Buying a Car Shelter: What Should You Compare?

Two shelters look similar in the photos. Which one is worth buying? The right choice fits your driveway, gives you room to move and comes with a clear list of inclusions before you order. To compare two offers, start with the same dimensions, then look at the frame, cover and services you need.

At iNTEMPERY, we help you choose based on your driveway, vehicle and how you will use the shelter. Here is what we would look at with you.

Start with the space you need every day

Getting the car inside is one thing. Opening the door, carrying groceries and buckling in a child is another. Park in the intended location and walk around with the doors open. You will see where space is tight.

The 11 × 20 single is a common choice among our customers. For two vehicles side by side, 18 × 20 and 20 × 20 are common starting points. If you park them one behind the other, look at 32 ft lengths instead. Still, take your measurements: different vehicles and driveways use space differently.

Check the clear height your vehicle passes through. The height at the roof peak does not tell you whether your SUV will clear the entrance. Remember roof bars, a cargo box and liftgate clearance.

Two cars? Look at your driveway length too

A double shelter often comes to mind when you want to cover two cars. But if your driveway is long and narrow, a 32 ft single shelter may be a good option: an 11 × 32 can accommodate two cars parked one behind the other. You use the length of your driveway to add a covered space.

The same idea applies to a double shelter. A 20 × 20 accommodates two cars side by side; a 20 × 32 can accommodate four, in two rows of two. Moving up to 32 ft can therefore double capacity, provided your vehicles fit.

Before choosing 32 ft, measure the combined length of your vehicles and allow room between them and at both ends. Think about your routine too: with cars parked in tandem, the front car needs moving to let the one behind out. That matters if you leave at different times.

Tell us your driveway dimensions and which vehicles you want covered. We can help you decide whether more width, more length or both would work best.

Compare shelters with the same dimensions

If one offer looks much cheaper, check the selected length. A starting price may refer to a small size. To compare an 11 × 20, select that configuration on both sides and check the included height.

Some dimensions on a product page may also be available by request. Confirm the exact configuration being ordered so you are comparing equivalent sizes.

The frame: look at the specifications

Words like “strong” and “sturdy” are not enough for a comparison. Look for steel type, tube dimensions and shape, metal gauge and arch spacing.

For example, our 11′ SINGLE uses 1¼ in. round tubes, while the 12′ SINGLE uses mini-oval tubes listed at 1¾ in. Both use galvanized steel. Those are concrete details you can compare side by side.

If a specific snow or wind rating matters to your decision, ask for documentation for that model. Tube dimensions alone do not establish the load capacity of the whole shelter.

The cover: think about doors and windows too

Compare the material, listed weight and UV treatment. Our 11′, 12′ and single-slope models use an 8 oz woven polyethylene cover, stabilized against UV. Then look at the details you will use every day: access, doors and windows.

The single-slope has four windows, two at the front and two at the back. It can be installed either way around, depending on which side you want the roof to slope toward. That is useful beside a neighbour’s parking space: you can choose where snow will slide, allowing enough room on your own property.

See the 12′ SINGLE and single-slope pages to find the configuration that suits your driveway.

Ask what is included, then compare the total

A price is more useful when you know what it covers. Our 11′, 12′ and single-slope pages list the shelter, cover, screws and paving protectors. To complete your project, look separately at anchors, delivery and services.

Paving protectors and anchors have different purposes. Protectors in the box do not mean an anchoring solution is included. Show us your surface and any existing anchors so we can look at what is needed.

Decide how much of the work you want us to handle

Enjoy doing the assembly yourself? Buy your shelter and prepare using the manufacturer’s instructions. Prefer to keep your time for something else? Add our single shelter installation or double shelter installation.

To plan for spring as well, see our SINGLE installation and dismantling package and DOUBLE package. The right choice depends on what you want to do yourself.

What about the warranty?

Our product pages list three years for the cover and ten years for the metal frame, subject to the applicable warranty conditions. Compare the covered parts, exclusions and claim process. The duration alone does not tell the whole story.

Before ordering, confirm these four things

• Your vehicle fits, with room for doors and walking around.
• The selected dimensions are the ones you intend to buy.
• You know which anchors, accessories and services are included in your total.
• Your planned location and dates meet municipal or borough requirements.

Sources and references

Information checked October 11, 2026.

• iNTEMPERY 11′ SINGLE, 12′ SINGLE and single-slope pages: dimensions, materials, windows and inclusions.
• Permanent anchors: options with or without installation.
• SINGLE and DOUBLE installation, and SINGLE and DOUBLE packages.
• iNTEMPERY refund and warranty policy.