When determining the ideal height for your carport, it’s advisable to make the legs approximately one foot taller than the height of the tallest vehicle you anticipate owning. It’s essential to factor in additional elements like roll bars, top racks, and RV AC units when measuring for height.
Keep in mind that if you decide to enclose the gables of your carport, the clearance will be slightly reduced by approximately three inches compared to the leg height. For instance, if your carport’s legs measure 7 feet, the resulting clearance would be around 6 feet 9 inches.
Alternatively, if you opt to keep the gables open, the highest clearance point will be at the center brace, near the roof’s peak. This location provides a clearance that’s about 18 inches higher than the leg height. From the top brace, the roof frame gradually tapers down to a height close to the legs on each side. So, if your carport has 7-foot legs, you can comfortably park a slightly taller vehicle underneath, as long as you avoid positioning it too close to the sides.