan. Add the required storage depth and access space to the vehicle length before comparing models.
Find Your Steel Carport
Send us your vehicle dimensions, intended use and preferred footprint. We can help you compare model dimensions, pickup options and delivery to your postal code.
For budget planning, read our steel carport cost guide next.
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