To help you find the best carport cover for protection from the elements, we have tried out plenty of top models, testing them for maximum coverage and ensuring that the internal components are of a high quality, usually with a durable metal frame. We also liked items that were easy to install, those that featured collapsible designs, for efficient removal, and items that came with useful accessories, such as bungee cords for tightening.
The best product we tried was the Abba Patio Heavy Duty Carport Cover, which features a heavy duty powder coated steel frame, which helps to prevent chipping and rust, and boasts coverage enough for trucks and boats, as much as 12×20 feet, in addition to standard automobiles. We also appreciated the bungee cords and related accessories that were included with the package. Keep reading to learn more about the Abba Patio Heavy Duty Carport Cover and the other items on this list.
Top 6 Best Carport Covers
#1 Abba Patio Heavy Duty Carport Cover
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Features a heavy duty steel metal frame and high quality canopy fabric, with 2 removable doors and shipping with useful accessories, such as bungee cords for tightening and foot pads.
- Best for snow
- 2 removable doors
- Comes with bungee cords and foot pads
- Installation does not require tools, but does take a while
- Not for windy conditions or blizzards
- Not as water-resistant as some other items on list
The Abba Patio Heavy Duty Carport Cover features enough coverage space for boats and trucks, as much as 12×20 feet, in addition to cars, with a heavy duty steel metal frame and high quality canopy fabric, making this the best carport cover for snow that we tried. The product ships with two removable doors, one on each end, which could come in handy for open air exhibits, and a series of useful accessories, including bungee cords for tightening and foot pads for stability.
Though this item is water-resistant, to a degree, we found that water could leak through some of the seams in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, the company recommends to stow this carport cover away during blizzards and extreme wind, though it is the best carport for snow. Also, the best car jack will help you repair your vehicle.
#2 Quictent Upgraded Heavy Duty Carport Cover
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Fantastic polyethylene fabric cover, which is both UV-resistant and waterproof, with a rust-resistant galvanized steel framework and a multi-faceted warranty that offers varying degrees of coverage.
- Tear proof Polyethylene fabric cover
- Galvanized steel framework resists rust
- Good multi-faceted warranty
- Not collapsible or portable
- Slightly less coverage than top pick
- No fabric on sides
This Quictent Upgraded Heavy Duty Carport Cover features a high quality polyethylene fabric cover, which is both UV-resistant and waterproof, and a rust-resistant galvanized steel framework, as well as a number of reinforced steel cables. The warranty is multi-faceted, offering lifetime replacement for many of the internal components and a one year warranty for the cover and poles, with 50 percent off replacement parts beyond that point.
This is not a collapsible or portable product, however, as you are likely to want to keep it up once you have it installed. Also, it offers slightly less maximum coverage as our top pick, 10×20 feet as opposed to 12×20 feet. It may not be as sexy as the best satellite radio for your car, but it is a great investment.
#3 Crown Shades Portable Carport Cover
Award: BEST BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-friendly item that is extremely portable, in addition to being easy to install, with a rust-resistant steel frame and an UV-resistant canopy made from 150D Oxford fabric.
- Most portable carport kit
- Easy installation
- Rust-resistant and UV-resistant
- Max coverage area of 10×10 feet
- Not as stable as top picks
- Not great for severe rainstorms
The Crown Shades Portable Carport Cover is an extremely budget-friendly product, and is an extremely portable carport kit, thanks to a light weight of 34 pounds, and an easy install, taking just a few minutes to fully set up. We also loved the high quality manufacturing components, including a rust-resistant steel frame and an UV-resistant canopy made from 150D Oxford fabric.
With a maximum coverage area of 10×10 feet, we wouldn’t recommend this to be used with boats or trucks, as it’ll likely max out with a small or average-sized car. Additionally, this unit cannot be screwed down and, as such, is not quite as stable as our top picks. You may also want to look at the best car seat cushion.
#4 Delta Canopies PVC Party Tent Carport Cover
Award: BEST FOR EVENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: Perfect for events, thanks to a large maximum coverage area of 20×20 feet and 6 removable sidewalls and 2 removable endwalls, with a PVC covering that is waterproof.
- Maximum coverage of 400 square feet
- PVC walls and top are waterproof
- 6 removable sidewalls and 2 removable endwalls
- Installation can be frustrating
- Weighs nearly 300 lb
- Does not excel in windy conditions
This Delta Canopies PVC Party Tent Carport Cover is great for parties and related events, thanks to a large maximum coverage area, 20×20 feet, and six removable sidewalls, which can emulate windows. The two removable endwalls are great for automobile storage and the PVC fabric used offers superior water-resistance.
This is a large product, weighing nearly 300 pounds, and the installation procedure can be somewhat frustrating, though it does come with a number of tools to help. Also, the company recommends not to use this item during extreme weather conditions, such as wind. For the inside of the car, read about the best car diffuser.
#5 Delta Canopies Heavy Duty Carport Cover
Award: BEST FOR COMMERCIAL USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: Great for commercial use, as it features removable sides and ends and a large 20×16 feet maximum coverage area, with a water-resistant ceiling and walls.
- Maximum coverage of 400 square feet
- PVC walls and top are waterproof
- Water-resistant ceiling and walls
- Takes a few hours to set up
- Not for windy conditions or extreme weather
- Company recommends for product to not be left overnight
This Delta Canopies Heavy Duty Carport Cover is a fantastic choice for commercial use, for pop-up sales and the like, thanks to fully removable sides and ends and a maximum coverage area of 20×16 feet, which is enough for both foot traffic and automobiles. The polyethylene cover is water-resistant and it comes with storage bags, for when the item is not in use.
This is a heavy duty cover, however, and will take you a while to set up. During our test, it took around three hours to complete the install. Additionally, this item is not for windy conditions or for extreme weather. You can also check out the best car seat protector.
#6 Quictent Heavy Duty Carport Cover
Award: BEST UV PROTECTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: Adequately protects from harmful UV rays, thanks to industrial grade polyethylene fabric, with 4 reinforced steel cables, for stability, and the same multi-faceted warranty that is found with our number 2 pick.
- Best for wind, thanks to 4 steel cables
- Rust-resistant galvanized steel framework
- Same multi-faceted warranty as number 2 pick
- Not collapsible
- Coverage on smaller side, at 10×20 feet
- Sides are not covered
This Quictent Heavy Duty Carport Cover is extremely efficient at resisting UV rays, thanks to being manufactured with an industrial grade polyethylene fabric cover, which is UV-resistant, tear-proof and waterproof. We also loved the rust-resistant galvanized steel framework and the included four reinforced steel cables, which helps to increase stability and wind resistance. The included warranty is fantastic, offering lifetime replacement for many of the internal components and a one year warranty for the cover and poles.
This is not a collapsible design, however, requiring a full de-install when you want to stow it away. Also, the maximum coverage available is on the smaller side, at 10×20 feet, though the difference between our top pick is somewhat negligible.
How We Decided
To help narrow down to the above list, we installed and tested out a number of these carport covers, ensuring maximum coverage, as much as 20×20 feet, and protection from harmful UV rays, harsh sunlight and inclement weather. We also liked items that were made from high quality components, including powder coated steel and polyethylene fabric.
We also wanted to make sure these were fairly easy to set up, though a couple of our picks will require some outside help. To that end, each product we chose came with all of the necessary hardware and tools needed to make a complete install and many came with storage bags to stowaway components when not in use.
We ended up preferring models that offered plenty of use options, often available in different colors and with removable sidewalls and endwalls. Finally, we liked items that came with lengthy and reliable warranties, typically with lifetime coverage to some components and with a year or two for the steel poles and fabric canopy.
Best Carport Cover Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Protection
These carport covers offer up varying protection against the elements. If you are looking for superior UV protection, look for something made from polyethylene fabric, which usually offers at least UPF 50+ protection. Polyethylene products also do well water, though any thick fabric, including Oxford fabric, will do a good job with light rain showers. - Size
If you are looking for simple protection for your standard-sized or compact automobile, any of the above products will suit you, even the smallest 10×10 feet items. If you are looking to cover boats or trucks, you may want to go with 10×12 feet or even more maximum coverage. We also made sure to include a couple of picks that offer superior maximum coverage, as much as 20×20 feet, which are great for automobiles, but also excel with events, like weddings. - Additional Features
These carport covers typically come with all kinds of additional features, including all of the tools needed for installation, including bungee cords to provide for a tight fit and foot pads for stability. Many feature removable sidewalls and endwalls, allowing consumers to customize the carport cover to their liking. Some models also boast removable windows, further enhancing aesthetics.
Carport Cover FAQs
Are carports worth it?
We like to think so. Cars, boats and trucks are high ticket items, and often quite expensive, so spending a bit to keep them protected is something of a no brainer. Many of these items can also double for use as a gathering area for events or parties.
Why are carports so expensive?
Some of the items on the above list, and carports manufactured by companies like ShelterLogic and Palram, are certainly on the pricier side. This is due to their high quality build components, which include powder coated steel and polyethylene fabric.
Does a carport add value to a house?
Yes, if done right a carport can certainly increase the value of your home, as they are a good way to offer protection for automobiles, and other vehicles, without having to undergo costly renovations.
Can I put a carport on my driveway?
Typically, carport covers are not allowed on driveways, as driveways are considered a front setback area. You can, however, place them in an enclosed back yard.
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