Our family is convinced that our 21 foot (24 foot with rear slide out extended) travel trailer will fit in their driveway. We are getting a few more measurements, but at the moment it looks like we might only have 20 inches total clearance for the width, perhaps up to 32 inches total. We will be backing in from a large street but not with a driveway directly across. We were thinking we would be better off staying at an RV park due to concerns of not fitting, especially with the potential difficulties in maneuvering. Thoughts?

It is very doable, but that depends on your skill level and confidence. I can't help think about the scene from the Long Long Trailer where Desi is trying to back the trailer into relative's driveway with everyone yelling different directions, and he takes out the side porch on the house.

We always choose a nearby RV park. Full Hookups so we can use air conditioner and our washer/dryerGives us a place to get away on our ownWe can sleep in and show up when we chooseDoesn't cause hosts any inconvenience by having driveway blockedThat being said you will have enough room to park but may not be able to get by the RV depending on obstacles. Just take your time when backing in and make sure only one trusted RVer is helping you back up. Suggest that everyone else go back inside the house and relax, because this may take awhile. Or be honest and tell them that crowds make you nervous and will cause the parking operation to take longer.

After becoming familiar with your rig I would expect you can back it in there without much trouble. You've got almost a foot on each side.

One has to look at the whole situation.Does the family want you there as a matter of their own pride, convenience or just to be host? As to the measured clearance, that is totally a question of how well you can place your RV and what room it really needs. I have been in places that I needed to pull out the city water hose and power cord, tie them to the side of the coach and then park. We were so close to the house that the cord and hose connections could not be accessed after we were parked. But, we had a great time and their kids came and went steadily. Matt

I store my TT next to the S&B home but city restrictions require 3 foot clearance on the house side for fire gap and access around in case of emergencies. Backing it into the space should not be a problem once you get used to the situation but other matters may be more important.

How much clearance do you recommend when parking?

2012Coleman
Explorer II
Nov 06, 2013
Hmmmm - not so sure about that bush in the back. I'd still use a line level. Lumber can be warped. I wouldn't be concerned about the slope. Doesn't look much worse than mine - but you will have fun with your WDH, hooking more than unhooking. I'm also guessing no extending slide outs too. The kids might have a better time at a CG.
RVM5
Explorer
Nov 06, 2013
2012Coleman wrote:
I'm assuming the driveway is slanting away from the house, but 8 inches over 9 feet? Put a string on the low side and get a line level. Strech it across to level and get the measurement at the place where the tires would be. I can't believe it's 8 inches. Also, tour TT's door(s) would be opening on the house side - enough room? Get your family to snap some pictures - would help. And be sure to post some pictures of your TT parked in that space.

It is slanting away from the house. The house is on a hill. They took a piece of lumber and put it on the low side, used a level to determine the amount of height needed to level on the other side. At lowest it was 5 inches and highest 8 inches, but we're trying to prepare for the worst case. I expect it will be closer to 5 inches. The door will open over the yard near the bush.

Here is a picture.
2112
Explorer II
Nov 05, 2013
crickeydog wrote:
Been there and done that...once. That was enough. Go to an RV CG. Trust me on this one. You'll be glad you did.

Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)
X2
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Nov 05, 2013
RVM5 wrote:
And the latest update is that although we were originally told the driveway is level, it isn't level. In actually measuring it, it is actually at a 4-5 degree angle. That means we will be needing to have one side of the camper up 6-8 inches with a wheel base of ~7.5 feet. I'm not sure we're up for that. We have leveled going up about 3-4 inches before, but that height seems like a lot. We'd need to figure out how to cut and set up lumber to get it up that high.

Hmmm? I wish it was simpler. Would you just angle the edge of the lumber and make sure you have enough for that height? What angle would you cut the edge of the lumber? Or would you give up and go to an RV park?
I'm assuming the driveway is slanting away from the house, but 8 inches over 9 feet? Put a string on the low side and get a line level. Strech it across to level and get the measurement at the place where the tires would be. I can't believe it's 8 inches. Also, tour TT's door(s) would be opening on the house side - enough room? Get your family to snap some pictures - would help. And be sure to post some pictures of your TT parked in that space.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Nov 05, 2013
Go to an RV park. We have found that although family and friends are generous with their thoughts of letting you park in their driveway, they really don't have a clue on size and requirements. We once were offered a driveway that had a very low power line over it. No way would we fit under it.
RVM5
Explorer
Nov 04, 2013
And the latest update is that although we were originally told the driveway is level, it isn't level. In actually measuring it, it is actually at a 4-5 degree angle. That means we will be needing to have one side of the camper up 6-8 inches with a wheel base of ~7.5 feet. I'm not sure we're up for that. We have leveled going up about 3-4 inches before, but that height seems like a lot. We'd need to figure out how to cut and set up lumber to get it up that high.

Hmmm? I wish it was simpler. Would you just angle the edge of the lumber and make sure you have enough for that height? What angle would you cut the edge of the lumber? Or would you give up and go to an RV park?
pitch
Explorer II
Nov 03, 2013
From your diagram I see the tongue is right at the edge of the sidewalk. Just make sure it doesn't protrude at all into the public space.
DutchStar38
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
Here is where I park.
wbwood
Explorer
Nov 03, 2013
RVM5 wrote:
We've discussed that they'll need to chat with the neighbors about it. From looking at the laws there, the only restriction is that you can't park in the same place on the street for >72 hours.

No neighborhood covenants restricting an RV/camper in the driveway? Especially ones that are being lived in?
RVM5
Explorer
Nov 02, 2013
The driveway is very level. The furnace won't be running much as the weather will be cool but mild. I think we'll have enough clearance from the house for the furnace, but we'll be mindful of it. The door will be over the yard of our family's house. We've discussed that they'll need to chat with the neighbors about it. From looking at the laws there, the only restriction is that you can't park in the same place on the street for >72 hours. Thanks for all of the thoughts and recommendations.

Thanks everyone.