We all want a nice garage/shop for our GMC but that doesn't always fit budgets and situations. If a temporary carport is allowed (depends on zoning or neighborhood rules), that's better than nuthin.
I searched and didn't find anything sized to fit the GMC. Standard shade structures are too small (10x20' with a low ceiling) or too huge (expensive). Anything custom-made by a supplier causes the price to explode.
So I assembled a temporary structure at reasonable cost by combining two adjustable-height carport kits and a few other parts. No cutting or fabricating. Total tab was not much more than some car covers.
Materials and quantities
2) Advance Outdoor 12'x20' Carport, 9.5'-11' Adjustable Height, Silver Gray - Amazon $400 each
1) 16'x30' Black Truck Tarp with D-Rings - CanopiesAndTarps.com $205
1) 50-pack EPDM Assorted Bungee Cords - Amazon $48
10) Husky 15'x1" Ratchet Straps - Home Depot $2.50 each
1) 10-pack J-Hook Rebar Stakes - Amazon $22
1) 10-pack Prime-Line 9071969 U-Bolts for 1" pipe - Amazon $14
Decisions
- These carports are available in white, tan, silver, or green. Color choice isn't critical since you'll be adding a 2nd layer of canvas, but I wanted something neutral so it can be re-used later without regretting the color. Before ordering tan color look at customer photos - the tan on the Amazon seller's description is inaccurate. Customer photos show the tan carport is closer to yellow.
- A 16'x30' tarp works for the 2nd layer. I wanted something that would blend into the neighborhood, couldn't find anything close enough to permanent roof color so I went with black. Main thing is avoid the typical smurf-blue tarp.
- Ground stakes depend on your situation (gravel, mud, or pavement). The carport kit includes stakes but they look flimsy so I bought better ones. If you don't anchor this down it will fail in a moderate wind storm.
- These U-bolts are 1/8" too narrow for an easy fit, but they will fit snug onto the structure poles with pliers.
If you want additional shade this can be built with one additional section so it's 12'x32' (you'll need a 16'x36' tarp and a couple more U-bolts).
Steps
Assemble one 12x20 carport roof structure, but instead of the end-caps for one gable end use the connectors from a 2nd identical 12x20 carport kit. Notice the three open pipe connectors at the gable end:
Add one additional section so the roof frame ends at 12'x26'. Drape and attach 3 sides of a 12x20 canvas roof onto the 12x26 structure. Fit the 2nd 12x20 canvas roof onto the other end. Attach ten 15' ratchet straps to eyelets on the outer roof's exposed seam (far end of photo). Pull those ten ratchet straps to the gable end and throw them underneath (next step shows why).
Pull the free end of each 15 foot ratchet strap and attach to the structure (roof truss) underneath. Don't tension the straps yet - wait until it's all assembled and square. Photo looking up from the interior:
Finish assembling the structure. Each kit includes three sets of 6" height extensions so the ridge can range from 9-1/2 to 11 feet. One 6" height extension provides enough clearance for the GMC (10' ridge height). You'll need a ladder to reach the inner ridge to tighten the ratchet straps.
Test fit the GMC but not done yet. The exposed roof seam acts like a sail and will try to lift off. Front 6 feet (right side of photo) shows the ten 15 foot ratchet straps that wrap around to hold two 12x20' covers on a 12x26' structure:
16'x30' is sold as a truck tarp for covering loads but works great as an outer cover.
This one's 12 mil thick, has reinforced edges and D-rings.
Attach and adjust U-bolts and bungees to hold the outer layer (tarp) to the structure.
10 foot ridge height provides clearance for roof pod and A/C. Sides provide enough space to walk around in the rain.
16x30' tarp over 12x26' structure shelters the entire interior. Front bumper and grille are exposed to weather.
Or buy a 16x36' tarp and build the structure to 12x32 feet with an almost identical materials list.
This carport isn't an architectural work of art but I don't think you'll beat the $1,200 price.
-Kendra
I searched and didn't find anything sized to fit the GMC. Standard shade structures are too small (10x20' with a low ceiling) or too huge (expensive). Anything custom-made by a supplier causes the price to explode.
So I assembled a temporary structure at reasonable cost by combining two adjustable-height carport kits and a few other parts. No cutting or fabricating. Total tab was not much more than some car covers.
Materials and quantities
2) Advance Outdoor 12'x20' Carport, 9.5'-11' Adjustable Height, Silver Gray - Amazon $400 each
1) 16'x30' Black Truck Tarp with D-Rings - CanopiesAndTarps.com $205
1) 50-pack EPDM Assorted Bungee Cords - Amazon $48
10) Husky 15'x1" Ratchet Straps - Home Depot $2.50 each
1) 10-pack J-Hook Rebar Stakes - Amazon $22
1) 10-pack Prime-Line 9071969 U-Bolts for 1" pipe - Amazon $14
Decisions
- These carports are available in white, tan, silver, or green. Color choice isn't critical since you'll be adding a 2nd layer of canvas, but I wanted something neutral so it can be re-used later without regretting the color. Before ordering tan color look at customer photos - the tan on the Amazon seller's description is inaccurate. Customer photos show the tan carport is closer to yellow.
- A 16'x30' tarp works for the 2nd layer. I wanted something that would blend into the neighborhood, couldn't find anything close enough to permanent roof color so I went with black. Main thing is avoid the typical smurf-blue tarp.
- Ground stakes depend on your situation (gravel, mud, or pavement). The carport kit includes stakes but they look flimsy so I bought better ones. If you don't anchor this down it will fail in a moderate wind storm.
- These U-bolts are 1/8" too narrow for an easy fit, but they will fit snug onto the structure poles with pliers.
If you want additional shade this can be built with one additional section so it's 12'x32' (you'll need a 16'x36' tarp and a couple more U-bolts).
Steps
Assemble one 12x20 carport roof structure, but instead of the end-caps for one gable end use the connectors from a 2nd identical 12x20 carport kit. Notice the three open pipe connectors at the gable end:
Add one additional section so the roof frame ends at 12'x26'. Drape and attach 3 sides of a 12x20 canvas roof onto the 12x26 structure. Fit the 2nd 12x20 canvas roof onto the other end. Attach ten 15' ratchet straps to eyelets on the outer roof's exposed seam (far end of photo). Pull those ten ratchet straps to the gable end and throw them underneath (next step shows why).
Pull the free end of each 15 foot ratchet strap and attach to the structure (roof truss) underneath. Don't tension the straps yet - wait until it's all assembled and square. Photo looking up from the interior:
Finish assembling the structure. Each kit includes three sets of 6" height extensions so the ridge can range from 9-1/2 to 11 feet. One 6" height extension provides enough clearance for the GMC (10' ridge height). You'll need a ladder to reach the inner ridge to tighten the ratchet straps.
Test fit the GMC but not done yet. The exposed roof seam acts like a sail and will try to lift off. Front 6 feet (right side of photo) shows the ten 15 foot ratchet straps that wrap around to hold two 12x20' covers on a 12x26' structure:
16'x30' is sold as a truck tarp for covering loads but works great as an outer cover.
This one's 12 mil thick, has reinforced edges and D-rings.
Attach and adjust U-bolts and bungees to hold the outer layer (tarp) to the structure.
10 foot ridge height provides clearance for roof pod and A/C. Sides provide enough space to walk around in the rain.
16x30' tarp over 12x26' structure shelters the entire interior. Front bumper and grille are exposed to weather.
Or buy a 16x36' tarp and build the structure to 12x32 feet with an almost identical materials list.
This carport isn't an architectural work of art but I don't think you'll beat the $1,200 price.
-Kendra
Last edited:
