Nearly everyone already knows what the average size of a residential garage door is. If it is a single door, the width will be around 8 or 9 ft. with a height of 7 or 8 ft. In the case of a double garage door, the height is the same, but the width can range from 14, 16, or 18 ft. If you’re going to purchase a new sports utility vehicle (SUV) or a recreational vehicle (RV), you may wonder if this is enough space. The width of an SUV is pretty standard, so the most important consideration is the height. In many cases, an 8 ft. high door won’t quite cut it.
In this blog, we’ll be looking at what your options are based on how large your vehicle is. You should keep these things in mind no matter what. However, if you are choosing to build a new garage whether attached or detached, or believe you will be purchasing a new SUV or RV to fit into your current garage, it’s even more crucial.
Starting with the majestic SUVs
There are many sizes that SUVs can come in so first let’s break down the range. You can expect the height to be anywhere from 5.5 ft. (1.674 m) to 6.1 ft. (1.845 m). This might make you believe that even a 7 ft. door would be more than enough, but there are other concerns to bear in mind. Are you planning to add a luggage carrier to the roof of your SUV? If you are, you should add at least 6 in. (15 cm) or so to the height. This makes an 8 ft. (2.4 m) door the better option.
You should also think about the length of your SUV, as well. If you have an existing garage, this might not matter as much. However, you should always measure to be sure your new vehicle will fit. The average SUV will have a length of between 15.4 ft (4.7 m) and 16.9 ft. (5.1 m). On top of length, width still plays a small part, especially when you consider having the door open. The last thing you want is for a passenger to bump the door into things when getting in or out or your vehicle. Sometimes you can just rearrange the items in your garage to get enough room for width.
Now let’s move on to the larger RVs
The RVs that you can find on the market can measure up to 9 ½ ft. (2.9 m) high. As with the SUV, there is more to consider. You may want to add solar panels, an air conditioning unit, or a satellite dish to your roof. You’ll want to be aware of height restrictions, too. Some roads can have a lower limit of 13 ½ ft., which means you want to stay below that number by a decent amount. However, there are even lower restrictions when you consider fast foot drive‑throughs, old covered bridges, and other structures that require low clearance.
While on the subject of vehicles with a more substantial height, there are often 12 ft. (3.6 m) garage doors available. As far as the width, anywhere from 10 to 12 ft. (3 to 3.6 m) should do the job. Also, you should keep in mind that most RV garages are detached and away from the house, commonly spotted in the backyard.
In addition to the RVs in this category, we can add fifth‑wheel trailers that are commonly hauled behind large pickup trucks. Height won’t be an issue here, but again consider roof add‑ons you might use. The length can be a bit trickier, as these trailers can range from 22 ft. (12.2 m) all the way up to 40 ft. (12.2 m).
Understanding how a garage door is measured
Before you take off to purchase an SUV or RV, make sure that you take measurements of the length and width of the garage you plan to use to house it. This is a pretty simple process that anyone can carry out. Take a measuring tape and measure from the interior of one door jamb to the other. The height is done in the exact same way. This gives you the size of the garage door.
For those who plan to build a new garage, the most important thing to think about is the headroom or clearance above the head of your door. Basically, this is the distance from the floor to the first thing that gets in the way. This might be a tank, duct, truss, or other item. You should always consider these elements in your measurements.
Do you have additional inquiries?
If so, all you need to do is contact us at 860-668-7991 before building a new garage or buying an RV or SUV. We understand garage doors and can help you make the best possible decisions. We can also ensure your needs are met while keeping to your specific budget. We can also provide you with a quotation by email.
Another option is to visit us at our showroom. From home, you can also use our Design Centre to choose the garage door style that best suits you. For inspiration, take a look at our image gallery for numerous beautiful examples.
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