How Much Does RV Carport Installation Cost in Smyrna TN?
JB's Enclosures builds custom RV carport installations for Smyrna, TN homeowners and across Rutherford County — sized for Class A motorhomes, Class C campers, travel trailers, and toy haulers. RV carport cost in Middle Tennessee varies based on size, clearance height, foundation type, and whether the structure is open or partially enclosed, but every install starts with a free estimate and no-pressure consultation.
By Jeremy, Owner & Founder · Last updated July 2026
What Does an RV Carport Installation Include?
An RV carport — also called an RV cover or RV storage shelter — is a purpose-built overhead structure designed to provide clearance and protection for recreational vehicles significantly larger than a standard passenger car. Unlike a regular carport, an RV carport installation in Middle Tennessee needs to account for vehicle height (Class A motorhomes routinely reach 13–14 feet), vehicle width including slideouts in storage position (often 8.5–10 feet), and the total length of the vehicle (anywhere from 22 feet for a compact camper van to 45 feet for a large diesel pusher).
A full RV carport installation from JB's Enclosures includes: site evaluation and measurement, foundation assessment (gravel, pavers, or concrete depending on your preference and local drainage), steel framing and post installation, roofing panel installation, and any optional side panels or partial enclosure for additional weather protection. Every structure is engineered to meet Middle Tennessee's wind requirements and anchored for long-term stability on your property.
We work in steel and aluminum — both of which outperform wood in Smyrna's humid summer conditions. An RV storage shelter built from properly gauged steel won't rot, won't require annual treatment, and won't suffer the same UV degradation that affects wood-framed structures over a Tennessee summer. For homeowners looking for RV cover installation in the Nashville TN area, that durability difference over a 15–20 year ownership window is worth considering.
How Tall Does an RV Carport Need to Be in Tennessee?
Clearance height is the first specification that separates an RV carport from a standard car carport. The minimum your structure needs depends on what you're parking underneath it — and undersizing even by one foot creates problems every time you move the vehicle in and out.
These clearances account for roof pitch, ridge height, and a functional buffer so you're not threading your antenna or A/C units through a tight margin every time. For the best RV carport installers near Smyrna TN, the right approach is always to measure your specific vehicle — roof-mounted equipment like A/C units, satellite dishes, and vents add 6–18 inches above the nominal vehicle height listed in the spec sheet.
Width is the second key dimension. A standard carport is 10–12 feet wide. An RV carport should be 16–24 feet wide to accommodate slideouts and allow room to walk alongside the vehicle for maintenance access. If you plan to store multiple vehicles or a boat alongside the RV, plan the width accordingly from the outset.
Do You Need a Permit for an RV Carport in Smyrna TN?
Yes — and the specific department you apply through depends on your address.
If you live within the Smyrna town limits: The Town of Smyrna Building Safety Department handles your permit. Carports are explicitly listed as accessory structures requiring a permit in Smyrna; the first step is submitting a site plan to their office at 315 S Lowry St (phone: 615-355-5706). This is a detail that matters: Smyrna is an incorporated city within Rutherford County, and residents cannot apply through the county's building department.
If you live in unincorporated Rutherford County (outside Smyrna, La Vergne, and Murfreesboro city limits): The Rutherford County Building Codes Department handles your permit at 1 South Public Square, Murfreesboro (phone: 615-898-7734). Rutherford County adopted the 2024 International Residential Code effective May 2026 — meaning current construction requirements reflect the most recently updated International Code Council standards.
As RV carport contractors in Rutherford County, JB's Enclosures handles the permit process on your behalf. We know which department to work with based on your address, we prepare the documentation required for plan review, and we coordinate the inspection before the structure is considered complete. You don't need to navigate the permitting system independently — that's part of the service.
One additional note from the Rutherford County zoning code: the county prohibits occupying an RV on a residential property as a dwelling (outside approved campgrounds). This applies to living in the vehicle, not to storing it under a carport — but it's worth noting for homeowners who plan extended stays in a parked RV.
What Affects RV Carport Cost in Middle Tennessee?
RV carport installation in the Nashville area costs more than a standard car carport for the same reason a large structure costs more than a small one: more material, more foundation prep, and more engineering. The key variables that move the price are:
Structure size: Height and width requirements for an RV push well beyond what a car carport uses. A 14-foot-tall, 20-foot-wide, 40-foot-long RV carport uses significantly more material than a 9-foot-tall, 12-foot-wide, 20-foot-long car carport.
Foundation type: Gravel or compacted base costs less upfront but requires proper drainage grading. A concrete slab or concrete footings add cost but provide the most stable, long-term base. For heavier Class A motorhomes and large diesel pushers, a concrete pad is strongly recommended.
Wind engineering: Middle Tennessee — including Rutherford County — sits in a wind zone that requires structures to be engineered for significant wind loads. Well-designed steel framing, properly spaced anchor bolts, and appropriate gauge roofing panels aren't optional; they're what allows a structure to handle a Middle Tennessee thunderstorm without becoming a liability.
Enclosure options: An open RV carport (roof and posts only) is the most affordable configuration. Partial side panels for wind and rain protection, fully enclosed RV garages, or partial enclosures with a utility door add cost but can dramatically improve weather protection, especially for long-term storage between camping seasons.
JB's Enclosures provides free estimates for all RV carport projects in Smyrna and across Middle Tennessee. Our general carport cost guide for Tennessee covers the cost factors for standard carports — an RV structure typically falls at the upper end of that range given the additional clearance, span, and foundation requirements. Call or text (615) 713-7902 for a firm number on your specific vehicle and property.
Which Smyrna and Rutherford County Areas Do We Serve?
JB's Enclosures installs RV carports throughout Smyrna and all of Rutherford County, including:
Smyrna — the town's growing residential areas along Sam Ridley Parkway, Rocky Fork Road, and the communities east of the Nissan plant see consistent demand for RV and boat storage structures
La Vergne — I-24 corridor properties with larger lots and workshop-ready yards
Murfreesboro — our home base; we've installed carports across Blackman, Siegel, Cason Lane, and the Walter Hill and Rockvale areas
Eagleville and Rutherford County rural areas — properties with acreage where RV storage is a practical necessity
We're also among the top rated RV carport contractors in the Nashville area, serving Spring Hill, Nolensville, Franklin, and Hendersonville for RV and oversized vehicle storage builds. See our carports service page and Smyrna location page for the full range of outdoor structures we build in the area. Financing is available and we'll walk you through it during the estimate call.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How tall should an RV carport be?
Minimum recommended clearance depends on your specific vehicle. Class B van campers need 11–12 feet of clearance; Class C motorhomes and most travel trailers need 13–14 feet; Class A motorhomes typically need 14–16 feet. Always measure your vehicle including roof-mounted equipment — A/C units, antennas, and satellite dishes can add 6–18 inches above the manufacturer's stated height. Undersizing clearance by even one foot creates real maneuverability problems and potential damage risk on every entry and exit.
2. What wind rating do RV carports need in Tennessee?
Middle Tennessee falls in a wind zone requiring structures to be engineered for significant wind loads — generally 115 mph basic wind speed under current International Residential Code standards. Rutherford County adopted the 2024 IRC effective May 2026. For RV carports specifically, proper anchoring to the foundation, appropriate post gauge and spacing, and adequate roofing panel attachment are all critical to meeting these requirements. A structure that isn't properly engineered becomes a hazard in a Middle Tennessee thunderstorm. Every JB's Enclosures build is designed to meet current local wind requirements.
3. Can RV carports be enclosed?
Yes. Options range from a fully open carport (roof and posts only) to partially enclosed structures with one or more side panels, to fully enclosed RV garages with vehicle-width doors. Partial side panels on the prevailing weather side significantly reduce rain and wind intrusion without fully closing the structure. Full enclosures provide the best long-term protection for stored vehicles, especially through Tennessee's shoulder-season weather. The right configuration depends on how often you access the RV and what you're protecting it from.
4. Do I need a concrete pad under an RV carport?
Not always, but for most Class A motorhomes and large vehicles it's the right choice. Gravel or compacted base can work for lighter vehicles if drainage is properly managed. For heavier diesel pushers and large Class A coaches, concrete footings or a full concrete slab provide the most stable, long-term foundation. Concrete also makes winterizing, maintenance, and access cleaner year-round. We assess your site drainage and soil during the estimate and recommend the foundation type that makes sense for your specific vehicle and property.
5. How long does RV carport installation take?
A standard RV carport installation in Smyrna typically takes two to five days from start to finish, depending on the size of the structure, the foundation type (concrete adds curing time), and weather. The permit process runs parallel — we submit the application as early as possible so it doesn't add waiting time once materials are staged. We'll give you a realistic project timeline at the estimate stage so you can plan around it.
Contact JB's Enclosures for a free RV carport estimate in Smyrna or anywhere across Rutherford County and Middle Tennessee.
Call or Visit Us
JB's Enclosures 1349 Marymont Dr. Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Phone: (615) 713-7902
Serving Smyrna and surrounding areas including La Vergne, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Spring Hill, Nolensville, Franklin, and all of Middle Tennessee.
