May 3, 2026
What Size RV Storage Space Do You Need? (2026 Size Guide)
Booking an RV storage spot that's too small is frustrating and potentially damaging — you may not be able to fit your rig, or worse, you might squeeze in and discover too late that you can't open compartment doors or safely unhitch. Booking a spot that's too large costs you money every month for space you don't use.
This guide walks through how to measure your RV correctly, what dimensions matter beyond just length, and the right storage spot size for every major RV type.
How to Measure Your RV for Storage
RV lengths are often listed as “body length” — the length of the coach itself, not the overall length including the hitch or tongue. For storage purposes, you need the overall length. Here's how to measure each type:
Travel Trailers
Measure from the tip of the A-frame coupler (the hitch ball socket at the front) to the rear bumper or any rear-mounted accessory (bike rack, cargo carrier). The tongue typically adds 2–4 feet to the body length. A trailer listed as “28 ft” may have an overall length of 31–33 ft.
Fifth Wheels
Measure from the front of the pin box (the kingpin area) to the rear bumper. Fifth wheels don't have the long A-frame tongue of a travel trailer, but the elevated front section adds height rather than length. A 35-ft fifth wheel is typically close to 35 ft of actual length.
Motorhomes (Class A, B, C)
Measure from the front bumper to the rear bumper, including any rear mounted ladder, spare tire, or cargo. If you're towing a toad (dinghy vehicle) behind your motorhome, you'll need to either unhitch it for storage or find a spot that accommodates the combined length.
Beyond Length: Other Dimensions That Matter
Height
Height matters for covered and indoor storage with overhead structures. Measure to the highest point of your RV, which is often a roof-mounted air conditioner, antenna, or satellite dish. Common height ranges:
- Pop-up campers (collapsed): 4–5 ft
- Travel trailers: 9–13 ft
- Fifth wheels: 11–13.5 ft
- Class B vans: 9–11 ft
- Class C motorhomes: 11–13 ft
- Class A motorhomes: 12–13.5 ft
Always verify the clearance height of any covered or enclosed facility before assuming your rig fits. A Class A with a rooftop satellite dish at 13'2” will not fit under a standard covered structure with 12'6” clearance.
Width
Most RVs are 8–8.5 ft wide (the DOT maximum for travel on public roads). Storage spots are typically 10–12 ft wide, which provides enough room to walk alongside your RV and open compartment doors. If you're planning on doing any maintenance, loading, or unloading at the storage facility, a wider spot (or an end unit with open space on one side) is significantly more convenient.
Turning Radius and Access Roads
This is the dimension most people forget. Getting a 40-foot fifth wheel into a tight storage row requires a wide access road and enough room to make the turn. The minimum turning radius for a long rig is typically 40–50 feet. Before committing to a facility, drive through with your rig (or a similarly sized vehicle) to verify you can actually get into and out of your assigned spot without a 20-point turn.
Storage Spot Size by RV Type
The “Recommended Spot” column includes buffer space for maneuvering and compartment access.
| RV Type | Typical Length | Recommended Spot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop-up / folding camper | 8–15 ft | 20 ft | Often fits in standard self-storage unit |
| Small travel trailer | 15–22 ft | 25 ft | Includes tongue length |
| Mid-size travel trailer | 22–28 ft | 30 ft | Most common size category |
| Large travel trailer | 28–35 ft | 40 ft | Some may require 45 ft |
| Fifth wheel (short) | 24–30 ft | 35 ft | Measure from pin box to rear |
| Fifth wheel (large) | 30–43 ft | 45 ft | May need oversize spot |
| Class B / van conversion | 17–24 ft | 25 ft | Lowest height profile |
| Class C motorhome | 20–33 ft | 35 ft | Check cab-over height |
| Class A (gas) | 24–38 ft | 40 ft | Wider footprint — check lane width |
| Class A (diesel pusher) | 35–45 ft | 50 ft | Largest category, verify height clearance |
Should You Get a Spot Longer Than Your RV?
Yes — always add buffer. Booking a spot exactly the length of your RV creates several practical problems:
- Maneuvering room. Getting a long rig into a tight spot requires being able to overshoot and back in. Without a few feet of buffer at each end, this becomes very difficult.
- Accessories and additions. A bike rack, cargo carrier, or generator box on the rear can add 2–4 feet to your overall length. If you add one mid-season, you don't want to have to renegotiate your storage spot.
- Toad vehicles. If you tow a car or truck behind your motorhome, you'll either need a much longer spot or a separate spot for the toad.
The rule of thumb: book a spot at least 3–5 feet longer than your RV's total length. The price difference between a 35 ft and 40 ft spot is usually $10–$20 per month — well worth the convenience.
What to Ask the Facility Before Booking
- What is the exact spot length and width? (Not “approximately” — get specific measurements)
- What is the overhead clearance at the entry gate and throughout the facility?
- What is the minimum turning radius in the access roads?
- Can I walk through and see the spot before committing?
- Are spots pull-through or back-in? (Pull-through spots are dramatically easier for long rigs)
- What is the weight limit per spot, if any?
Find the Right Size Storage Near You
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