The typical motorhome width can vary, but most standard motorhomes are 8.5 feet (102 inches) wide on the outside. This is the legal limit in most places without special permits, but there are variations depending on the RV class.
When you’re dreaming of hitting the open road in a motorhome, a crucial factor to consider is its width. It’s not just about fitting into a campsite; motorhome width affects maneuverability, storage, and even which roads you can travel on. This guide will break down everything you need to know about RV width, from the legal limits to the specific dimensions of different motorhome types.
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Deciphering Motorhome Width: The Basics
The exterior width of a motorhome is a key specification that dictates many aspects of your RV experience. This measurement is primarily governed by road regulations. Understanding these limits is essential for safe and legal travel.
Legal Width Limits: Staying on the Right Side of the Law
The maximum motorhome width allowed on most public roads in North America, without a special permit, is 8.5 feet (102 inches). This measurement is crucial because exceeding it can lead to significant fines and safety hazards. This limit applies to the widest point of the vehicle, including any attached accessories or awnings.
- Why the Limit? This standard width is designed to allow two large vehicles to pass each other safely on most highways and roads. It ensures that essential services like emergency vehicles can navigate effectively.
- Beyond the Limit: If a motorhome or any recreational vehicle (RV) exceeds 8.5 feet in width, it’s considered an oversized load. This requires special permits, pilot cars for escort, and often restricts travel to daylight hours and specific routes.
Interior Width: Living Space Considerations
While the exterior width is about legal travel, the interior width is what you experience as living space. Manufacturers aim to maximize this within the legal exterior constraints.
- Slide-Outs: Many modern motorhomes feature slide-out sections. These extend the living area when parked, significantly increasing the interior width at the campsite. However, when retracted for travel, they don’t add to the overall exterior width.
- Design Impact: The internal layout and the placement of furniture, appliances, and bathroom facilities are all influenced by the available interior width.
RV Width by Class: A Detailed Look
Motorhomes are categorized into different classes, and each class has typical width ranges. Knowing these differences will help you choose the right RV for your needs.
Class A Motorhome Dimensions: The Big Rigs
Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious, often resembling a bus in their construction. Their size naturally leads to wider dimensions.
- Typical Exterior Width: Most Class A motorhome dimensions for exterior width hover around the legal limit of 8.5 feet (102 inches). This is the standard for most manufacturers to ensure road legality.
- Interior Feel: Despite the 8.5-foot exterior limit, the interior of a Class A can feel quite spacious due to efficient design and the absence of a large engine cover protruding into the living area, unlike some other classes.
- Slide-Out Impact: Class A motorhomes are most likely to feature multiple slide-outs, which can dramatically expand the interior living space when stationary, making them feel much wider than their road-traveling width.
Class C Motorhome Width: The Family Favorite
Class C motorhomes are built on a truck or van chassis and are easily recognizable by their distinctive over-cab sleeping or storage area.
- Typical Exterior Width: The Class C motorhome width generally aligns with the standard 8.5 feet (102 inches). This makes them convenient for navigating regular roads and fitting into most campsites.
- Maneuverability: Their slightly shorter length and more conventional truck-like driving position can make them feel more manageable than Class A models, even with the same legal width.
- Interior Space: While the exterior width is similar to a Class A, the interior might feel a bit cozier, especially around the cab area. However, well-designed Class Cs can still offer comfortable living spaces.
Class B Motorhome Width: The Van Converters
Class B motorhomes are the smallest and most agile, essentially custom-built van conversions.
- Typical Exterior Width: The Class B motorhome width is often narrower than the 8.5-foot limit, frequently falling between 7 to 8 feet. This is partly due to their van chassis origins and the desire for enhanced maneuverability.
- Driving Experience: Their compact size and often narrower profile make them feel more like driving a large SUV or van, making them ideal for city driving, accessing national parks with tighter roads, and navigating less conventional campsites.
- Interior Design: The interior is more compact, often featuring a more efficient, multi-functional layout to maximize the use of space. The width directly impacts the ease of movement within the living area.
Class B+ and C+ Motorhomes: Bridging the Gap
These are variations that offer slightly more space than a traditional Class B but are built on a cutaway van chassis, similar to a Class C but without the prominent over-cab section.
- Width: Their width typically sits between Class B and Class C, often around the 8 to 8.5 feet mark. They aim for a balance of maneuverability and comfortable living space.
Related RV Widths: Beyond the Motorhome
It’s important to note that other types of RVs also have width considerations, especially if you plan to tow or are considering alternatives.
Travel Trailer Width: Towing Considerations
Travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers all have their own width specifications.
- Standard Travel Trailer Width: Like motorhomes, most travel trailer width measurements are also limited to 8.5 feet (102 inches) for legal road travel without special permits. This ensures they can be safely towed on public roads.
- Towing Width: When towing any type of trailer, its width combined with the width of the tow vehicle becomes a factor in maneuverability and clearance. You need to be mindful of the overall width of your towing setup.
- Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels can sometimes have unique design elements that might push their width closer to the limit, especially with slide-outs.
Camper Width: Smaller Rigs
This can refer to truck campers, pop-up campers, or teardrop trailers.
- Truck Campers: These are designed to sit in the bed of a pickup truck. Their width is usually dictated by the truck bed and cab, typically staying within or close to the 8-foot mark for practical reasons.
- Pop-Up Campers: These are generally the narrowest RVs, as their main structure is folded down for travel. When set up, their fabric walls offer less defined width, but the base structure usually stays within reasonable limits.
Factors Influencing Motorhome Width
Several factors contribute to the overall width of a motorhome.
Chassis Design: The Foundation of Width
The type of chassis used for a motorhome significantly influences its potential width.
- Heavy-Duty Truck Chassis: Used for Class A and some Class C motorhomes, these chassis are designed to handle substantial weight and can accommodate a wider body.
- Van Chassis: Used for Class B and some Class C models, van chassis inherently have a more defined, often narrower, profile.
Body Construction: Maximizing Interior Space
Manufacturers design the RV body to maximize interior living space while adhering to exterior width regulations.
- Materials: Lightweight yet strong materials allow for broader body construction.
- Aerodynamics: While not directly impacting width, aerodynamic considerations can influence the overall shape.
Slide-Outs: Expanding Living Areas
As mentioned, slide-outs are a major feature that affects the perceived interior width.
- When Extended: Slide-outs can add an extra 2-3 feet (or more) to the interior width, transforming a compact space into a much more open environment.
- Travel Mode: It’s crucial to remember that these must be retracted for travel, bringing the motorhome back to its legal motorhome width limits.
Navigating with a Wider Motorhome
Dealing with a wider RV requires extra care and planning.
Parking and Campsites: Finding Your Spot
- Campsite Dimensions: Always check campsite dimensions before booking. Many standard sites can accommodate an 8.5-foot wide RV, but some older or more rustic campgrounds might have tighter spots.
- Pull-Through vs. Back-In: Pull-through sites are generally easier for wider RVs, as they eliminate the need for challenging back-in maneuvers.
- Parking Lots: Be aware of your width when parking in regular parking lots. Many are not designed for vehicles exceeding standard car or truck sizes.
Driving and Maneuvering: Staying Aware
- Road Clearance: Always be mindful of your vehicle’s width when passing other vehicles, trees, or roadside obstacles.
- Fuel Stations: Many gas stations, especially older ones, have narrow pump islands. Plan your fuel stops accordingly, looking for stations with wider access.
- Tight Turns: Wider motorhomes require a larger turning radius. Anticipate turns and plan your route to avoid U-turns on narrow streets.
Accessing Specific Locations
- National and State Parks: Some parks have roads with strict width restrictions due to narrow passages, bridges, or tunnels. Always research park regulations before your trip.
- Downtown Areas: Navigating busy, historic, or densely packed urban areas can be challenging with a wide RV.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorhome Width
Here are answers to common questions about RV width.
Q1: What is the maximum motorhome width allowed on US highways?
A1: The maximum motorhome width allowed on most US highways without a special permit is 8.5 feet (102 inches).
Q2: Can I legally drive an RV wider than 8.5 feet?
A2: Yes, but only with special permits and often with escort vehicles, as it’s considered an oversized load. Travel may also be restricted to certain times and routes.
Q3: Does interior width matter as much as exterior width?
A3: Exterior width determines where you can legally travel. Interior width dictates your living comfort and space when parked. Slide-outs significantly increase interior width.
Q4: How does a travel trailer width compare to a motorhome width?
A4: Generally, both motorhomes and travel trailers adhere to the same 8.5-foot (102-inch) maximum width limit for legal road travel.
Q5: Will my motorhome width affect my choice of campsites?
A5: Yes, while most sites accommodate the standard 8.5-foot width, some older or smaller campgrounds may have narrower spots. It’s always wise to check campsite dimensions.
Q6: What is towing width?
A6: Towing width refers to the combined width of the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle (like a travel trailer). You need to consider the total width of your rig when maneuvering.
Q7: Are Class B motorhomes narrower than Class A motorhomes?
A7: Yes, typically Class B motorhomes are narrower, often around 7-8 feet, while Class A motorhomes are usually at the maximum 8.5 feet to maximize interior space.
Q8: What are motorhome width regulations in Canada?
A8: Canada generally follows similar width regulations to the US, with most provinces having an 8.5-foot (102-inch) limit for standard vehicles without special permits.
Q9: Do awnings add to the motorhome’s width?
A9: Yes, when extended, awnings add to the overall width. However, for travel, they must be retracted, and the legal width limit applies to the vehicle’s structure when in motion.
Q10: What is the typical camper width for smaller units like pop-ups?
A10: Smaller campers, like pop-up trailers, are usually much narrower than motorhomes or larger travel trailers, often well under the 8-foot limit, making them very easy to tow and store.
By keeping these dimensions and regulations in mind, you can confidently plan your adventures, ensuring safe and enjoyable travels in your motorhome, no matter its specific RV width.