20×40 RV Carport Plans – PDF Download

If you want to learn more about 20×40 RV carport plans you have to take a close look over the free online plans in the article. This is a large carport that has a gable roof, designed to shelter a RV, a large truck or even a boat. This carport has a 8×8 structure and really sturdy trusses. In addition, I have these plans in an easy printable format for you, so you can download them. Remember to read the local codes before starting the project and to comply with the local regulations. The codes differ from one area to another, so it is safer to read them thoroughly.

If you want to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to plan everything with attention, as to prevent costly mistakes and to build a professional garden project. Invest in high quality materials, such as cedar, pine or redwood, as the bench will be exposed to all kinds of weather. Apply a few coats of paint over the components, to enhance their appearance and to protect them from bad weather.

20×40 RV Carport Plans – Free Online -PDF Download

Building a RV carport

Cut List

• 1 – 10 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 192″ long POSTS
• 2 – 4 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 480″ long or 8 pieces – 240″ long SUPPORT BEAMS
• 3 – 32 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 72″  long BRACES
• 4 – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 168″ long, 1 piece – 240″ long, 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 44 1/2″ long, 2 pieces – 64″ long 21xTRUSS
• 5 – 4 pieces of T1-11 siding – 26″x48″ long, 4 pieces – 46″x48″ long, 2 pieces – 56″x48″ long GABLE ENDS
• 6 – 4 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 168″ long, 12 pieces – 6 1/4″ long 2xOVERHANG
• 7 – 4 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 10″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 10″x72″ long, 28 pieces – 48″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 48″x48″ long, 8 pieces -24″x96″ long, 4 pieces – 24″x48″ long ROOF
• 8 – 1300 sq ft of tar paper, 1300 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING
• 9 – 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 169″ long, 2 pieces – 499 3/4″ long TRIMS

Shopping List

• 10 pieces of 8×8 lumber – 16′
• 8 pieces of 2×8 lumber – 20′
• 16 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 12′
• 51 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 14′
• 21 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 20′
• 21 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 12′
• 11 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 5 pieces of T1-11 siding – 4’x8′
• 37 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 16′
• 4 pieces of 1×8 lumber – 20′
• 1 piece of 1×8 lumber – 8′
• 1300 sq ft of tar paper, 1300 sq ft of asphalt shingles
• 30 pieces of 6″ carriage bolts
• 10 post anchors
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 5 1/2″ screws
• wood glue, stain/paint
• rafter ties

Tools

• Hammer, Tape measure, Carpentry square
• Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander, Router
• Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses, Respiratory Mask

Time

• One week

RV Carport – Video

STEP 1: Building the base of the carport

Laying out the posts

The first step of the garden project is to select the location for the carport. Make sure the ground is level and then layout the 8×8 posts with batter boards and string. Measure the diagonals and apply the 3-4-5 rule to the corners, to make sure the corners are square.

Fitting the posts into concrete

You can set the posts into place with several methods. First of all, you can attach the posts to an already existing concrete slats using metal anchors. Alternatively, you can dig 2-3′ deep holes and pour concrete footing in which you set post anchors. Last but not least, you can dig the holes and set the posts directly into concrete.

For this project, we will assume you will use metal anchors. Use a spirit level to plumb the posts vertically and use temporarily braces to lock them, until you build the roof for the pergola.

Building the posts

Use 8×8 lumber for the posts. As you can see in the diagram, you need to make notches to the top of the 16 posts. Use a circular saw to make parallel cuts inside the notches and then remove the excess with a chisel. Smooth and clean the recess with sandpaper.

Fitting the Support beams

Attach the 2×8 beams to the top of the posts, as shown in the diagram. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges with attention. Plumb the posts with a spirit level and then clamp the beams to the top of the posts. Drill pilot holes through both the beams and posts, before inserting the 6″ carriage bolts. Attach the washer and the nut.

Building the braces

Use 2×6 lumber for the braces. Use a miter or circular saw to make the 45 degree cuts at both ends.

Fitting the braces – detail

Fit the braces to the posts of the rv carport and then lock them into place with 5 1/2″ screws. Drill pilot holes before inserting the screws, to prevent the wood from splitting.

Fitting the braces

Fit the braces to the carport as shown in the plans.

STEP 2: Building the roof of the rv carport

Building the rafters

Use 2×6 lumber for the rafters. Use a miter saw to make a 22.5 degree cut to one end of the rafters. Mark the cut lines on the rafters and then make the cuts with a circular saw.

Bottom rafters – 20×40 RV Carport Plans

Lay the rafters on a level surface and the attach the bottom rafter. Use a miter saw to cut both ends of the bottom rafters at 22.5 degrees. Align the components with attention and leave no gaps between the rafters.

Truss supports

In order to reinforce the strength of the trusses, I recommend you to build 2×4 supports, as show in the plans. Use a miter saw to make the cuts to the supports.

Gussets – Rv Carport Plans

Use 1/2″ plywood or metal plates for the joints. Make sure you add gussets to the joints between the bottom and regular rafters.

Fitting the trusses

Fit the trusses to the top of the carport and place them every 24″ on center. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level before attaching the ties.

Gable end panels

Use T1-11 siding sheets for the gable end panels. Make the cuts with a circular saw and then attach them to the front and back of the RV carport. Use 6d nails to secure the panels into place tightly.

Building the overhangs

Build the overhangs from 2×6 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the blockings. Assemble everything tightly.

Fitting the overhangs

Fit the overhangs to the front and back of the carport. Align the edges, drill pilot holes and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock the overhangs.

Fitting the roof sheets

Attach the 3/4″ plywood sheets to the roof of the carport. Start with the bottom and then attach the sheets up to the top. Leave no gaps between the sheets and insert 1 5/8″ screws. every 8″ along the framing.

Side roof trims

Fit the 1×8 trims to the sides of the RV carport. Align the edges with attention and insert 3 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Front and back roof trims

Use 1×8 lumber for the front and back roof trims. Make a 22.5 degree cut at one end of the trims and then secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws.

Fitting the roofing

In order to waterproof the carport, you have to cover the roofing sheets with felt. Make sure the strips of roofing felt overlap at least 2-3″ and staple them to the plywood sheets every 8″. Continue the project by installing the asphalt shingles. Place the starting course at the bottom of the roof, before fitting the rest of the shingles.

PRO TIP: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions, before installing the shingles. They provide essential information about the installation of the shingles.

20×40 RV Carport Plans

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and then smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper. You can add panels to the sides of the carport, if you want to protect the RV even more from the elements.

20×40 RV Carport Plans – side view

This 20×40 carport with 16′ posts is easy to build and it will create a generous shelter for any vehicle.

RV Carport Plans

Make sure you take a look over all my storage plans HERE.

This diy project was about 20×40 RV carport plans. If you have enjoyed the free project, I recommend you to share it with your friends, by using the social media widgets. You can always save the plans as PDF or Print them using the floating widget on the left side of the screen (working only on PC or laptop).