Forum Discussion

hanish's avatar
hanish
Explorer
Nov 02, 2020

Temporary "driveway" over grass?

Hi all. We live in an HOA that requires us to have our camper van hidden from view and not in our main driveway if we want to park it at our house for longer than 24 hours. We have space on one side of our garage where we can add a fenced in area to park it, but the problem is that the existing driveway does not lead to that are so it requires either (1) driving over grass to get there, (2) pouring a concrete driveway leading to it, or (3) using gravel or something as a driveway. None of these are really desirable to us. #1 would ruin the grass, #2 is too expensive just for the occasional drive in/drive out, and #3 would look ugly near a regularly poured driveway.

I was brainstorming and thinking if there was just some temporary structure I could drag out and lay on the grass when I pull in or out and then drag it back after driving over it then that would work. Sort of like a temporary 5 minute driveway just to protect the grass. Is there anything like that?
  • I'm sure the neighbors and the HOA Board are really going to like your new deal.
    They have covenants like that for a reason and you are just heading for a fight with the HOA.
  • IDman wrote:
    I'm sure the neighbors and the HOA Board are really going to like your new deal.
    They have covenants like that for a reason and you are just heading for a fight with the HOA.


    I've never read an HOA that limits HOW you get your RV to an inconspicuous spot, and believe me, I've read PLENTY of them!

    I'd drive it across the grass (unless for some reason you feel you will sink deeply in). After all, how frequently are you going to be taking it in and out?? If it were daily I'd configure something permanent, but for the occasional use I suspect it will see, my vote is for over the grass.
  • I've seen 15" x 15" cement pavers with holes in them that are set flush with the ground. The holes are partially filled with dirt and seeded with grass and are barely noticeable when the grass comes in. They seem to be designed to take the weight of a vehicle, but I don't know how well they would work if your camper has dual rear wheels.

    karl
  • joelc's avatar
    joelc
    Explorer III
    You want a barrier between your RV and the ground. Having it parked on gravel or grass will allow moisture to rise onto the underbelly and wheel structure causing eventual problems. I did see a suggestion of plywood which would probably work. You could also use a tarp or go the expensive way and put in a RV pad of concrete, like I have.
  • I don’t get why you don’t just drive over the grass to get where you’re going. Unless you are going to do it every day (not really “temporary”) you aren’t going to hurt the grass. In 24 hours it’ll be unnoticeable.

    Dave