Updated August 2026 • Phoenix & Northwest Valley
Choosing an RV garage door is not as simple as finding an opening slightly taller than your motorhome. Vehicle height, roof-mounted equipment, mirrors, door hardware, framing, driveway approach and future RV plans all affect the right opening.
This guide explains how to choose an RV garage door height and width that works in real life — not just on a specification sheet.
Quick answer
What Size Door Does an RV Garage Need?
The right RV garage door should be based on the highest and widest point of the actual vehicle — with additional usable clearance.
A 12-foot-high opening can be too low for some Class A motorhomes. A 14-foot opening may provide more flexibility for many oversized RV applications, while a 16-foot opening can make sense when the building is being designed for very tall vehicles, future flexibility or specialized equipment.
Those numbers are planning categories, not universal rules. The specific vehicle and building design should determine the final opening.
Start with the vehicle
Measure the RV Before Choosing the Garage Door
The correct opening begins with the vehicle that needs to pass through it.
Published manufacturer dimensions are useful, but homeowners should verify their actual RV and installed equipment rather than relying on a general Class A, fifth-wheel or motorhome category.
Highest Point
Identify the highest roof-mounted component, not just the top of the vehicle body.
Widest Point
Consider mirrors and any permanently projecting components rather than body width alone.
Real Configuration
Verify roof AC units, solar equipment, antennas, racks and other accessories that can change the final dimensions.
Manufacturer Example
Current Winnebago Class A models demonstrate why this matters. Winnebago lists Class A motorhomes from under 30 feet to more than 40 feet long. Individual models can be around or above 12 feet in exterior height.
For example, the Forza 38W is listed at 39'11" long, 12' high and 8'5.5" wide.
12-foot openings
Is a 12-Foot RV Garage Door Tall Enough?
Sometimes — but it should never be assumed.
Some RVs are comfortably below 12 feet tall. For example, Winnebago's current Travato camper van is listed at 9'4" exterior height. But many Class A motorhomes are substantially taller. Winnebago Travato specifications
A motorhome that itself measures about 12 feet tall obviously should not be paired with a 12-foot opening. Even a vehicle several inches shorter than the opening may leave less practical clearance than the owner wants.
Why “Technically Fits” Is Not the Same as a Good Design
Driveway slope, pavement elevation, roof equipment, tire pressure, suspension, door seals and measurement tolerances can all affect usable clearance.
The goal should be a comfortable entry, not a garage that works only if everything is perfect.
14-foot openings
Why 14-Foot RV Garage Doors Are Often Considered
A taller opening can provide more flexibility for larger motorhomes and roof-mounted equipment than a conventional garage door.
A 14-foot opening can also provide room for future vehicle changes, but it should still be evaluated against the actual RV rather than selected automatically.
Potential Advantages
- More clearance over taller motorhomes
- Additional room for roof equipment
- Greater future RV flexibility
- Less anxiety entering the garage
Design Consequences
- Taller building wall may be needed
- Header and framing must accommodate the opening
- Door hardware requires space above the opening
- Building height restrictions may become more relevant
16-foot openings
When Does a 16-Foot RV Garage Door Make Sense?
A 16-foot-high door may make sense when the building is being planned for unusually tall equipment, substantial future flexibility, commercial-style use or a combination of RV and equipment storage.
It is not automatically better simply because it is larger. Increasing the opening can affect wall height, structural design, door cost, exterior proportions and potentially zoning or HOA considerations.
- Very tall RV or specialty vehicle
- Future equipment needs
- Commercial or agricultural equipment
- Large workshop access
- Steel-building configuration
- Need for additional vertical flexibility
Oversized Doors Are Available
Commercial sectional door manufacturers offer much larger openings than typical residential garage doors. Overhead Door, for example, publishes sectional steel door models available above 16 feet in height, demonstrating that oversized openings can be engineered when the building calls for them.
Height gets most of the attention
How Wide Should an RV Garage Door Be?
Width matters just as much as height.
A door can provide ample vertical clearance and still be unpleasant to use if the mirrors pass too close to the jambs.
Vehicle Body
Start with the published and actual exterior width of the RV.
Mirrors
Determine whether the mirrors extend beyond the published body width and how they will be positioned while entering.
Driver Comfort
More side clearance can make entering a tall RV garage much easier, especially when approaching at an angle.
For overall building width and circulation planning, read our complete RV garage dimensions guide .
Leave room for real-world use
How Much Clearance Should You Leave Around the RV?
There is no universal number that applies to every RV and building. The appropriate clearance depends on the vehicle, driveway and owner's comfort level.
The key is to avoid designing an opening that only works mathematically.
- Allow margin above roof-mounted equipment.
- Allow side clearance for mirrors.
- Account for a less-than-perfect approach angle.
- Consider pavement slope and transition into the garage.
- Think about future vehicle changes.
- Consider door seals and hardware.
Measure the highest component
Roof Air Conditioners, Solar & Other Equipment
One of the easiest mistakes is designing from the height of the RV body instead of the highest installed component.
Depending on the vehicle, the highest point may be an air-conditioning unit, antenna, satellite component, vent or other roof equipment.
Verify Your Actual Vehicle
Manufacturer specifications sometimes include particular equipment assumptions or measurement notes. Aftermarket accessories can change the actual height.
Measure or verify the specific RV configuration before finalizing the garage opening.
A larger door changes more than the door
RV Garage Door Size Affects the Building Design
| Door Decision | Potential Building Impact |
|---|---|
| Taller Door | Can require taller walls, additional clearance above the opening and different exterior proportions. |
| Wider Door | Can affect header design, framing, structural loads and available wall space. |
| Insulated Door | Can improve the building envelope but changes door weight, hardware and cost. |
| High-Lift Track | Can move door tracks closer to the ceiling and preserve wall or workshop space, subject to the selected door system. |
| Multiple RV Doors | Can significantly affect structure, building width, driveway layout and interior circulation. |
The clear opening is only part of the door system
Door Tracks, Openers & Overhead Clearance
Once the opening height is established, the door system still needs room to operate.
Tracks, springs, operators and structural framing occupy space above and beside the opening. If a vehicle lift, tall storage or workshop equipment will be used inside, door-track configuration can become an important planning issue.
Door Systems Can Be Engineered for Large Openings
Overhead Door publishes commercial sectional steel systems in widths above 30 feet and heights above 20 feet on certain products. That does not mean every product is appropriate for a residential RV garage, but it does show why oversized doors should be treated as engineered building components rather than generic residential doors.
Think beyond today's motorhome
Should You Build the Door Larger Than Your Current RV Needs?
It can be worth considering if you expect to purchase a taller or wider RV in the future.
The door opening is one of the most difficult features to enlarge after construction because it can involve structural framing, exterior finishes, tracks, electrical and the building envelope.
Build for Today
Appropriate when the vehicle is expected to remain long term and additional door size provides little benefit.
Build for Flexibility
May make sense when future Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels, boats, equipment or other tall vehicles are likely.
If you are planning the whole building around future vehicles, see RV Garage Dimensions in Arizona .
A wide door cannot fix a bad approach
Driveway Alignment & Turning Space
The vehicle needs to approach the opening at a usable angle. A narrow driveway, wall, gate, landscaping or short maneuvering area can make the door feel much smaller than its actual dimensions.
- Street width
- Driveway width
- Turning radius
- Wheelbase
- Rear swing
- Trailer articulation
- Gate openings
- Walls and columns
- Utility boxes
- Room to straighten before entering
See our garage site-feasibility and permit guide for more planning considerations.
Steel-building option
Oversized RV Doors in Steel Buildings
Steel building systems can work well for RV garages because the structure can be configured around tall walls, open interior space and large framed openings.
Sticks ’n Steel Construction builds Mueller steel building projects for RV storage, workshops, garages and other custom applications.
The building system, door opening and foundation should be coordinated together rather than selecting the building first and trying to fit the door afterward.
Taller buildings can affect approvals
RV Garage Doors, Building Height & Permits
Increasing the garage-door height usually means considering the overall wall and building height as well.
Zoning, setbacks, height limits, HOA rules, engineering and other requirements can affect the final design.
City of Phoenix Residential Permit Information
Phoenix states that many residential projects require permits and inspections. Detached residential accessory structures over 200 square feet generally fall outside the city's small detached-structure permit exemption. City of Phoenix residential permit information
Door size also affects budget
Does a Taller RV Garage Door Cost More?
It can, because the decision may affect more than the door itself.
Door System
Larger doors, insulated sections, operators and specialty track systems can change the door package.
Structure
Wider and taller openings can affect headers, framing and overall building dimensions.
Building Envelope
Taller walls and larger openings increase wall area and can affect insulation, exterior finishes and HVAC requirements.
For the broader project budget, read How Much Does an RV Garage Cost in Arizona?
Verify the builder
Check Your Arizona Contractor Before You Build
The Arizona Registrar of Contractors recommends checking the contractor's current license record before hiring and verifying that the classification covers the proposed work. Arizona Registrar of Contractors hiring guidance
Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Continue planning the garage
Related RV Garage Resources
RV Garage Door Size FAQs
Is a 12-foot garage door tall enough for an RV?
It depends on the RV. Some smaller motorhomes and camper vans are well below 12 feet tall, while some Class A motorhomes are around or above 12 feet. The opening should be based on the actual vehicle plus appropriate clearance.
Is a 14-foot garage door good for a Class A motorhome?
A 14-foot opening can provide useful additional clearance for many tall motorhomes, but it should not be treated as a universal standard. Verify the actual RV height, roof equipment and planned clearance before selecting the door.
When would I need a 16-foot garage door?
A 16-foot opening may be considered for unusually tall vehicles, specialty equipment, commercial-style use or future flexibility. The larger opening also affects the building design and should be evaluated as part of the complete project.
How wide should an RV garage door be?
The door should be wider than the actual vehicle, with sufficient additional clearance for mirrors, approach angle and comfortable entry. The appropriate width depends on the specific RV and site.
Should I fold the mirrors in every time I park my RV?
That depends on the vehicle and garage design. If the garage is being built specifically for the RV, it may be worth providing enough width for a comfortable approach rather than designing an opening that is unnecessarily tight.
Does the garage need to be taller than the garage door?
Yes. The building needs space above the clear opening for structural framing and the selected door system, including tracks, springs, operators or other hardware.
Can an RV garage door be insulated?
Yes. Insulated oversized sectional doors are available. Insulation can be especially useful when the RV garage is also used as a conditioned workshop.
Can I use a commercial garage door on a residential RV garage?
Depending on the project, commercial-style sectional or specialty door systems may be considered for oversized residential openings. The door system should be coordinated with the building design, intended use and applicable project requirements.
Should I build a bigger door for my next RV?
It may make sense if you reasonably expect to purchase a taller or wider RV. Enlarging the planned opening during design is generally easier than modifying the structural opening after the garage has been completed.
Do I need a permit for an RV garage in Phoenix?
A typical permanent RV garage is much larger than Phoenix's 200-square-foot detached accessory-structure permit exemption, so permitting and zoning review should be expected. Other structural, electrical, plumbing and site requirements may also apply.
Get the opening right before the framing goes up
Planning an RV Garage in Arizona?
Sticks ’n Steel Construction builds custom RV garages throughout Phoenix and the Northwest Valley. We can help plan the garage around your actual vehicle dimensions, desired door opening, driveway approach, storage, workshop requirements and future RV plans.
The goal is not simply to build a door the RV can squeeze through. It is to create a garage that is comfortable to use now and still makes sense years from now.