RV Gate Options and Thoughts
An RV gate is a common sight here in the Valley. It will save you on storage fees, and the RV or boat will be on hand for cleaning, repairs, and loading/unloading. The drawback of this is that it might not be attractive to have your RV in the back or side yard, which could cause some problems. If it leaks fluids, that will need to be addressed. If the neighborhood is a bit sketchy, you’d be better off having it in a safe storage facility.
Who doesn’t dream of hitting the open road? But storage fees for an RV can quickly eat your travel funds. An RV gate keeps your RV close to you and doesn’t cost you storage.
If you choose to store your RV behind a fence, you’ll need an RV gate. Here are some of the things to take into consideration during the planning stages of building a gate for your RV or boat:
Please make sure it’s allowed
Many HOAs forbid the installation of visible RV gates in their community. You may be able to get a permit to have one installed, only to get a cranky letter from the HOA telling you that your new gate means you violate the rules.
Some homeowners intend to build a gate and a shelter for their RV. If this is the case, that also needs to be permitted.
Please make sure it’s wide enough
If you have an RV, boat, or trailer, the last thing you want is not to be able to park it easily. A tight fit can make for a lot of frustration and scrapes. If the RV has to be backed in at a hard angle, you'll need a wider gate, as well.
Choose the gate for the space
The reason people choose sliding gates over a swing gate for their RV is that they may not have the space to swing a gate. At the same time, a swing gate is convenient if you don’t have the side space to add a sliding gate.
Single vs. double swing gates
Each of these has their usefulness.
A single swing gate needs less hardware than a double gate, but it also requires a more substantial post to operate safely. It’s confined to size limitations. If you want it automated, only one automatic door mechanism is needed.
A double swing gate set makes it possible to have a gate in an area with less space because you need less swing space. The total width can be wider than a single gate. But, you need twice the hardware and mechanisms.
Other things which will affect your RV gate
The landscaping of the area where you want to add the RV gate can be of some consequence. Shrubbery and trees can't block the gate. If you decide to create an asphalt or cement slab for the area, there will be an added expense.
The irrigation system, plumbing system, and other systems may not be able to support the weight of an RV or other vehicle rolling over them. Putting an RV gate in a place which will mean you have to drive over the waste mainline on a regular basis might not be the best plan.
If you're considering a fence or gate project in the Phoenix area, Sereno Fence builds custom fencing, fence repair, custom gates, gate repair, RV gates, horse corrals, pool fence, pool gates, custom welding, and wood fences. For more information call (602) 481-1298 today!
