RV Cover Height by Camper Class: Class A, Class C & Fifth Wheels

Key Highlights

• Class A motorhomes often stand about 12 to 13.5 feet tall, putting larger coaches close to common state road-height limits.
• Class C motorhomes usually run shorter, often around 10 to 12 feet, depending on the chassis and rooftop equipment.
• Fifth wheels can reach 13.5 feet because of the raised front section and roof-mounted equipment.
• Manufacturer height figures don't all account for rooftop equipment the same way. Measure the highest point on your actual rig before ordering.
• Coast to Coast Carports can plan RV covers with leg heights up to 16 feet for taller motorhomes and fifth wheels.
• Leave usable clearance above the measured RV height, especially when the driveway approach isn't perfectly level.
• Need help picking a height? Call [(866) 681-7846](tel:8666817846) or start with the Design Your Building tool.

RV Covers

A cover that's too short becomes noticeable pretty quickly. Usually the first time you back your rig underneath it and the roof AC clips the frame.

The right RV cover height depends on camper class more than almost anything else. A Class C motorhome and a fifth wheel can both look "medium sized" on paper and still need completely different clearance underneath a metal roof.

A properly sized cover gives you room to park without watching every inch above the coach. It also leaves space for a future rooftop upgrade or a slightly taller replacement RV.

This guide breaks down practical height ranges for Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, and fifth wheels, plus the leg heights that can work for each one. Buyers still comparing structure types should start with which metal RV carport fits their camper, then come back here once height is the main decision.

Planning an RV shelter? Compare metal RV carports or call Coast to Coast Carports at (866) 681-7846 with your RV's measured height, width, and length.

Why Camper Class Changes Your Cover Height

Every camper class handles height differently. Class A motorhomes are built on a bus-style chassis, so the body stays tall from front to back.

Class C motorhomes carry an over-cab bunk that adds height up front while the rest of the coach sits lower. Fifth wheels place part of the living area above the truck bed, which raises the front section even when the trailer's overall length looks manageable.

Length still matters. Owners planning around a large coach can use our 42-foot motorhome RV cover sizing guide to work through width, length, slide-out access, and taller leg options separately.

How Tall Is a Class A Motorhome?

Class A motorhomes often measure about 12 to 13.5 feet at the exterior height. As a current model reference, the Winnebago Journey lists an exterior height of 13 feet 3 inches.

Road-height rules vary by state. The Federal Highway Administration says state vehicle height limits typically range from 13 feet 6 inches to 14 feet, so taller coaches already sit close to common limits.

Check how the manufacturer defines exterior height. Some specifications include standard rooftop equipment, while optional AC units, antennas, or satellite equipment may change the final number.

The Cover Height That Actually Works

A 13-foot leg height can work for a shorter Class A model whose true highest point stays below that number. The 18x30x13 vertical-roof RV cover gives buyers a direct product reference for a 13-foot leg option.

A coach measuring near 13 feet or higher needs more clearance. Call [(866) 681-7846](tel:8666817846) with the actual ground-to-highest-point measurement so the structure can be planned around the rig, the driveway approach, and the room you want above it. Taller custom options can reach 16 feet at the leg.

How Tall Is a Class C Motorhome?

Class C motorhomes commonly fall around 10 to 12 feet tall. The Winnebago Spirit 22M lists an exterior height of 11 feet, which is a useful reference for a conventional Class C coach.

Larger Class C models can sit closer to 12 feet, particularly when roof-mounted equipment is included. Measure instead of assuming every Class C fits the same cover.

The Cover Height That Actually Works

A 12-foot leg height can fit many Class C motorhomes when the measured highest point leaves usable clearance. Our 22x35 vertical-roof RV cover has 12-foot legs and provides a size reference for buyers protecting a longer Class C.

A taller Class C, a sloped driveway, or a future AC upgrade may justify moving to a 13-foot option. That extra room makes backing in easier and gives you more freedom when the RV changes.

How Tall Is a Fifth Wheel, Really?

Fifth wheels commonly measure about 11.5 to 13.5 feet tall. Some of the largest models sit close to the top of that range. Grand Design, for example, lists several Solitude fifth wheels at 13 feet 5 inches.

The raised front section above the truck bed drives much of that height. Floor plan, suspension setup, tires, and rooftop equipment can change the final ground-to-highest-point measurement.

The Cover Height That Actually Works

Many full-size fifth wheels need a 14-foot leg option or a taller custom structure. Buyers who need more width and length can review the 30x45x14 metal carport as one example of a 14-foot-high structure that can cover oversized vehicles and equipment.

Measure the fifth wheel while it is hitched and level. Use the highest point on the full trailer, whether that is the front cap, AC unit, vent cover, or antenna.

Cover Height by Camper Class, at a Glance

Camper Class	Common Exterior Height	What Usually Drives the Height	Practical Cover Starting Point	Watch For
Class C Motorhome	About 10' to 12'	Over-cab bunk and rooftop equipment	12' to 13' legs, based on the measured rig	AC units, driveway slope, and rear approach angle
Fifth Wheel	About 11'6" to 13'5"	Raised front section and rooftop equipment	14' legs or a taller custom option	Front cap, AC units, suspension, and hitching position
Class A Motorhome	About 12' to 13'6"	Tall bus-style body and rooftop equipment	13' for shorter coaches; 14' to 16' for taller models	Actual highest point and entry clearance

The Rooftop Equipment You Need to Measure

Air conditioners, vents, antennas, and satellite domes can change the height you need. The number in a brochure may include some standard equipment while leaving optional equipment in a footnote.

Two owners with the same motorhome model can still measure differently after an AC replacement, suspension change, tire change, or added roof equipment.

Measure the actual RV. A long level or straight board placed across the highest point can help transfer that height to a tape measure at the side of the rig. A service center can take the measurement when roof access is unsafe.

What About Travel Trailers and Class B Campers?

Travel trailers and Class B camper vans are usually shorter than large Class A coaches and fifth wheels, though the exact height still varies by model.

A 12-foot leg height can cover many of these rigs with practical clearance. The 12x30x12 vertical-roof RV cover is one product size to compare against your trailer or camper van's measured width, length, and height.

Getting Your Exact Clearance Number Right

Matching the leg height to the RV's exact measurement leaves little room for real-world parking. Give yourself space above the highest point.

A sloped driveway, a raised approach, wind movement, and the angle of the coach while backing in can use more clearance than a level measurement suggests.

Plan for 6 to 12 inches above the RV's true measured height. The larger margin makes sense for a tall coach, an uneven approach, rooftop upgrades, or a future replacement RV.

How to Measure Your RV the Right Way

Park the RV on level ground in its normal travel setup. Keep motorhome slides in. Hitch and level a fifth wheel the way it will enter the cover.

Find the highest fixed point. Use a long level or straight board across that point, then measure vertically to the ground. Repeat the measurement on both sides when the parking area has any slope.

Write down the height, width, and full travel length before requesting a quote. Then compare those numbers with our camper and RV carport options.

Planning the payment at the same time? Review our metal building financing options and Rent-To-Own availability. Program availability and terms depend on the building and application.

Have your measurements ready? Design Your Building, Request A Quote, or call Coast to Coast Carports at [(866) 681-7846](tel:8666817846).

Frequently Asked Questions

What height RV cover do I need for a Class A motorhome?

Measure the coach from the ground to its highest fixed point, then add 6 to 12 inches of usable clearance. Shorter Class A coaches may work with 13-foot legs. Larger coaches commonly need 14-foot legs or a taller custom option.

Are fifth wheels taller than Class A motorhomes?

Some are. Large fifth wheels can reach about 13 feet 5 inches, which puts them in the same height range as tall Class A motorhomes. The model, suspension, hitching position, and rooftop equipment decide the final number.

Does my RV's listed height include the air conditioner?

It depends on the manufacturer and model. Check the specification notes to see whether standard or optional rooftop equipment is included, then measure the actual RV before ordering a cover.

What's the legal height limit for RVs?

There is no single federal vehicle-height limit that applies everywhere. States set their own limits, commonly between 13 feet 6 inches and 14 feet, and lower clearances can exist on specific roads. Check the states and routes you plan to travel.

Can Coast to Coast Carports build a cover taller than 13 feet?

Yes. Taller custom options can reach up to 16 feet at the leg for large motorhomes, fifth wheels, and other oversized vehicles. Call [(866) 681-7846](tel:8666817846) with your measurements so the team can confirm the right structure.

How much extra clearance should I add above my RV?

Plan for 6 to 12 inches above the highest measured point. Use the larger margin when the driveway slopes, the RV has tall rooftop equipment, or you may replace it with a taller model later.

What roof style works well for a tall RV cover?

A vertical roof is a practical choice for tall RV covers because the panel direction helps rain, snow, and debris move off the roof. Buyers comparing structure materials can also read metal RV carports vs. fabric RV covers.

The Bottom Line

Camper class gives you a starting point. Your actual ground-to-highest-point measurement decides the cover height.

Class C motorhomes often fit a 12- or 13-foot leg option. Large Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels may need 14 to 16 feet, depending on the rig and site.

Measure first. Then Design Your Building, request a quote, or call Coast to Coast Carports at [(866) 681-7846](tel:8666817846).