Best RV Shelters: Brand Buying Guide

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Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton

Best RV Shelters: Brand Buying Guide

RV Shelters are designed to offer protection and security for recreational vehicles. They are essential for those who want to ensure the longevity of their RV investment.

• RV shelters protect vehicles from harsh weather conditions.
• Metal carports offer sturdy roof covers with open sides.
• Fully enclosed garages provide complete protection from all sides.
• Portable garages are flexible and easy to set up.
• RV covers are cost-effective but offer less protection.

Many families settle for Recreational Vehicles for their vacations and trips. RVs have many benefits, mainly because they allow you to explore the country and do it on a budget as you eliminate hotel bills.

Also, some fun comes in roaming around places where you wouldn’t find hotels.

RVs and motorhomes are usually the second most significant investment most RV users make. Your home is usually your most significant investment, your RV is second, and your car is the next, so naturally, you need to protect it.

Recreational vehicles are expensive, so you must protect your investment from elements and keep maintenance costs down. For this reason, you must invest in an RV shelter for your camper.

Unless you are living in your RV all year round, you will need to park it for the time you are not using it. Parking it outside your home is an option, but a poor one.

Just like you need to protect your car from sun, hail, rain, and snow, you must protect your camper well from the elements. The most cost-effective solution is a sturdy and durable RV shelter.

RVs are made of many parts that work together. If exposed to rain, water can leak inside, damaging many relevant and expensive parts that will cost you an arm to repair. Water could also cause mold, which can cause health issues.

Best RV Shelters

1. Abba Patio Carport

Abba Patio Carport is designed with a polyethylene coating that is waterproof and resistant to sun damage. It’s the ideal carport for your RV if you experience heavy rains and snow in your area.

Features

• Spacious

This spacious carport measures 10 x 20 feet and has a clearance of eight feet, which perfectly fits most class C motorhomes. It sports a unique A-frame design that gives it more room on the roof and makes it more robust and sturdier.

• Durable

It’s made of powder-coated steel, making it sturdy and durable. The eight legs are one, and the half-inch diameter is chip-resistant and won’t rust.

• Portable

The Abba is an excellent choice for a person looking for a portable solution. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble if you want to free up space or move to another location.

The carport has a removable UV-resistant polyethylene cover with a zipper that allows you to enclose your motorhome entirely during cold winters.

Pros:

• Highly portable
• Strong framing made with powder-coated steel
• Very spacious
• Easy installation

Cons:

• Can’t withstand strong winds

2. Arrow Carport

This Arrow carport is an excellent choice if you are in the market for affordable shelter. Its steel frame and 29-gauge roofing sheets can withstand extreme conditions.

Features

• Different sizes

This carport comes in many sizes to fit small to large motorhomes. It’s available in 20, 24, and 29-foot lengths and a 20-foot width that can fit two motorhomes. The height clearance is seven feet, sufficient for the standard motorhomes in the market.

• Durable

This carport is made from industrial two–inch 29 gauge-galvanized steel durable and corrosion-free for longevity.

The shelter features horizontal panels with rounded eaves to reinforce its sturdiness on the ground and, most importantly, durability.

• Easy assembly

It’s easy to install this shelter thanks to a slip-fit frame connection and self-drilling screws. Although it doesn’t come with sidewalls, closing up the structure is easy because the frame is sturdy, with five legs on each side.

• All-weather protection

With a wind rating of 100mph and a snow ground load rating of 35 PRF, this carport will protect your investment in all weather.

Pros:

• Spacious shelter
• Highly durable
• All-weather protection
• A reinforced frame that can withstand high winds
• Easy installation
• Unique A-frame design for improved stability

Cons:

• No sidewalls

3. Duramax Metal Garage

The Duramax metal garage is a perfect shelter for your RV, offering protection and security. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for an enclosed shelter.

The garage comes in two sizes: 20 and 26 feet. Because it’s long and 8.5 feet high, a class B motorhome can comfortably fit in it.

Features

• Heavy-duty construction

This shelter is constructed with solid steel for strength and durability. The heavy-duty support columns can support 20 pounds per square load. The galvanized steel frame is rust-free

The ridge groove reinforced walls and hot-dipped galvanized steel provide more structural stability and are dent-resistant, making it perfect for Storage.

• Easy roll-up door

This shed features a 99″ wide roll-up front door that makes it easy to park vehicles. The entry is also lockable, adding much-needed security.

• Durability

Designed with heavy-duty support columns and solid galvanized steel, this large shed is rust and corrosion-resistant, can withstand extreme weather conditions, and can support up to 20 lbs of snow per square foot.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty frame
• It comes with side panels for added security
• Roll up the front door that is easy to open and close
• All-weather shelter

Cons:

• It doesn’t come with a floor kit
• The instruction manual is difficult to follow

4. ShelterLogic

If you are looking for an easy-to-set-up garage, this ShelterLogic carport will be your best purchase. This particular model comes in varying sizes to fit motorhomes of all sizes.

ShelterLogic lets you customize your shelter to fit your needs. Each of these shelter buildings is wind and snow-rated.

Features

• Durable shelter

This shelter is crafted using high-grade materials for maximum car protection and, most importantly, for durability. The steel metal frame makes it highly durable in any weather. A layer of thermosetting powder is applied to the top to prevent corrosion and rust.

The cover is made from ultra-durable polyethylene that protects against rain and wind. It’s completely waterproof and UV-treated, making it ideal for summer use.

• Easy to install

The shelter is easy to install. The metal frame stabilizes the structure, making it easy to erect in days. To satisfy most foundation requirements, all you need are simple concrete piers.

• Portable

The ShelterTech structure can be easily disassembled and relocated to a new location when necessary. All you need to do is unscrew from the concrete, remove the cover, and disassemble the metal frame, and you will be ready to move.

• Spacious

This shelter comes in many sizes to accommodate campers of all sizes. You can choose widths of up to thirty feet and heights of up to 21 feet.

As for the length, Shelterlogic offers shelters as big as 100 feet long. With a customizable design, you can choose enough for your motorhomes.

This shelter is designed to endure the worst weather to help you protect your camper.

Pros:

• Easy to install
• Highly customizable
• Made to withstand all types of bad weather
• Durable frame and cover
• Minimal installation requirements

Cons:

• Expensive

5. Palram – Canopia Arcadia

If you own a small camper, this Palram patio cover is an excellent investment to protect your home on the road from the elements.

It’s a perfect solution for areas that don’t experience extreme weather. If you want to protect your camper from rain and sun, this is the camper for you.

Features

• Rust-free frame

Thanks to powder-coated heavy-duty aluminum and galvanized, long-lasting steel framing, this shelter is maintenance-free.

This construction allows the carport to withstand strong winds and heavy snow. It measures 16 x 12 x 8, easily fitting a small motorhome.

• Easy assembly

Installing a carport is challenging, but not with the Arcadia 5000. This carport comes with ready parts that require only two people to install. You do not need any carpentry skills or tools.

• Polycarbonate roof system

Palram uses a high-quality 6mm polycarbonate roof material, reinforced to make it incredibly durable.

Furthermore, this material is 100% UV protected, thus shielding your camper from harmful sun rays that might cause the paint to fade.

The polycarbonate panels are shatter-free and won’t fade with exposure to the sun.

• Anchoring Pads

This carpet has anchoring footpads that secure the shelter firmly on the ground. The footpads enable the owner to move the structure with ease.

The only shortcoming of this carport is that it does not have sidewalls, meaning your car will be exposed when the sun is at an acute angle.

Pros:

• Easy installation
• Durable frame and cover
• Easy to anchor to the ground
• Rust-resistant framing
• Maintenance-free
• It comes with a ten-year warranty

Cons:

• It doesn’t have sidewalls

6. General Steel Carports

General Steel carports come in many sizes to protect minor to large vehicles. If you want a carport to protect a large motor home and your cars, the 20x30x14 carport kit from general steel is more than sufficient.

These carports are customizable and can be enclosed fully to provide added security.

Features

• Materials

General steel uses I-Beam framing and 26-gauge framing that will withstand all weather conditions. The structures are covered with a metallic sheet, so they are waterproof and UV-proof, ensuring your assets are protected all year round

• Easy to customize

You can customize the size of the shelter and choose its colors. Depending on your needs and budget, you can opt to have the shelter with or without side walls.

• Easy installation

General Steel coordinators will prepare the land where the structure will be laid and construct it for you. All you have to do is move your motor home in after construction

This company has a 50-year warranty on the structure, so your investment is well protected.

Pros:

• Long-lasting materials
• Options to customize
• Easy installation
• All-year-round protection
• Permanent structure

Cons:

• Expensive
• It’s a permanent structure; you can’t move it

What To Consider Before Choosing an RV Shelter

The Size of the RV

The shelter you choose should be able to house your motor home. What is the size of your camper? RVs come in different classes based on their sizes:

Class A motorhomes are the most extensive and most expensive. They can sleep up to 10 people. Class B is a mid-size camper that can sleep a family of five. The class C camper is the smallest and is made for two people.

Class C campers can easily fit in your home garage, but class A and B motorhomes, due to their large sizes, need a custom shelter.

Before you purchase an RV shelter, measure your trailer and choose one that will accommodate your camper well.

Carports come in standard widths of between 12 and 40 feet. For reference, if your trailer is 8 feet wide and 35 feet long, a 12-foot-wide carport is more than sufficient, as long as it can extend to at least 40 feet to accommodate the RV.

Primary Use of the Shelter

What is the primary use of the RV shelter? You should be able to answer this question before purchasing. Are you sheltering your RV from the elements or looking for security?

If you are looking for a shelter to protect your camper from harsh external elements, a shelter with a sturdy frame and a roof will do just fine.

However, if you are looking for a shelter to protect your precious RV from intruders, you are better off with a fully enclosed shelter with locks and sensors.

Where is the Shelter to be Installed? 

How much space can you spare for your shelter? You’ll need enough level space for the carport cover and room for the installation team to access and install it.

The size and style should fit the space. If you live in a rented home, you may not be able to install a permanent shelter; instead, go for the portable type that is easy to dismantle when you move.

Depending on the size and design of the shelter, you may need to hire a contractor to build it. However, it’s easy to install a small shelter without needing extra labor.

Do you need a Building License?

Depending on where you live, you may have to write to the authorities for authorization to build the structure. Many local building regulations also require metal carports to be certified when installed to ensure they can withstand wind and snow without compromise.

A local inspector will review the building site and plans and inspect them once they are completed to ensure they are up to code.

The Climate

If you experience extreme weather, you may want to choose an RV shelter that can withstand both extreme cold and hot weather. Does your area get strong winds and heavy snow?

These factors will play a significant role in your choice. It would be best to have a fully enclosed shelter anchored on concrete slabs in severe weather. If you experience a mild climate, a partially enclosed shelter will be great.

Style of the Surrounding Buildings

Would you like an A-frame, regular, or vertical roof style? What color would you like your motorhome carport to be? What type of custom RV carport would you prefer—agricultural cover, RV cover, or standard?

What width and height will you need to adequately shelter your vehicle? Would you like to include a lean-to in your custom metal carport design?

Will you be building onto or expanding your carport later on? Would you prefer 12- or 14-gauge steel? There are several customization options to consider when choosing your custom RV carport.

Price

It all boils down to your budget. How much will you invest in a quality shelter without breaking the bank? The amount of money you are willing to invest in that project will determine the size, quality, and design of the RV carport.

Types of RV Carports

There are three types of RV shelters: regular roofs, vertical roofs, and frame roofs. Vinyl and metal are the most common materials used for carports.

Vinyl carports are canopies that are affixed to a steel frame. Metal shelters are of higher quality and made of steel.

Regular Roof

This roof style is the most economical. In the regular-style roof carport, the metal sheet ridges run horizontally from end to end. This type of roofing lies flat on top of the frame.

It doesn’t hold up well to strong winds and rain. To protect your vehicles from sunshine and damage from exposure to the sun, it is best suited for areas that experience mild weather.

Vertical Roof

The panels on the roof run vertically or up and down.  It stays cleaner and lasts longer than panels oriented horizontally. Debris, leaves, and snow easily wash off the roof with rain.

Also, snow moves better off the vertical roof system. However, because of the additional steel and trim components used to create it, the downside of owning this roof system is that it is expensive.

Boxed Eave Roof

This roof type has the A-Frame appearance of the vertical roof, but the panels run horizontally. Horizontal panels tend to trap leaves and debris on the roof.

The roof will not stay as clean as the vertical roof, and the panels will not last as long. This roof type is the most common and is less expensive than the vertical roof system.

A motorhome carport can easily be turned into a garage by adding walls and doors. Adding side panels to cover the sides of the carport increases protection from the elements and makes the structure more secure since it can be locked.

Why Buy A Shelter For Your RV?

Protection from the Elements

Rain, snow, and winds can damage the paint surface. Winds carry tiny particles of dust that erode the polished surface, making it lose its shine.

Protecting your RV from the elements slows down the aging process, allowing you to use it for a longer time.

Heavy downpours can cause severe damage. If water gets in the camper, it can cause damage to the delicate parts. Protecting your RV with a steel-constructed carport is recommended if you live where hailstorms and strong winds are expected.

Preserve the Interior

If you leave your RV in direct sunlight for extended periods, the sunlight will fade and age the interior. Seats, fabrics, and other fixtures are exposed to repeated heating and cooling, which fades them and, at worst, causes damage.

This damage can extend to adhesives that come loose, letting water in. If left unattended for long, this damage can be extensive and require expensive repairs. A shelter protects the vehicle from direct sun, thus preserving the interior look.

Security

Your RV probably costs you a lot of money. It’s a significant investment and will last long when taken care of. By acquiring an enclosed RV shelter, you can keep your trailer away from intruders.

Replacing stolen parts can be very expensive, so the best action is to lock it up.

Save Money on Storage

An RV storage facility is an option for RV owners. However, renting storage space can be expensive. A carport can save you an ongoing storage fee if you have space.

Is RV Shelter Worth It?

They are. These shelters provide a secure space for your recreational vehicle and protect it from harmful elements such as UV rays, rain, snow, and wind.

This protection will extend the lifespan of your RV, saving you from hefty maintenance and repair costs in the long run. Therefore, the value of RV shelters goes beyond the initial cost, making them a worthwhile investment for every RV owner.

Final Words

RV Shelters play an essential role in maintaining the longevity and quality of recreational vehicles. There are several types of RV shelters, each with its unique features and benefits.

Metal carports, also known as RV covers, are a popular type of RV shelter. They offer robust roof covers with open sides that allow easy access to the vehicle.

Although they provide less protection than fully enclosed garages, they are cost-effective and suitable for areas with moderate weather conditions.

Fully enclosed garages offer complete protection for vehicles from all elements. They are designed with solid walls and a sturdy roof, providing a secure space for your RV. These garages are more expensive than other types of RV shelters but offer the highest level of protection.

On the other hand, portable garages combine the benefits of metal carports and fully enclosed garages. They are flexible and easy to set up, offering convenient protection for your RV wherever it is parked.

These portable structures are an excellent choice for those who frequently travel with RVs.

In conclusion, RV Shelters are an invaluable investment for any RV owner. They protect your vehicle from harsh weather conditions and help maintain its value over time.

Whether you choose a metal carport, a fully enclosed garage, or a portable garage, your RV will be well protected.

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