Is Garvee’s 20'x25'x13' Metal Carport Actually Worth It? Hands-On Review & Real-World Pros/Cons
Let’s get the awkward truth out of the way: not all carports are created equal. I learned this the hard way, after sheltering my beloved pickup under a 'bargain' canopy that decided to fly south with the first big gust of wind. This time, I’m going all in with Garvee’s 20'x25'x13' Metal Carport—a beast advertised to outlast rain, snow, and (pet peeve alert!) confusing assembly manuals. Curious how reality matches marketing? Let’s get truly honest about what it’s like to buy, unbox, and live with this imposing white fortress.
Let's Talk Features: What Makes This Thing So 'Heavy Duty'?
When you're shopping
for a
Heavy Duty Carport
the devil's in the details—and this
Garvee Carport
doesn't mess around
with its specs. But what exactly makes it "heavy duty" beyond
marketing speak?
The Engineering That Actually Matters
The standout feature here is that 110° roof angle design. Most cheap carports go with flat or nearly flat tops around 160°, but Garvee claims this steeper angle increases load capacity by 50%. If you live where snow piles up or wind gets nasty, that's not just a number—it's peace of mind. Research shows that heavy-duty builds like this significantly increase wind and snow resistance compared to standard models. Then there's the sheer weight: 980 pounds. Yeah, you read that right. This isn't some flimsy pop-up tent masquerading as a carport. You're looking at a Heavy Duty Steel Frame
with 2-inch diameter,
19-gauge steel poles and 27-gauge roof panels. The triple rust-resistant
coating means it should laugh off weather that would destroy lighter
alternatives.
Carport
Size and Dimensions Reality Check
The official
Carport Size and
Dimensions
are 24'6" L x
19'3" W x 12'8" H, with 7'5" side pole height. Garvee markets
this as fitting "two full-size pickup trucks," but here's where
reality bites. One customer review reveals a crucial detail:
"The covered area
is actually only 16' wide. The 20' width includes the outriggers which do zero
to actually cover anything."
That's a significant
finding—the actual interior width is smaller than exterior measurements due to
outriggers. So while you get the advertised footprint, your usable covered
space shrinks considerably.
What Sets It Apart from Competition
The extra-tall
design genuinely impresses. At 12'8" high, you can park boats, small
tractors, or tall trucks without playing Tetris. Most carports in this price
range max out around 10-11 feet, making this a real advantage for larger
vehicles. The waterproofing system
includes tape and seams, though customer feedback suggests you'll need to apply
these carefully. One reviewer noted:
"It leaked bad!
Should have used different screws and caulk in each seam."
Garvee's customer
service did help resolve this, but it's worth noting.
"I
thought that this product would be good, but it surpassed my expectations, this
carport is well made and easy to build. Parts are sturdy and fit together
well." – Jeff McKerrell
The package includes
for permanent installation,
though heavy-duty ground anchors are recommended for windy areas. At 980
pounds, this thing needs proper anchoring—it's not going anywhere once properly
secured, but improper installation could spell trouble. Bottom line: the engineering specs back up
the "heavy duty" claims, but understanding the actual usable
dimensions versus advertised measurements matters for your specific needs.
The Not-So-Secret Struggles: Assembly, Sizing Surprises, and Waterproofing
Realities
Let me be straight
with you—if you're thinking this carport assembly is a weekend afternoon
project, think again. Based on what I've seen from actual buyers, you're
looking at 6-8 hours with three people minimum. One reviewer mentioned their
12x13 model took 3 hours just for the frame, and that's before tackling those
tricky roof panels.
Carport Assembly Instructions: The Real Deal
The assembly
instructions can be... let's call them "challenging." Several buyers
noted that predrilled holes sometimes don't align perfectly, which can turn
simple steps into head-scratching moments. My advice? Always dry-fit pieces
before committing with screws. You'll thank me later when you're not trying to
undo a misaligned joint. The
manufacturer ships everything in 8 separate cartons, and here's the kicker—they
might not all arrive together. Don't panic if you're missing hardware on day
one. Most buyers report getting their complete shipment within 1-2 days of the
first delivery.
Carport Size and Dimensions: The Width Reality Check
Here's where things
get interesting, and not in a good way. While Garvee advertises this as a
20'x25' carport, the actual usable covered area tells a different story.
Multiple reviews highlight that the real interior width is closer to 16 feet
due to the outrigger design eating into your coverage space. One frustrated customer put it bluntly:
"I
ordered a 20x25' carport only to discover while assembling that the covered
area is actually only 16' wide. The 20' width includes the outriggers which do
zero to actually cover anything but the ground under them."
If you're planning
to fit two full-size pickups side by side, double-check your measurements
first. Some buyers had to get creative with angled parking just to make it
work.
Waterproof Carport Options: The Caulk Reality
Despite being
marketed as waterproof, several buyers discovered they needed to take extra
steps to keep water out. The included waterproof tape helps, but it's not
foolproof. As reviewer trayroa shared
after dealing with leaks:
"New
review, I have reworked it an applied caulk between each seem and that has
helped. Customer service was helpful."
The takeaway? Plan
to add caulk between seams if you want truly waterproof performance. Skip this
step, and you might find mystery puddles after storms.
Customer Service Support: The Silver Lining
Here's where Garvee
really shines. Multiple reviewers mentioned missing parts or damaged panels,
but the company's customer service consistently stepped up. They're quick to
send replacement parts, often throwing in extras, and they actually read
reviews and reach out proactively to resolve issues. One customer even upgraded from a 3-star to
5-star review purely based on how well the support team handled their missing
door panel situation.
Real-World Garvee
Carport Reviews: When Customer Service Saves the Day (and Your Nerves)
Look, when you're dropping nearly $1,700 on a carport, you
want to know what you're really getting into. The Garvee carport reviews tell a pretty compelling story—not perfect,
but surprisingly reassuring when things go sideways.
With a solid 4.1 out
of 5 stars from 55+ verified reviews, the overall sentiment leans positive.
But here's what caught my attention: it's not just about the product itself.
The real game-changer seems to be how Garvee handles problems when they
inevitably pop up.
When Things Go Wrong (And They Sometimes Do)
Let's be honest—missing parts happen. Scratched panels show
up. Sizing confusion occurs. One reviewer, Mo, originally slammed the product with
2 stars after receiving only one door panel instead of two. Fair enough, right?
But then something interesting happened. Without even being
asked, Garvee's team reached out after reading the review and sent the missing
door plus 16 extra bungee balls at no cost. Mo's response says it all:
"Garvee
customer service is EXCELLENT!!! They read my review and comments and sent me
the second missing door and 16 more bungee balls at no cost."
That review jumped from 2 stars to 5 stars. That's not just customer service support—that's the
kind of proactive help that turns frustrated buyers into loyal customers.
The Pattern of Proactive Problem-Solving
This isn't an isolated incident. John A. had a missing roof
panel and noted similar responsiveness: "Customer service contacted me,
and problem was resolved. These folks are top notch!!!" Another buyer,
Josh G., described getting missing items plus extras after contacting support
directly.
Even when dealing with more complex issues like roof leaks,
the customer feedback suggests
Garvee stays engaged. One reviewer worked with their team multiple times to
resolve water seepage problems, appreciating the ongoing assistance.
The Reality Check: What Still Needs Work
Now, excellent customer service doesn't fix everything. Some
buyers still struggle with misleading dimensions—particularly the interior
width being narrower than expected. One customer couldn't fit two full-size
pickups as planned because the actual covered area was significantly smaller
than advertised.
Assembly instructions also get mixed reviews. While some
find it straightforward, others describe the process as "excessively
difficult" with poor quality control making things worse.
Warranty
Coverage and Getting Help
The warranty coverage
runs a standard one year, which aligns with industry norms. But based on the
reviews, your best bet is reaching out directly to Garvee rather than waiting
on automated portals. Multiple buyers recommend this approach for faster
resolutions.
The takeaway? Research shows that good customer service can
tip the scales on an otherwise frustrating experience. While you should
definitely double-check specifications before ordering, knowing that Garvee's
support team has your back provides valuable peace of mind for such a
significant purchase.
Is It Worth the Money? (Pros, Cons, 'Would I Buy It Again?')
At $1,699.99, this heavy
duty carport sits right in the sweet spot for permanent vehicle protection.
After digging through real customer experiences and testing feedback, here's my
honest take on whether you should pull the trigger.
The Good Stuff That Actually Matters
This thing is sturdy as promised. The 2-inch steel poles and
reinforced frame design aren't marketing fluff—they deliver genuine durability
for extreme weather conditions. At 13 feet tall, you can actually fit
full-sized pickup trucks, bass boats, and even compact tractors without playing
Tetris. That's rare in this price range.
But here's what really impressed me: the customer support.
"Great
product with exceptional customer support. Was missing items, contacted them
directly, and they sent what was needed plus extras. Great company." –
Josh G
Multiple reviewers
echo this sentiment. When parts arrive damaged or missing (which happens with
big shipments), Garvee actually fixes it without the usual runaround.
Plus, this portable
garage shelter doubles as workshop space. One reviewer mentioned using
theirs for "tinkering sessions"—smart thinking if you need covered
outdoor workspace beyond just parking.
The Reality Check You Need
Assembly is no joke. We're talking 6-8 hours with three people,
and the instructions could use some serious work. One customer called the
process "excessively difficult" due to poor quality control and
unclear directions. The roof panels arrive scratched and feel flimsy during
installation, which is concerning for a permanent structure.
Here's the kicker that trips up buyers: the actual covered
space is narrower than advertised. The 20x25 dimensions include outriggers that
don't actually cover anything useful. Research shows that actual usable space are main reasons for customer frustration with
this model.
My Bottom Line
Would I buy it again? If you're looking for a solid fortress
for vehicles and don't mind investing sweat equity, absolutely. This carport
stands out for permanent, weatherproof
vehicle protection in this price range. The build quality and customer
service backup make it feel like a long-term solution, not a temporary fix.
But if you want instant setup or need every advertised inch
of space, shop around. Compare internal dimensions carefully—some competitors
offer wider actual coverage for similar money.
For most folks willing to tackle a weekend project with
friends, this hits the right balance of durability, size, and price. Just go in
knowing it's a commitment, not a quick fix.
TL;DR: In short:
Garvee’s 20'x25'x13' Metal Carport is a heavyweight, all-weather shelter that
shines for sturdiness and customer service—though assembly might test your
patience and the sizing can surprise. Worth it if durability tops your wish
list.
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