RV’s are getting bigger and American homes are getting smaller, so should you (and can you) park your RV in your driveway?
Permission to park your RV in your driveway will depend upon State regulations and local Homeowners’ Association (HOA) rules. Depending on the length of the RV, you may be able to park it permanently or for between 24-72 hours, but you should also consider telling your neighbors first.
Let’s dive down into the subject of parking your RV in your driveway in more detail, and discover what exactly you can and can’t do depending on the size of your vehicle and property – and your geographical location…
Why Would I Want To Park My RV in My Driveway?
Parking an RV in your driveway has a myriad of different benefits. First, you’ll have easy access to your RV at all times, should you want to go camping. It also helps to keep your RV within sight at all times. As a result, it will be safer from theft or other types of everyday issues.
For instance, just look out your window, and you can see your RV is OK. Compare this to storing it in a shed on your property. While you can lock a shed easily, you may not see people sneak out back to damage it. This problem causes many people to keep their RV in their driveway.
Some people also keep their RV in their driveway because they do not have other storage options. Parking in the driveway prevents you from buying a storage shed or renting a vehicle storage facility. In this way, you save money on your RV use.
Is it Legal To Park My RV in The Driveway?
Some cities allow people to park their RV in their driveway. Others will restrict this action or may ban it. The reasoning behind this legality varies. Often, many cities find that large vehicles produce an unsightly look that makes their neighborhood unappealing.
As a result, they may limit the size of the vehicle you can park in your driveway. For example, some cities may not allow you to park a car longer than 25 feet in your driveway permanently. However, they may enable temporary parking of no more than 24-72 hours, depending on the city.
By contrast, many cities allow owners to park their RV in a garage on their property, as long as it is in the backyard and hidden. This step helps to keep homes appealing and minimizes neighbor complaints. Talk to your city government officials to learn more about your options.
Will My RV Actually Fit in My Driveway?
Your RV may fit in your driveway depending on its length. A typical city driveway is often 15-20 feet long or so. Depending on the size of your RV, it may easily fit on the driveway. Know that you cannot block sidewalks with your vehicle, so do not count them as part of your driveway.
When uncertain, you need to measure the length of your driveway, and your RV. Use a tape measure from the edge of your home or garage and measure to within six inches of your sidewalk. Use this measurement when gauging whether you can fit your RV on your driveway.
If you feel uncomfortable measuring the length of your RV, check out this YouTube video to learn more. It will provide you with a step-by-step guide for measuring your RV. Then, talk to your dealer if you still feel uncertain. Doing so will help to give you the best chance of success.
Will Parking My RV in My Driveway Annoy The Neighbors?
Some neighbors may be okay with your RV in your driveway. These individuals may be naturally laid back or simply easygoing. Or they may like the look of your RV or simply mind their own business. However, it would be best if you still asked these neighbors before parking your RV in your driveway.
That said, many other neighbors may find your RV an eyesore. They could resent its appearance and complain to you or legal authorities. As long as you’re within your legal parking rights, there’s not much that they can do about it, however.
The logical prevention steps include talking to your neighbors about your RV and why you’re parking it in your driveway. They may still not approve, but at least you tried. Then, ask yourself if parking your RV in your driveway is worth the complaints you may get from neighbors.
Can My HOA Stop Me Parking My RV in The Driveway?
Your HOA can demand many things from you as a resident. For example, some may hold the power to ask you to move your RV from your driveway. However, an HOA cannot ask you to do anything illegal or do anything within strict legal guidelines.
For example, if it is legal to park your RV in your driveway, your HOA could lack control over it. This factor all depends on your HOA contract and what you’ve agreed that they can control. In some cases, they may lack the explicit ability to control what you park in your driveway.
Therefore, you must talk to your local government about the power of your HOA. Some cities take a hands-off approach to their HOAs and may side with them. Others side with their residents instead or follow the strict letter of the law.
How Long Can I Park My RV in My Driveway?
Parking length will depend on what your city government allows. For instance, some may allow permanent or semi-permanent RV parking in your driveway. Usually, this situation occurs if your RV is short enough to fit your driveway and does not go over its parking length.
That said, a very long RV may only be allowed temporary parking. As mentioned in a previous section, some cities may limit driveway parking to 24-72 hours. In this situation, you will get a ticket if your RV is beyond their length guidelines and is parked for too long.
As always, it is best to err on the side of caution in this situation. Talk to your local government officials and read the laws on the books to understand more. Doing so will help to prevent a lengthy legal fight that you’re likely to lose.
Can I Store My RV On My Property Long-Term?
Most cities allow homeowners to store their vehicles on their property long-term. So even if you cannot park your RV in your driveway for longer than 72 hours, most cities will allow you to park your RV somewhere on your property.
For example, you may build a storage shed on your property to place your RV if your city does not allow driveway parking. Talk to your city officials about this process, including the building inspector, to figure out what steps you must take here.
If your city does not allow you to store your RV long-term, seek a vehicle storage facility near you. These facilities often provide rental options for RV storage. And they may also allow you to buy a permanent parking spot, depending on their choices.
Should I Keep My RV Plugged in When it’s Parked in The Driveway?
RV batteries are prone to overcharging if left plugged in too long. This problem occurs due to the type of battery used in an RV. These batteries typically need electrolytes to run correctly. Therefore, running a charge through the battery helps to increase their charge.
However, a battery possesses a natural top end past which you cannot charge it. And if you continue to charge the battery, the electrolytes within may become too active. Unfortunately, this typically results in the battery losing electrolytes and maximum charge capability.
Some RV batteries may be compatible with a trickle charger. These chargers provide a safe stream of electricity that keeps a battery healthy without overcharging. Read your RV manual and talk to your dealer about your battery type to ensure you can use this option.
What Should I Park My RV Tires On? (Is Gravel OK?)
RV tires are pretty strong and should last well against many types of surfaces. That said, you must park them where their risk of damage is minimized. You’re likely to park your RV for months at a time without moving it. Therefore, a solid concrete or pavement surface is best for it.
And you should avoid gravel surfaces whenever possible. While gravel won’t immediately puncture your RV tires, long-term storage on this surface may wear them down more quickly. And sharp rocks could wear away treads or even cause damage that may lead to a puncture.
Put on a wheel cover to protect your RV tires on gravel for long-term storage. Some people may not have a choice but to store their RV on a gravel surface. Protecting them in this way helps to decrease the risk of long-term wear and tear damage.
Should You Store Your RV With The Slides in or Out?
Most people do not park their RV long-term with their slides out. The slides may end up getting damaged in stormy weather if left open or could sag with time. It is best to store them when you’re not using your RV to minimize this damage risk.
Furthermore, some cities may not allow the slides out when parked. These restrictions vary on the seriousness of the rules and guidelines set up for this purpose. And some HOA groups may be okay with your RV in a driveway but balk at the use of the slides.
Generally, it is best to keep your slides in if you aren’t sure. However, you may keep them out if you use your RV in your driveway, such as if friends or family stay during a visit or if temporarily camping in your driveway for fun with your children.
Summary: Can I Park An RV on The Road in Front of My House?
While many cities allow long-term driveway RV parking, few will enable it on the road. This is because the government owns roads (unless you’re on a private road), meaning they typically do not want them blocked in any way by large vehicles like an RV.
That doesn’t mean you can’t temporarily park your RV there. For example, you can park your RV on the road to load it, hook it to another vehicle, or pick up other people. However, most cities will not allow overnight RV parking on the streets.
