Updated August 2026 • Phoenix & Northwest Valley
The right RV garage is not based on one universal dimension. It should be designed around your actual motorhome, fifth wheel, trailer or recreational vehicle — plus enough clearance to enter, park, walk around it, maintain it and accommodate what you may own next.
This guide explains how to think about RV garage height, door size, width, depth, turning space and future needs before construction begins.
Quick answer
How Big Should an RV Garage Be?
Your RV garage should be larger than the published dimensions of the vehicle.
Start with the actual exterior height, width and length of the RV. Then account for roof-mounted equipment, mirrors, awnings, slide-outs, doors, hitches and enough space to comfortably move around the vehicle.
The garage door also needs additional clearance rather than matching the RV's height and width exactly.
If you expect to purchase a larger RV in the future, plan for that vehicle now. Increasing the building or door size during design is generally easier than trying to enlarge a completed garage later.
Step one
Start With the Actual RV — Not a Generic Garage Size
Before deciding how large the garage should be, identify the vehicle the building needs to accommodate.
Manufacturer specifications are a useful starting point, but verify the dimensions of your specific model and equipment. Roof-mounted air conditioners, antennas, satellite equipment, solar components and other accessories may affect total height.
Measure Height
Determine the highest point of the RV, including roof-mounted equipment.
Measure Width
Account for the body, mirrors and other projections. Consider how much room you want around the vehicle once parked.
Measure Length
Include the entire vehicle and relevant hitch or rear-mounted equipment rather than relying only on a model name.
Real Manufacturer Example
RV dimensions vary considerably even within the same general vehicle class. Current Winnebago specifications provide a useful example: Class A models can exceed 12 feet in exterior height and approach 40 feet in exterior length.
Always use the specifications for the actual RV being stored.
Vertical clearance
How Tall Should an RV Garage Be?
Garage height is not the same thing as garage-door height. The building itself must have enough vertical space for the door opening, door tracks and hardware, structural framing, lighting, mechanical equipment and the RV.
This is particularly important with Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels because roof-mounted equipment can make the vehicle taller than expected.
- Actual RV exterior height
- Roof-mounted air conditioners
- Satellite or antenna equipment
- Solar panels or related hardware
- Required clearance above the RV
- Garage-door opening
- Door tracks and opener
- Structural framing above the opening
- Ceiling lights and equipment
- Potential future vehicle height
Do Not Design the Door to the Exact RV Height
A vehicle that technically fits through an opening with almost no clearance can still be impractical to park and leaves little margin for changes in equipment, pavement elevation or a future RV.
One of the most important dimensions
How Big Should an RV Garage Door Be?
The garage door needs to provide comfortable clearance around the RV rather than simply being larger than the vehicle on paper.
Both height and width matter. A tall enough opening can still be frustrating if mirrors pass too close to the jambs. Likewise, a wide door does not solve inadequate overhead clearance.
Door Height
Start with the highest point of the vehicle and provide an appropriate margin above it. Door tracks, header design and building structure must then be coordinated around the opening.
Door Width
Consider vehicle body width, mirrors and how precisely the RV can realistically be centered while entering the building. More comfortable clearance can make regular use much easier.
Think beyond the vehicle
How Wide Should an RV Garage Be?
The garage width should account for what you want to do after the RV is parked.
If the garage is only slightly wider than the vehicle, you may have difficulty opening compartments, accessing utilities, working on the RV or installing storage along the walls.
Vehicle Clearance
Leave enough room to comfortably walk along the sides of the parked vehicle.
RV Access
Consider compartment doors, entry doors, awnings and slide-outs if they will ever be operated while the RV is inside.
Storage & Work Area
Cabinets, shelves, tools, workbenches and equipment all require additional width beyond the vehicle clearance.
Length matters just as much
How Deep Should an RV Garage Be?
Garage depth should be based on the full vehicle length plus the usable space you want at the front and rear.
A garage that is only marginally longer than the RV may technically store it, but it can make maintenance, storage and movement around the vehicle difficult.
- Full RV length
- Rear ladder or accessories
- Hitch or towing equipment
- Space to walk behind the RV
- Space in front of the vehicle
- Workbenches or cabinets
- Mechanical or utility equipment
- Future RV length
Model Names Can Be Misleading
Do not assume the number in an RV model name equals its exact exterior length. Verify the manufacturer's published specifications for the specific model and then confirm the actual vehicle.
Motorhome planning
Garage Dimensions for a Class A Motorhome
Class A motorhomes illustrate why generic garage dimensions can be misleading.
For example, published Winnebago specifications show current Class A models around 12 feet in exterior height, while vehicle length can range from around 30 feet to nearly 40 feet depending on the model.
| Example RV | Published Length | Published Height | Published Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winnebago Vista 29V | 30' | 12'1" | 8'5.5" |
| Winnebago Forza 34T | 35'6" | 12' | 8'5.5" |
| Winnebago Forza 36H | 37'9" | 12' | 8'5.5" |
| Winnebago Forza 38W | 39'11" | 12' | 8'5.5" |
Manufacturer examples are provided to demonstrate why actual RV specifications matter. Specifications can change by model year and equipment. Verify your specific vehicle before designing a garage.
Source: Winnebago Class A Motorhomes .
Towable RVs require a different approach
What About Fifth Wheels & Travel Trailers?
Fifth wheels and travel trailers need the same careful dimensional planning, but access can be even more important because the tow vehicle and trailer articulate separately.
The garage may need to accommodate the RV itself while the driveway and approach need enough room for the combined vehicle to line up with the door.
Building Considerations
- Trailer body length
- Hitch or pin configuration
- Roof equipment
- Slide-outs
- Front cap
- Rear accessories
Access Considerations
- Tow vehicle length
- Trailer articulation
- Turning radius
- Street width
- Gate clearance
- Room to straighten before the door
Usable space vs. storage space
How Much Clearance Should You Leave Around an RV?
There is no universal clearance that works for every project. The appropriate amount depends on how the garage will be used.
A storage-only building may need less working room than a garage where the owner plans to maintain the RV, open compartments, operate slides or use the building as a workshop.
Walking Space
You should be able to comfortably move around the parked vehicle without squeezing between the RV and the wall.
Maintenance Space
More clearance may be useful if routine maintenance, detailing or repair will happen inside the building.
Storage Space
Cabinets, shelving, tires, tools and recreational equipment need dedicated space rather than consuming the vehicle aisle.
The dimension people forget
The RV Has to Reach the Garage Door
A perfectly sized RV garage can still be frustrating or unusable if the vehicle cannot make the approach.
The building location, door orientation and driveway should be evaluated together.
- Street width
- Direction of approach
- Driveway width
- Driveway slope
- Turning radius
- Vehicle wheelbase
- Trailer articulation
- Rear swing
- Walls and columns
- Gate openings
- Landscaping
- Utility equipment
- Room to straighten before entering the garage
This is one reason site feasibility should be evaluated before finalizing the building footprint. Read our complete custom garage site feasibility, permit, setback and HOA guide .
Design beyond today's vehicle
Should You Build for a Larger Future RV?
In many cases, it is worth discussing.
An owner may currently have a smaller motorhome but expect to move into a longer Class A, taller fifth wheel or different recreational vehicle later.
The garage does not necessarily need to be oversized dramatically, but future vehicle possibilities should be part of the initial planning conversation.
The Door Is Particularly Important
Increasing a planned opening before construction is very different from modifying the structural opening of a completed building. Think about future vehicle height and width before finalizing the door.
More than RV storage
Combining an RV Garage With a Workshop
Many Arizona owners want the building to serve multiple purposes. An RV bay can be combined with automotive workspace, fabrication space, woodworking, general storage or a dedicated hobby area.
If that is the goal, the building should be designed around both functions from the beginning.
Workbenches
Permanent benches and cabinets require usable wall depth and circulation space.
Vehicle Lifts
Lift equipment can affect ceiling clearance, foundation planning, electrical service and interior layout.
HVAC
If the shop will be used regularly during Arizona summers, insulation, air sealing and climate control should be planned with the building.
Explore our custom workshop and garage construction services.
Building system
Steel Buildings for RV Garages
Steel building systems can work well for tall, open RV and workshop spaces because the building can be configured around the intended dimensions, openings and use.
Sticks ’n Steel Construction builds Mueller steel building projects for garages, RV storage, workshops and other applications.
Manufacturer Planning Resource
Mueller provides custom building systems and planning resources for owners considering steel garages and other structures. Building dimensions, doors, windows and accessories can be coordinated around the specific project.
The property still determines what can be built
Garage Dimensions Must Also Work With Zoning & Permits
Designing the ideal RV garage interior does not automatically mean the building will fit on the property.
Setbacks, lot coverage, building height, easements, drainage, utilities, fire separation, HOA restrictions and other requirements can affect the allowable footprint and placement.
Phoenix Permit Requirement
The City of Phoenix identifies new detached residential structures larger than 200 square feet as permit-required work. Garage construction is also specifically identified by the city as work requiring construction permits.
Homeowners outside Phoenix should check the city or county with jurisdiction over the property rather than applying Phoenix rules throughout the Valley.
Size affects budget
How RV Garage Dimensions Affect Construction Cost
Increasing garage dimensions affects more than the amount of floor space.
More Width
Adds foundation, concrete, roofing, wall area and potentially structural requirements.
More Depth
Increases the building footprint, slab, roof, walls, electrical runs and finish area.
More Height
Can affect wall systems, structural design, oversized doors, access equipment and interior systems.
For a complete breakdown, read How Much Does an RV Garage Cost in Arizona?
Verify before construction
Check Your Arizona Contractor
Arizona homeowners can independently check contractor licensing through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors before hiring.
Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Use the state's contractor search to review the current license record and verify that the contractor's classification is appropriate for the proposed work.
Continue planning your project
Related RV Garage Resources
RV Garage Dimensions FAQs
What is a good size for an RV garage?
A good RV garage size depends on the actual vehicle and how the space will be used. The garage should provide more room than the RV's exterior dimensions so there is appropriate door clearance, walking space and room for storage or maintenance.
How tall should an RV garage door be?
The door should be designed from the actual height of the RV, including roof-mounted air conditioners and other equipment, with appropriate additional clearance. Do not assume a particular door height will work without verifying the specific vehicle.
Is a 12-foot-tall door enough for a Class A motorhome?
Not necessarily. Current Class A motorhomes can themselves be approximately 12 feet or taller, so an opening at the same height may provide inadequate or no clearance. Verify the actual vehicle before choosing the door.
How deep should a Class A RV garage be?
Start with the full exterior length of the motorhome and add usable space at the front and rear. Some Class A motorhomes approach 40 feet in length, so the correct garage depth depends heavily on the specific vehicle.
How wide should an RV garage be?
The garage should be wide enough for the RV plus comfortable circulation around it. Additional width may be needed for mirrors, compartments, slide-outs, cabinets, workbenches or maintenance.
Should I make my RV garage bigger than my current RV requires?
It can make sense if you reasonably expect to own a larger RV in the future or want additional workshop and storage space. Future requirements are generally easier to incorporate during design than after construction.
Can I put a workshop in an RV garage?
Yes. If the building will also function as a workshop, allow space for benches, cabinets, equipment and safe circulation. Electrical, lighting, insulation and HVAC needs should also be considered during design.
Are steel buildings good for RV garages?
Steel building systems can be well suited to tall, open garage and workshop spaces. The structure still needs to be designed for the property, vehicle, openings, foundation and intended use.
Does an RV garage require a permit in Phoenix?
A typical permanent RV garage will exceed Phoenix's 200-square-foot threshold for new detached residential structures requiring a permit. Other zoning, structural, electrical, plumbing and site requirements may also apply depending on the project.
Measure the RV. Evaluate the property. Then design the building.
Planning a Custom RV Garage in Arizona?
Sticks ’n Steel Construction builds custom RV garages for homeowners throughout Phoenix and the Northwest Valley. We can help evaluate the vehicle, desired garage dimensions, property, driveway approach, utilities, workshop requirements and building type before construction begins.
Whether you're storing a Class A motorhome, fifth wheel, trailer, boat or multiple recreational vehicles, the goal is to build a garage that works for more than simply getting the vehicle through the door.