Garage Door Height For Camper and Benefits

Have you ever tried to fit a big toy into a small box and realized it doesn’t fit? The same thing can happen with campers and garages! A camper is like a big, cozy house on wheels that people use for adventures and trips. When the adventure is over, campers need a safe spot to park, just like cars.

But there’s one problem: not every metal garage door is tall enough for a camper to fit through. If the door is too short, the camper could hit the top of the frame, get scratched, or even stuck. Nobody wants that, right?

So, why does the height of a garage door matter so much? Here’s why:

• Safety for Your Camper: A garage protects your camper from bad weather, like rain, snow, or even too much sun. But it only works if the camper can fit inside.
• Preventing Damage: If the door is too small, you might accidentally bump or scrape your camper, which can be costly to fix.
• Convenience: Having a garage with the right size door means you can park your camper easily without worrying about squeezing it through.

How Big Are Regular Garage Doors?

Most garage doors are made to fit regular cars and trucks, but they’re not all the same size. Here are some common sizes you’ll find:

• Single Garage Door: This is usually about 7 to 8 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. It’s perfect for one car.
• Double Garage Door: Bigger families might use this door, which is about 7 to 8 feet tall and 16 to 18 feet wide. This can fit two cars side by side.
• But here’s the problem: these sizes are often too small for big campers or RVs. Campers are taller than most cars, so they might not fit through regular garage doors.

If you’re thinking about parking a camper in your garage, you’ll probably need a taller door to make sure it fits easily.

Camper Dimensions Overview

Campers come in different shapes and sizes, just like cars, trucks, or even your favorite toys. Here’s a simple way to think about the types of campers and how big they are:

1. Class A Motorhomes

• These are the giants of the camper world.
• Imagine a big bus that people live in. That’s how big they are!
• Height: Around 12 to 14 feet tall.

2. Class B Motorhomes

• These are like super-sized vans.
• They’re smaller than Class A campers but still great for adventures.
• Height: About 8 to 10 feet tall.

3. Class C Motorhomes

• Think of these as a mix between a big truck and a house.
• They have a small part above the front where some people sleep.
• Height: Usually 10 to 12 feet tall.

4. Travel Trailers

• These are like cozy little houses on wheels.
• They get pulled by a car or truck.
• Height: About 8 to 12 feet tall.

5. Fifth Wheels

• These are the tallest campers that hook onto a special part of a truck.
• They look like two-story houses on the move!
• Height: Around 12 to 13 feet tall.

Recommended Garage Door Heights for Different Campers

Campers come in different sizes, just like cars, bikes, and buses. To keep your camper safe in a garage, the door needs to be tall and wide enough. Here’s an easy guide to help you figure it out:

1. Small Campers or Van Campers (Class B Motorhomes)

• These campers are like big vans, so they don’t need a super tall garage door.
• Recommended Height: 10 feet.

2. Medium-Sized Campers (Class C Motorhomes)

• These are bigger than vans and look like small trucks with a cozy home on top.
• Recommended Height: 12 feet.

3. Big Campers (Class A Motorhomes)

• These are like buses and are the biggest type of campers. They need a lot of space!
• Recommended Height: 14 feet.

4. Travel Trailers

• These are pulled by trucks and come in many sizes, but they usually need more height than small campers.
• Recommended Height: 12 to 14 feet.

5. Fifth-Wheel Campers

• These are large trailers that attach to a special part of a truck called a hitch. They need a tall garage door because of their size.
• Recommended Height: 14 feet or more.

Why Do Heights Matter?

If your garage door isn’t tall enough, the camper might not fit, and you could damage the roof or door. Always check the height of your camper, including any extras like air conditioners or satellite dishes on top, before building or buying a garage.

Customizing Your Garage for Camper Storage

Sometimes, your garage might not be big enough to fit your camper, but don’t worry! You can make your garage work for your camper by customizing it. Here’s how:

• Measure Your Camper
  • First, measure how tall, wide, and long your camper is.
  • This will help you know how much space you need in your garage.

• Choose the Right Garage Door Size
  • Make sure the door is big enough for your camper to fit through.
  • Some campers are tall or wide, so you might need a bigger door.

• Increase Ceiling Height
  • If your camper is tall, make sure your garage has a high ceiling.
  • A higher ceiling will help you avoid hitting the top of your camper.

• Clear Extra Space Around the Camper
  • You’ll need extra space on the sides of your camper to move around easily.
  • Think about adding a little extra space when designing your garage.

• Consider Special Features
  • Some campers have things on top, like air conditioners or antennas.
  • Make sure there is enough space above your camper to fit these features.

• Check Your Driveway
  • You also need to make sure your driveway has enough room to park the camper before you put it in the garage.
  • If your driveway is too short, you may need to extend it.

• Think About Easy Access
  • Make sure you can easily get in and out of your camper while it’s in the garage.
  • It should be simple to open the doors or windows without any problems.

Types of Garage Doors Suitable for Campers

1. Sectional Doors

• These doors are made up of several sections that slide up and down.
• They are great because they open straight up without needing extra space in front of the garage.
• Easy to install and can fit different sizes of campers.

2. Roll-up Doors

• Roll-up doors roll up into a small space at the top of the garage.
• They save a lot of space because they don’t take up room inside or outside the garage.
• Good for tight spaces and large campers.

3. Tilt-up Doors

• Tilt-up doors are a single large piece that tilts upward when opened.
• These doors need more space in front of the garage to fully open.
• They are simple but might not be the best for large campers.

4. Sliding Doors

• Sliding doors slide to the side, just like a big window.
• They work well for garages with limited headspace.
• They are less common but can be good for smaller campers.

These types of garage doors help fit different sizes of campers, depending on the space you have and how often you use your camper. Each type has its own advantages, so it’s important to pick the right one for your garage.

Safety and Accessibility Considerations

When storing your camper in a garage, it’s important to think about safety and making sure you can easily get in and out. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Enough Space Around Your Camper: Make sure there’s enough room for the camper to fit comfortably. This will help you avoid hitting the walls or doors when moving in and out.
• Safe Height Clearance: The garage door should be tall enough for your camper to fit without scraping the roof. Measure your camper’s height before choosing a garage door.
• Clear Path to Drive In and Out: Make sure the driveway is clear of obstacles like rocks, toys, or cars. This will help you park your camper without any problems.
• No Sharp Edges: Check that the garage walls, door frames, and ceiling don’t have any sharp edges that could damage your camper.
• Easy to Open and Close the Garage Door: Ensure that the garage door is easy to open and close. It should not be too heavy or hard to move, especially if you have to do it quickly.
• Lighting for Safety: Make sure there’s good lighting around the garage so you can see what you’re doing, especially if you’re parking at night.
• Room for Movement: Leave extra space inside the garage for you to walk around the camper and check things like the tires and windows.

Benefits of Garage Door Height for Your Camper

Drawbacks of Garage Door Height for Camper

FAQs about Garage Door Height for Camper

Conclusion

When you’re looking to store your camper in a garage, it’s really important to make sure the garage door is tall enough to fit it properly. If the door is too short, your camper could get stuck, or you might damage it when trying to park.

Each type of camper, like a motorhome or a travel trailer, has different sizes, so make sure you know how big your camper is before deciding on a garage door. Sometimes, you might need a custom-sized door to make sure everything fits.

Always think about the extra space for things like antennas or air conditioners on top of your camper. That way, your camper stays safe, and you won’t have any problems when you try to park it.