How Do Custom Carports Fit RVs, Boats And Rooflines?

Custom carports can be used for your RVs, boats & roof lines. Because they are made to fit your actual vehicles and your house design. The kits come in set sizes. A custom build starts with measurements, your driveway and the roof you already have.

By Jeremy Bolton, Founder and Owner · Last updated October 30, 2026

How do you size custom carports for everyday vehicles?

Measure the biggest vehicle you need to park in your carports. Leave extra space to allow door opening and consider how you will use them in the future. Usually width is the most important feature.

Homeowners asking how big should a carport be can start with these common footprints:

This is just a general guideline. The crew cab with a hitch will probably be several feet longer than a sedan. You also want to consider your future needs, as it will cost much more to expand your carport at a later date. Also consider how high your carport should be. If you drive a lifted truck or have a roof rack/kayak you will want a higher eave to avoid hitting it.

What should RV and boat carports account for?

RV and boat carports need to account for height, length, width and the path you'll use to back in. Getting any one of those wrong means the structure doesn't do its job.

People asking what size carport fits an RV should measure these before talking to a builder:

• Tallest point. Measure to the top of the AC unit, antenna or boat tower, not just the roof.

• Overall length. Include the hitch, tongue, ladder and any rear-mounted gear.

• Width with extras. Mirrors, awnings and slide-outs add more than you'd expect.

• Approach. Turning radius, slope and overhead lines all affect where the carport can sit.

• Clearance above. Leave a buffer over the tallest point, so you aren't scraping on a soft tire or a bump.

Boats are not without their own set of issues. Large centre consoles or wakeboarding towers will increase the overall height. A boat kept on a trailer will need additional length for the tongue and motor.

You’ll also need to consider electrics. If you want lights or a socket to charge your battery you’ll need to get a licensed electrician to do the work and an electrical permit within city limits.

When does a multi vehicle carport make more sense than two structures?

If you have multiple vehicles it might make more sense to use a multiple carport so they are all under one roof. Generally speaking, one large carport is cheaper per space.

There are a few options that would work well:

• Side by side. The simplest option for two or three cars on a wide driveway.

• Mixed height. A tall RV or boat bay beside a lower car bay, under a stepped roof.

• Tandem. One vehicle behind another, which suits long, narrow lots.

• Covered plus storage. Parking bays with a partially enclosed end for tools or equipment.

However, you may also require larger beams or additional posts. You will have to make sure your layout and design works together. A single roof will help by having only one gutter and drainage system so you won’t have water running down your drive way.

Which carport styles and rooflines suit Murfreesboro homes?

Opt for a carport that has the same profile, slope and materials as your house so it will look like it was designed that way. The main options are:

• Gable roof. A peaked roof that pairs naturally with most two-story and ranch homes.

• Hip roof. Slopes on all sides, matching many newer subdivision homes.

• Lean-to or shed roof. A single slope that works well against a wall or fence line.

• Flat or low-slope. A clean, modern look that suits contemporary designs.

• Attached extension. A roof that continues from the house itself, often using the same pitch.

So when someone asks can a carport match the house roofline, the honest answer is usually yes. Material choice plays a part too. Wood offers warmth and design flexibility, while metal and aluminum hold up with very little maintenance.

Also, think about drainage where the carport meets the house. Water from two roofs can concentrate at one corner, so gutters and downspouts belong in the design from day one.

What permits does a carport need in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County?

Most carports need a building permit, and where you live decides who issues it. Inside city limits, that's the City of Murfreesboro. Outside them, it's Rutherford County.

The city's accessory structure permit application covers carports and spells out a few key rules:

• Site sketch. It must show property lines, easements and distances to other structures.

• No building in easements or setbacks, so placement matters from the start.

• The 5-foot rule. Accessory structures within 5 feet of the house count as attached.

• Licensed electrician. Homeowners can't do the electrical wiring for lights or outlets.

Outside city limits, including areas around Christiana, the county's residential permit office handles the paperwork. It issues permits only to licensed contractors or owners who live on the property, and review usually takes a day or two.

Finally, check your HOA rules. The city's own form notes that a permit doesn't cover subdivision or deed restrictions, and many neighborhoods set their own limits on size, materials and placement.

Where do we build custom carports around Murfreesboro?

We build custom carports across Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne and the rest of Rutherford County, plus the greater Nashville area. Our office is in Murfreesboro, so local site visits are easy to schedule.

If you're comparing custom carports in Murfreesboro TN, our Murfreesboro carport installation page covers local builds. People asking who builds RV and boat carports near Murfreesboro and Christiana Tennessee can also see our main carports page and our Smyrna carport page.

And if you're weighing custom carport builders Murfreesboro TN on price, our guide on what a custom carport costs in Tennessee breaks down the numbers. Financing options are available too.

How do you get a free carport estimate?

Call (615) 713-7902 or use our contact page for a free consultation and estimate. Have your vehicle measurements and a photo of the spot ready, since they speed up the design.

Frequently asked questions

1. What size carport does an RV or boat actually need?

Most RV carports will require around 12-14ft of clearance. The length will also need to be longer than the RV by several feet. If you are storing your boat on a trailer the height is usually a little less unless you have a tower or T-top. Take measurements of the highest part of the boat and add some extra to allow room to move around comfortably.

2. Can a carport be built to match the house roofline?

Yes! We can create bespoke carports to match the pitch, eaves and detail of your home. We can even use the same roofing materials. Attached carports can be built to sit flush with your home and free standing carports can mimic the shape of your home from a short distance.

3. How many vehicles can one structure cover?

There is no set number. It will depend on your plot, what space you have to work with and how long the roof can span. 2 and 3 car carports are very popular. Multi bay carports can also be created using the correct beam and post configurations.

4. Do open sides work in Tennessee weather or is partial enclosure better?

Open sided carports are great for most cars. They allow for plenty of air flow which is great during humid summer months. However, if you are getting wind driven rain, leaves or low winter sun from one direction having some coverage can help. Many homeowners will close one side of their carport to protect from the weather.

5. What does a custom carport cost against a standard kit?

A kit will be cheaper however they are only available in set sizes and will rarely match your home. Bespoke carports in Tennessee often start from around $3,500 for a basic single-car metal carport to $18,000 and up for high quality wooden designs. Both options will have extra costs such as groundworks, permits and electrics.

Visit or call us

JB's Enclosures
Address: 1349 Marymont Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: (615) 713-7902
Email: [email protected]
Veteran-owned builder of carports, patio covers, screen rooms, pergolas and decks, serving Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Rutherford County and the greater Nashville area.