I want to build a rv pole barn to store my rv.I was going to have a metal carport type built but have decided against that.I want to have a wooden pole type built.The contractor I have met with said after 14 foot side walls you need to have blueprints and have a inspection done per code.With 5th wheels being 13+ feet I would like a little more room (we are planning to move to a 5th wheel)He suggested going 14 foot side wall and using a sissor truss,for more room in the center.My building can only be 14 feet wide due to space limits.Does anyone have any thought on this? and what would be my clearence with this type of truss?Thanks for the help.

You will be very close to the needed minimum height. The only way to be sure is to view the blueprints. An overhead door will need some room, so ask about other door types. Also, check with the local code people and get that 14' figure in writing, it may not be true.

You need to be taller! If you want to check roof, if you want to do any maintenance on top.We have a standard roll up garage door. You would nedd to have more heightth. Yes, you could try a sliding but may not have enough side room. Best would be a large split bar door.Plan on some electrical?You should check with building authority. I would also say you want it designed and inspected. I beleive you will want to have insurance on it to protect your RV investment.

IMHODo the prints & inspection.16'eve height.12'W X 15'H door.C.B.

Maybe go to the local zoning/code office for your area. I live in the country in central IL and there are no inspections required. Several pole barn vendors around like Morton, Wick Cleary, etc. I just told the sales person what I wanted and that is what i got.

I don’t know much about code, but I’m fairly sure I would want to see the blue print, or at least a detail computer generated drawing of a stick built structure. When I had my carport for my mh and two cars built, the contractor provided one, and handled all gov’t paperwork. (At least he said so).Carport is just tall enough to hold the mh. If I need to get up on the roof, I pull it out from under. I can do a roof wash while under the carport using a ladder, and long handle wash mitt.

RV pole barn question | Good Sam Community

Lynnmor
Explorer
Aug 31, 2019
You will be very close to the needed minimum height. The only way to be sure is to view the blueprints. An overhead door will need some room, so ask about other door types. Also, check with the local code people and get that 14' figure in writing, it may not be true.
enblethen
Nomad
Aug 31, 2019
You need to be taller! If you want to check roof, if you want to do any maintenance on top.
We have a standard roll up garage door. You would nedd to have more heightth. Yes, you could try a sliding but may not have enough side room. Best would be a large split bar door.
Plan on some electrical?
You should check with building authority. I would also say you want it designed and inspected. I beleive you will want to have insurance on it to protect your RV investment.
C_B_
Explorer
Aug 31, 2019
IMHO

Do the prints & inspection.

16'eve height.

12'W X 15'H door.

C.B.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Aug 31, 2019
Maybe go to the local zoning/code office for your area. I live in the country in central IL and there are no inspections required. Several pole barn vendors around like Morton, Wick Cleary, etc. I just told the sales person what I wanted and that is what i got.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Aug 31, 2019
I don’t know much about code, but I’m fairly sure I would want to see the blue print, or at least a detail computer generated drawing of a stick built structure. When I had my carport for my mh and two cars built, the contractor provided one, and handled all gov’t paperwork. (At least he said so).

Carport is just tall enough to hold the mh. If I need to get up on the roof, I pull it out from under. I can do a roof wash while under the carport using a ladder, and long handle wash mitt.
BB_TX
Nomad
Aug 31, 2019
I would want 4' clearance over the roof so I could climb up on top without having to pull it out from under it. Mine is in an RV storage facility and I climb on top several times per year just to check everything or do necessary maintenance (such as patching a hole from an unknown tree limb. :o )

And at least a 12' wide door. 12' only gives 2' clearance on each side. Adequate but still narrow trying to back a long 5th wheel thru it.
JRscooby
Explorer II
Aug 31, 2019
BB_TX wrote:

And at least a 12' wide door. 12' only gives 2' clearance on each side. Adequate but still narrow trying to back a long 5th wheel thru it.

Not sure about that. Backing a trailer out of daylight into a building, it takes a lot of light inside to keep the trailer from vanishing. A wide door gives more room to get angled, hit something you can not see. Side of doorway and side of trailer, can always see...
Johno02
Explorer
Aug 31, 2019
Consider digging out a lowered ramp and pit inside the building, instead of raising the building. You could lower it enough that the floor would be a walkin from ground level.
jkwilson
Explorer II
Aug 31, 2019
A 14’ width is going to be a problem as well. You will lose almost a foot on the inside for poles, so you likely won’t be able to put the slides out. Mine is 16’ wide and I wouldn’t go any narrower unless you absolutely have to. Your rig has the advantage of allowing pretty good access for packing with the slides in, but your next one might not.

Get the engineered drawings done. I have 16’ sidewalls and there really isn’t a lot of room to spare for the door or for working on top. If you ever decide you want a 5th wheel, you will wish you were taller.
Oasisbob
Explorer
Aug 31, 2019
Overpasses are what? 14? That should be ample. Hope your rig is nowhere near that tall.

Forum Discussion

RV pole barn question

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Storing first TT inside pole barn

Flag Pole

Pole and Holders

RV Barn solar pannels

Side Impact /Pole Impact protection