If you don’t want the hassle and costs of storing an RV in a paid facility, consider campers that will fit in a standard garage. Thankfully, there are plenty of low-profile trailers and vans that you can house in a regular garage. And they still come with the comfort features of larger recreational vehicles.
Here are the top options in the market.
First, What is the Average Garage Size?
The standard garage size in the US is 12 to 16 feet wide and 20 to 24 feet long. These dimensions are for a single-car garage. A two-car garage is a common choice for most homes due to the extra storage space it offers. These options typically measure 22 to 26 feet wide by 20 to 24 feet deep.
What is the Height of the Average Garage Door?
The height of your garage door and building is an important factor to consider when choosing an RV that will fit in your existing garage. Generally, the floor-to-ceiling height of a standard garage is 8-9 feet. However, that doesn’t factor in the door height. The average door is 7-8 feet high and 8-10 feet wide. That means your RV needs to be less than 7 feet tall and 10 feet wide to fit through the average garage door.
Do I Need a Custom Garage to House My RV?
If you choose a small, low-profile camper, you don’t need to build a custom RV garage so you can park your RV on your property. These RVs can easily fit in your existing space. However, you’ll need a new garage if you’re going for a longer or taller model, such as a fifth wheel, Class A, Class C, and a high-profile Class B.
At a minimum, the door height will need to be 12 feet and the ceiling height 14 feet. Plus, you’ll need at least 1 inch of space between the highest point of your RV and the rolled-up door. This headroom will offer enough clearance when getting in or out. Also, remember that an RV’s roof ac unit adds between 9 and 13 inches of extra height.
If you’re building a garage, it’s smart to have larger dimensions in case you choose to upgrade to a bigger RV in a few years. The overall length of an RV garage ranges between 30 to 50 feet, and the width is 12 to 16 feet.
Campers That Will Fit in a Standard Garage
Here are nine campers that you can park in a standard garage.
Aliner Expedition
- Dry Weight: 1,850 lbs.
- Dimensions(LxWxH): 18’x7’x5.6’
- Sleep Capacity: Up to 4
- Holding Tanks: 11 gals Fresh and Swivel Cassette Toilet
- MSRP: $32,000
The Aliner Expedition is an expandable trailer that opens up into an A-frame shape when set it up at the campsite. But when in transit or storage, it condenses into a small size that you can park in a standard garage. The Aliner brand is known for creating the first original A-frame, and their campers are quality enough to handle any adventure.
The Expedition nearly doubles the living space once you open it. Inside, it has a water heater, a 2-way fridge with freezer, a 2-burner stove, a microwave, an outside shower, a furnace, and hardwood cabinet doors. You can also add a gray and black tank. Other highlights include 2 skylights with nightshades, corner windows with panoramic views, 2 bag doors, and a stone guard. You’ll definitely have a good night’s rest thanks to the high-density Foam, hypoallergenic mattresses.
Opus 4 Off-Road Camper
- Dry Weight: 3,100 lbs.
- Dimensions(LxWxH): 17’x7’2×5.4’
- Sleep Capacity: Upto 6
- Holding Tanks: 40 gals Fresh
- MSRP: $35,000
Another awesome camper you can house in a car garage is the Opus 4 trailer. This off-road beast is specifically engineered to be towed across the toughest terrain. To effortlessly handle off-beat adventures, it’s fitted with an all-terrain chassis, an independent coil suspension, rugged tires, a rock guard, and an impressive ground clearance of 12.2”.
It folds down when being towed, but once you arrive at the campsite, its AIR Tent Inflation technology will allow you to inflate the tent in 120 seconds. This then creates ample room for the entire crew. Of course, it comes with some exciting appointments like 2 double beds, a shower tent, a slide-out kitchen with a 4-burner stove, fridge, and sink, along with a battery system with 3-4 days of power.
Happier Camper HC1 Studio
- Dry Weight: 1,800 lbs.
- Dimensions(LxWxH): 13’5”x7’x7’9”
- Sleep Capacity: 2
- Holding Tanks: 17 gals Fresh, 17 gals Gray, and dry flush toilet with disposable waste bags.
- MSRP: $40,000
If you have an 8 to 9-foot garage door, consider the Happier Camper HC1 Studio. It’s a versatile small RV trailer that you can park in your garage. It has a retro design, and it’s made of 100% fiberglass. What makes it stand out from its peers is the fact that you can easily reconfigure the modular interior.
You can rearrange its 42 square feet of living spaces into sleeping quarters, a dining area, or a lounge in just a matter of minutes. Even with the adaptive design, this camper is still boasts the comforts you would expect in a larger rig. It’s equipped with a full galley to keep you well-fed. Further, it has a private bathroom with a heated shower and toilet, which gives you self-reliance during your escapades.
TrailManor 2518KB
- Dry Weight: 2,600 lbs.
- Dimensions(LxWxH): 18’x7’11”x6.83’
- Sleep Capacity: 6
- Holding Tanks: 20 gals Fresh, 30 gals Gray, and cassette toilet
- MSRP: $39,000
TrailManor 2518KB is hands down one of the best pop-up campers that fit in a garage. It’s a hard-sided expandable trailer that you can set up in under 2 minutes. In addition, it’s light enough to be towed by a minivan, crossover, or SUV. At the rear, you’ll find a king-size bed. Another full-size bed is also available in the back.
The camper has enough space to sleep six people when you factor in the convertible 48″ x 78″ dinette. Fixing healthy meals for your family will be a breeze thanks to the two-burner stove and 3 cubic foot refrigerator. Owners also love the dry bath that’s equipped with a shower and cassette toilet. Remarkably, its pop-up design allows you to open up the trailer while it’s raining without getting anything wet.
Encore ROG 12RK
- Dry Weight: 2,007 lbs.
- Dimensions(LxWxH): 15’x7’11”x6’10”
- Sleep Capacity: 2
- Holding Tanks: 43 gals Fresh
- MSRP: $35,000
The Encore ROG 12RK is another of the top small travel trailers that can be accommodated in your garage storage. It’s essentially an adventure camper that allows you to go to remote spots other RVs simply can’t access. Despite its compact design, it’s big on features. It carries a queen mattress, 2-burner cooktop, microwave oven, 3.3 cu. ft. fridge, sink, 16k BTU furnace, and an outside kitchen for cooking in the great outdoors.
On construction, it boasts a fiberglass exterior skin and a rust-free aluminum frame structure. Further, it’s entirely wood-free, eliminating any risk of water damage. It has a torsion axle suspension that absorbs the bumps when you venture off-road and offers impressive ground clearance. It also comes with a roof rack with a mounting system to transport bicycles, kayaks, or canoes. Plus, it’s strong enough to set up a rooftop tent. The manufacturer stands behind their product with a 2-year bumper-to-hitch warranty and a 5-year structural warranty.
Safari Condo Alto R1723
- Dry Weight: 1,858 lbs.
- Dimensions(LxWxH): 17′4″ x7′x6′11”
- Sleep Capacity: Up to 4
- Holding Tanks: 60 gals Fresh, 60 gals Gray, and 46 gals Black
- MSRP: $42,000
If you fancy the design of teardrop trailers, you’ll find the Safari Condo Alto R1723 to be the perfect addition to your adventure plans. It’s a featherweight trailer boasting an all-aluminum skin and seamless electric retractable roof that opens up to create extra interior height at the campground. The camper has plenty of windows throughout, giving it a spacious and open vibe.
It’s packed with the comforts of a home, including a king-size bed, convertible five-seat dinette, flush toilet, and a shower. The kitchen has a refrigerator and a 2-burner stove. Other cool features include powerful electric brakes, a 2-year warranty, optional flexible solar panels, and cabinets made of aluminum and composite materials.
Ford Transit Connect Mini-T Camper Van
- GVWR: 5,500 lbs.
- Dimensions(LxWxH): 15.8’x6’x6.6’
- Sleep Capacity: 2
- Holding Tanks: Not available
- MSRP: $51,000
If you prefer a motorhome that can fit in a standard garage, consider the Mini-T Campervan. This micro camper van is versatile enough to be your recreational vehicle and daily driver. It has generous room for a pair, is easy to drive, easy to park in a tight space, and is extremely fuel efficient compared to the typical Class B campervan. Its camping features include a 72 x 43 slide-out bed, portable cook stove, microwave, sink, and a 24-quart highly efficient compressor refrigerator.
The Mini-T conversion van is also equipped with dual AGM house batteries, a 100-watt solar cell, a digital controller, a 120V power outlet with built-in USB ports, and a roof ventilation fan. Expect safety features like pre-collision assist, lane keeping system, blind spot information system, tire pressure monitoring system, reverse sensing system, and airbags.
Mercedes-Benz Metris Getaway Van
- GVWR: 6,393 lbs.
- Dimensions(LxWxH): 16.85’x6.3’x6.3’
- Sleep Capacity: 4
- Holding Tanks: Not available
- MSRP: Varies
The Metris Getaway is another garageable van that revolutionizes the camping scene. It’s a product of Mercedes’s partnership with Peace Vans. While they are no longer being manufactured, you might be able to find a used one at a good price.
This pint-size motorhome is outfitted with the latest safety, reliability, and convenience features. Its stand-out feature is the pop-top roof with an integrated spring system that elevates when you’re camping.
Up to 4 people can comfortably sleep inside as it has a 2″ mattress, as well as a rear bench/bed. It seats up to 5 people when traveling. To serve meals, it has 180° swiveling front seats, and an integrated table. A secondary battery will give you extra power when camping in the wild. Those who want to upgrade will have excellent options, like a rear pull-out kitchen, solar panels, roof racks, an 8-foot awning, and mosquito screens.
Univan RT CL
- Dry Weight: 4,376 lbs.
- Dimensions(LxWxH): 16.9’x6.5’x6.9’
- Sleep Capacity: 2 to 4
- Holding Tanks: No
- MSRP: $55,000
At just 6.9 feet tall, the Univan RT CL is a relatively new camper van that fits in a 7-foot garage door. It’s essentially a Korean Kia Carnival Minivan that’s converted into a versatile and accommodating camper. It features a roof tent made with reinforced thermosetting plastic, which is durable and weather-resistant. The roof tent has a carrying capacity of over 500 lbs, perfect for two adults.
Further, it has a mosquito net, a huge window for ventilation, and plenty of room for extra storage. Setup time is less than 30 seconds. You can also opt for the portable kitchen package, plus a bed that sleeps another 2. Other highlights include 6.8 inches of ground clearance, 3,500 lbs towing capacity, seating space for up to 8, and advanced driver assist features. It’s a great option for those who want an RV that seamlessly transitions to an everyday driver.
Campers That Will Fit in a Standard Garage FAQS
Here are frequently asked questions about RVs that fit in a regular garage:
Can a Truck Camper Fit in a Standard Garage?
Most truck campers won’t fit in a standard-sized garage unless you dismount the camper from the truck. However, there are a few low-profile pop-up truck campers that can fit through a 7-foot door. Of course, it also depends on the height of your truck.
Will a Pop-up Camper Fit in My Garage?
Yes, some smaller tent camper trailers will fit in a standard garage under 7 ft. Some good examples are Forest River Rockwood Explore, Coachmen Clipper Sport, SylvanSport Go, and Turtleback Getaway Trail.
Storing an RV at Your Home Garage is Possible
If you’re looking for the smallest camper that fits in a garage, any of the above compact trailers and vans will meet your expectations. Whether you need an off-road beast, an ultra-lightweight towable, a stylish retro camper, or a camper van that doubles as a daily driver, there is something for you on the list.
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About the author:
Cynthia Measom is the founder and main content creator of RV Top Tips. Not just a writer, she’s a dedicated RV owner and enthusiast, alongside her husband, Joe, who is an experienced RV tech. With their joint knowledge, the two are up on the latest trends and technologies in the RV industry, as well as practical camping and lifestyle tips.
The couple own a 2020 Coachmen Chaparral fifth-wheel that they absolutely love. Their secret to being so satisfied? They purchased the model after a solid year of researching different fifth-wheel campers in person and online to find the perfect fit for their family of three.