Having an RV allows you to travel all across the country to new spaces and have everything you need in tow. While many people love to have the flexibility and convenience of having an RV, fifth wheel, or motorhome, storage costs are steadily increasing. For that reason, many people wonder if they can park an RV in their driveways?
Yes, you absolutely can park your RV in your driveway in most areas. It is important to know the HOA rules in your subdivision, as many require prior approval to parking and some only allow your RV, fifth wheel, or motorhome to be parked for a certain length of time.
RVing is such a unique endeavor, and knowing where you can park your trailer safely and legally is crucial to the longevity of your rig. Parking your trailer in your driveway provides convenience and flexibility all year round.
Can You Park an RV in Your Driveway
While many areas allow you to park your RV in your driveway, taking the extra steps to double-check the rules in your area is crucial. Certain states and subdivisions have varying rules and regulations.
Before jumping the gun and parking your RV in your driveway, there are multiple things to consider.
HOA Regulations
If your home is in a subdivision with an HOA, it is vital to check in to see the rules. For example, some HOAs do not care if you have an RV parked in your driveway, while others are very strict and either don’t allow it or put a time restriction on how long you can have it parked.
Some HOAs will allow you to park your RV, trailer, or motorhome in your driveway, but you must send in a picture of your rig. Simply put, many HOAs focus on appearance, and if your trailer is not visually appealing or you want to store it for an extended amount of time, they may deny your request.
State Regulations
There can also be rules and regulations that your state or city has against parking your RV on your property. However, many places may allow you to park your trailer in your driveway if you live in a more rural area or away from the city limits.
No matter where you live, it is essential to check in with your specific state to understand any rules you should be aware of.
Landlord Rules
Another aspect you need to consider is whether you rent or own your home. If you rent your home, your landlord will likely decide whether or not they want a trailer on their property.
Neighbors
Finally, being considerate of your neighbors is an absolute must. Nowadays, taking the time to be thoughtful and kind will minimize arguments later. If you decide to simply move your trailer home, you may be dealing with disgruntled neighbors.
An RV in your driveway is a reasonably large eyesore to neighbors around you, so consulting with them first is a kind and genuine move on your part.
If you are only parking your trailer on your property for a certain amount of time, taking the time to make your neighbors aware will help ease conflict later.
While many areas allow you to park an RV in your driveway, taking the time to research will save you headaches later. For example, some areas allow trailers such as motorhomes attached to a motorized vehicle to be parked but have rules against trailers and fifth wheels. Meanwhile, other cities allow small campers but have restrictions against campers over a specific size.
Why Should You Park an RV on Your Property
There are several benefits of parking your trailer on your property.
Peace of Mind
When you have your RV parked at another storage facility, you can’t honestly know if it is safe and in good shape. In addition, camping for certain seasons out of the year leaves your trailer parked in another area out of your sight for months at a time.
One issue your trailer may run into if you have it parked at another storage facility is vandalism and theft. Many storage complexes have video cameras, but that doesn’t mean your trailer can’t be the target of theft throughout the year.
While you can also go and check on your trailer, having it right out your backdoor gives you peace of mind. You will no longer have to worry about your trailer having issues when you can quickly check by walking outside.
Save Money
Another benefit of parking your trailer on your property or in your driveway is to save money. In many areas, the prices for RV storage are not cheap. If you have a covered area at your home, you can save a lot of money compared to renting a covered storage facility.
Often, RV storage can range from $200 to-500 dollars a month. Parking your RV on your property will easily save you money you can use on your next camping trip!
What to Consider Before Parking your RV in Your Driveway
So you have checked in with local regulations, and you have the go-ahead to move your trailer into your driveway. While you may have the approval, there are some factors you need to consider before moving your trailer home.
- Height
- Length
- Slope
The length of your trailer and driveway is essential. If you have a large RV or a short driveway, you may not be able to park your RV successfully. In addition, in many areas all over the country, your trailer cannot extend past your driveway or onto the public sidewalk.
Measuring your trailer ahead of time and comparing it to the length of your driveway will save you the headache of having to move your trailer multiple times.
When it comes to the height of your trailer, there are a few aspects to think about.
Not only do you need to think about trees and branches that overhang your driveway, but you also need to think about the path home. For example, many heavily forested subdivisions may have overhanging branches that make it hard to pull your trailer home. Scoping out a route ahead of time can minimize stress and allow you to drive home safely.
The width of your trailer is essential to think about beforehand. If you have a smaller driveway or you need driveway space to park your car, it may limit the odds of being able to fit your RV.
Smaller driveways that are close to their adjacent neighbor may also need to consult with their
neighbor beforehand. The last thing you want is to go through the trouble of getting your trailer home, only to have your neighbor complain to the HOA about you.
Lastly, the slope of your driveway is crucial. The slope is significant because you can severely damage your RV if it is not taken into account. If you have a heavily sloped driveway, you can likely park your RV easily, but backing out can cause damage to your trailer. A highly sloped driveway may cause damage to your bumper or axels and should be considered beforehand.
Conclusion
Overall, most areas will allow you to park your RV in your driveway without any issues. However, so many HOAs vary their rules for the size, length of stay, and appearance of your trailer that you should always double-check.
The ability to park your trailer in your driveway has many benefits, including saving money while also giving you peace of mind. Whether you are a weekend camper or RV for most of the year, taking the time to research the rules in your area can potentially save you tons of money.
