RV Storage Pole Barns

This page covers the practical aspects of planning an RV storage building with post-frame construction. We focus on structure, access, and protection—not hookups, utilities, or full-time living features.

You'll learn about:

• Door height and clearance requirements for different vehicle types
• Site access considerations for backing, turning, and pull-through designs
• RV classes and typical dimensions to help you size your building
• What's included in a pole barn storage building versus what's handled separately

What These Buildings Store

RV storage pole barns accommodate more than just motorhomes. The same clear-span design that works for RVs also serves boats, trailers, and equipment storage.

Motorhomes & Class A Coaches

Large motorhomes are the primary driver for tall ceilings and wide doors. A Class A coach can exceed 13 feet in height with air conditioning units and rooftop accessories. These buildings need significant vertical clearance and wide door openings for safe access.

Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels

Travel trailers and fifth wheels are typically shorter than motorhomes but still require substantial door height. Fifth wheels in particular need attention to overall height due to raised front sections. The building must accommodate the hitch height when stored.

Boats & Watercraft

Boat storage buildings need height for towers, T-tops, and radar arches on fishing boats. Runabouts, ski boats, and pontoon boats all have different clearance profiles. Width matters too—boat trailers can be wider than they appear, especially with guide poles or covers.

Toy Haulers & Enclosed Trailers

Toy haulers combine RV living space with a rear cargo ramp for ATVs, motorcycles, or side-by-sides. These vehicles often have roof-mounted AC units and need additional clearance for the ramp door when open. Enclosed equipment trailers follow similar requirements.

Mixed Storage Use

Many RV storage buildings end up serving multiple purposes. A pole barn designed for RV storage can easily incorporate areas for lawn equipment, tools, seasonal gear, or workshop space. Post-frame construction allows bays of different heights and widths within the same building.

Door Height Guidelines

Door height should account for your vehicle's highest point plus a safety margin:

• Class A Motorhomes: 12-14 foot doors typical
• Class C Motorhomes: 10-12 foot doors typical
• Travel Trailers: 10-12 foot doors typical
• Fifth Wheels: 12-14 foot doors (account for raised front)
• Boats with Towers: 10-14 foot doors depending on configuration

Approach and Turning Space

Consider how the vehicle enters and exits the building:

• Backing in: Requires adequate turnaround space outside the building
• Pull-through design: Needs doors on both ends but eliminates backing
• Turning radius: Longer vehicles need more room to maneuver
• Driveway width: Account for mirror width when approaching at an angle

Interior Clearance

Once inside, you need space to move around the vehicle:

• Side clearance: At least 2-3 feet on each side for walking and maintenance
• Front and back: Room to open compartments and access storage bays
• Ceiling height: Door height plus additional margin for roof-mounted accessories

What We Provide

ProBuilt's pole barn construction covers the storage structure itself:

• Building shell: Post-frame structure with steel siding and roofing
• Doors and access: Overhead doors sized for your vehicles, walk doors, windows as specified
• Structural engineering: Designed for local wind, snow, and seismic requirements
• Installation: Complete construction of the building on your prepared site

What's Typically Separate

RV storage buildings often involve other work that falls outside our scope:

• Concrete slab: Foundation work is often handled separately by concrete contractors
• Electrical service: Lighting, outlets, and vehicle charging require licensed electrical work
• Plumbing utilities: Water, sewer, or drain connections for RV hookups are separate trades
• Site preparation: Grading, excavation, permits, and utility connections to the site
• Interior finishes: Insulation, drywall, or interior partition walls are not included

Planning Your Project

We can help you understand how the pole barn fits into the overall project. When you contact us, share details about your property, the vehicles you need to store, and any other work you're planning. We'll help you think through the sequence and what makes sense to bundle versus handle separately.