What better feeling than to go on a road trip with your family? As someone who enjoys such experiences, I decided to buy an RV because of the freedom and flexibility it offers for such a trip. But there were various challenges as the RV I bought could not fit in my garage door. I researched some common garage door sizes for RVs and trailers and had to upgrade to a larger door as a solution.
Such issues with the garage doors are more common than you might think. (Commonwealth Garage Doors). So, if you are also thinking of buying a large vehicle, there are a few considerations that you must keep in mind. In this write-up, I will tell you all about them. So, read further to discover more.
Why Does the Size Matter For Large Vehicles?
The size of the RV you’re going to buy matters significantly, especially if you own a large vehicle like an SUV, RV, or truck. Here are a few reasons that will help you understand this point better –
Some RVs, motorhomes, and even SUVs are larger than the standard you might have thought about. This can cause a major issue because how would you park your vehicle in your garage if it does not pass through the opening?
On the contrary, a small door can cause damage to your vehicle when trying to enter or exit the space. No one would want their newly bought car to get damaged like that.
Having the right-sized garage door can make it much easier to maneuver a large vehicle in and out of the place.
DO YOU KNOW? As of 2024, the garage and overhead doors market is worth $7.38 billion, it is expected to reach $9.23 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.8%
Finding the Right Vehicles That is Easy To Park
You must have understood the significance of having the right-sized four-wheeler for your next road trip, but how to find the one that suits you? Well, to assist you with this, I have listed down three considerations that helped me buy the perfect garage door for my RV.
Start Measuring
I started by measuring my RV’s length, breadth, and height. I used a measuring tape for this, once I had all the dimensions I needed, I added some inches in it to allow for extra clearance to avoid potential problems when entering or exiting the garage.
If you are planning to buy another LMV or an RV in the future, it is wise to account for that too when measuring. Choose a door that will not only fit your current vehicles but also accommodate any future upgrades you might have planned.
An additional tip for people who own taller vehicles with roof-mounted features, do not forget to consider components like AC unit and antenna as they can add extra height to your vehicle.
FUN FACT In the 1970s, a standard garage door was often only 7 feet tall and 8 feet wide—too small for modern SUVs and trucks. Today, garage doors are often 8 to 9 feet tall and 16 feet wide, reflecting the rise of larger vehicles.
Choose the Right Garage Door Lift
Choosing the right garage door lift is another factor I paid special attention to. Since I chose a heavy door, it became a necessity for me to find a stronger lift system that would enable the garage door to roll up and down smoothly and without any malfunctions.
I opted for a motorized opener and would advise you to do the same for particularly large or heavy doors. Before making any purchase, ensure that your lift system is strong enough to handle the weight and dimensions of the door you chose.
Go for Newer Technologies
Modern vehicles are coming with unimaginable tech innovations. They do not only focus on making the dashboard and cabin more comfortable but also make the ride safe with minimum rollovers and better stability. For accessibility, new handheld garage door opener and other tech are making things go the right way. Now, with just pushing a button, the garage door opens automatically, saving both my time and effort.
Final Words
After all that I discussed with you in the article, you must have learned about the significance of having the right RV for your next road trip, especially if you have a large vehicle like an RV, SUV, or motorhome. A suitable door can provide you more convenience ad also save your vehicle from any avoidable damages while parking.
Parking is not the only concern. While making the final decision for your choice, also focus on different aspects as well such as safety.
