Updated December 18, 2022
You must take into account a variety of distinct factors when looking for an RV, including as amenities, fuel efficiency, living quarters, sleeping configurations, and more. The dimensions of your rig’s breadth and length are another significant factor. Finding the right-sized spot and being street-legal both depend on knowing your RV’s dimensions. But determining RV width involves more than just glancing at a figure. So let’s get started by learning everything there is to know about RV width.
Table of Contents
What Is the Average Width of an RV?
Most RVs are 96 to 102 inches in width. Other safety gear, such as mirrors, are excluded from this. The maximum height is 8.5′ in certain states and 9′ in others. But the majority of states continue to limit width to 102″. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the width of your specific RV as well as the rules of the routes you’ll be using.
What’s the Maximum Width of an RV?
The maximum width of an RV is 9 feet with mirrors. When you consider that the average car width is a narrow 6’6”, you can see how it can be more difficult driving a 9’ wide RV down a road designed for car travel. Highway roads are about 12’ wide, which doesn’t give a lot of room on either side of a 9’ wide RV. But city streets can be much more narrow. Sometimes inner-city lanes can be as small as 10’ wide. When you add side mirrors into the equation, that doesn’t leave much room for a wide RV.
Do RV Widths Change With RV Type?
Since the Class B, the smallest RV, is only around 7′ wide, you can easily travel to most locations. The Class A, the largest motorhome, can be roughly 9′ wide when the mirrors are included, which might be problematic on some narrow roads. With an 8″ width, Class C RVs fall in the middle. The width of towable RVs also varies. Travel trailers and fifth wheels have a width that ranges from 96″ to 102″ but often average approximately 8’6″.
Why Does Your RV Width Matter?
It becomes clear that RVs are substantially larger and heavier when you realize that the majority of cars are just about 6.5 feet wide. Therefore, it is important to consider your rig’s width for a number of reasons. Let’s dissect them.
State Road Regulations
Almost all states permit automobiles to be 8.5 feet wide, however some only allow vehicles to be eight feet wide. Only Hawaii allows a nine-foot clearance, but because you can’t drive there, that shouldn’t be a big deal. Any RV you rent in Hawaii ought to already be compliant with local laws.
The following states have an 8-foot clearance requirement:
Alabama
Arizona
Illinois
Maryland
Missouri
A new York
Tennessee
Virginia and West Virginia
Delaware likewise limits the width of motorhomes to eight feet, but only 8.5 feet for trailers. Massachusetts permits trailers to be 8.5 feet wide and RVs to be up to nine feet wide.
Also, remember that only side streets are subject to these regulations. Vehicles can be up to 8.5 feet long on highways and freeways according to federal regulation. Therefore, you shouldn’t have to worry about being stopped if you’re passing through a state with a shorter width rule. However, you risk receiving a ticket if you intend to spend the night driving on side streets.
Campsite and RV Park Dimensions
Parking spaces at RV campsites are typically 16 to 20 feet wide. This additional space makes room for slide-outs and awnings and guarantees that you have adequate space to walk about without obstructing other people. The typical width of a parking place is only nine feet while boondocking, though. Therefore, if you have a big rig, you’ll probably be bumping into the lines.
Storing Your RV
Where do you park your RV while you’re not traveling? You need additional space on all sides if you’re storing it in a garage. Therefore, you might have to fit through very narrowly if your garage is only 10 feet wide.
Your garage should ideally be big enough for you to open any awnings or slide-outs as well. In this manner, you can safely and covertly clean and examine these items. While doing this outside is also simple, you must be cautious of the elements such as rain, wind, and debris. We suggest using a garage that is at least 16 feet wide if you want it to be accommodating. 20 feet is a preferable minimum, though, if it’s possible.