Maximum RV Width by State

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Updated March 1, 2024

When you’re looking for a new RV or exploring the idea of buying a used RV, it is crucial to consider factors such as fuel economy and dependability. But no factor is more important than finding an RV that matches your size requirements. And for many people that means getting the most size and space for your money.

Understanding RV width is an important concept to understand before purchasing your road trip fun machine. While it seems simple, RV width can quickly become complicated by slide-outs and other factors. And more importantly, is the width of your RV legal in your state or in states where you intend to travel?

So, what is the maximum legal width of an RV in each state? While the average width of an RV is 8 feet 6 inches wide the legal limit differs from state to state. The majority of states have a legal limit of 8 feet 6 inches. But, in some states, the legal limit is only 8 feet. And in one state it’s a whopping 9 feet.

You can use this article as a guide to understanding RV width legal limits and learning how to properly measure the width of your RV.

How Wide Can My RV Legally Be?

RV size restrictions are going to vary from state to state. In some cases, they may even differ depending on the RV park or campsite. While most states draw the line at 8 feet 6 inches, some states allow up to 9 feet while others limit you to only 8 feet in width.

This is because of the size of the roads in any given state. For example, the District of Columbia places a width restriction at 8 feet, primarily due to their notoriously narrow streets. However, on the contrary, Hawaii allows RVs up to 9 feet in width because of their overall lack of road traffic and wider roadways.

8 feet 5 inches (or 102 inches) is the maximum width for an RV (excluding mirrors, awnings, or safety equipment) in most states:

8 Ft. (96 inches) Maximum Width States

Except for Washington D.C., federally funded roads like interstate highways allow for an 8.5 ft. width as long as they have lanes at least 12 ft. wide.

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Illinois
• Maryland
• Missouri
• New York
• Tennessee
• West Virginia
• Washington D.C.

9′ Maximum Width States

• Hawaii- Drivable Motorhomes ONLY
  • Other laws restrict RV weights to camper vans and lighter drivables
• Massachusets- Drivable Motorhomes ONLY
  • Towable widths follow the 8.5 ft. limit

Many states also allow for safety equipment or mirrors to extend 6 inches beyond the maximum width of the RV. So, in most states, your maximum width with mirrors is actually 9 feet.

You should know the requirements in your state, so you buy an RV that is street-legal. But you might also want to keep the width restriction laws in mind in other states while planning your travels. It is important to note not only the requirements of the states you will be traveling to but also the states you will be traveling through as width requirements can still be enforced even if the RV is in transit.

How is RV Width Measured?

It is essential to know the size of your RV for many reasons. First of all, you will want to be able to register your RV with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. If it doesn’t meet the state’s size restrictions you may be unable to register the RV. It can also be practical for measuring for a protective cover. Or to ensure your vehicle is going to get through specific clearances.

Measuring your RV can seem like a daunting task at first but don’t fret for it is really quite simple.

Width is measured by measuring from one side of the RV to the other of the widest part of the RV. You do not measure side mirrors, light covers, slide-outs or awnings when measuring the width of an RV. Consulting the owner’s manual is really only suggested as a last resort if you are unable to measure your RV for whatever reason. This is because different manufacturers have their own methods of calculating dimensions of the RV, and they may not correspond to the measurements you need.

When measuring height, how you measure this is going to depend mainly on the purpose you are measuring for. If you are measuring your RV for a cover than you should measure from the top of the RV all the way down to the middle of the wheel of the trailer, this will ensure that the cover is tall enough while not dragging on the ground. If measuring to ensure you can make it under a clearance than you would measure from the top of the RV all the way to the ground.

Measuring length is pretty straight forward. Just measure from the back bumper to the front bumper. Since this will likely be a rather long distance, it is a good idea to make sure your tape measure is taut when measuring to ensure you are getting an accurate measurement.

Examples of Widths of Class A, Class B, Class C, Travel Trailers, and 5th Wheels

Understanding the different classes of motorhomes is essential in your clear understanding of RV width. Class A RV’s are typically around 33 feet long, ranging anywhere from 12-13 feet in height, and are about 9 feet wide pushing the legal limit in some states. Class A RV’s are tricky because these are really the only type where there could be legal issues depending on your state.

If you live in a state where the width requirement is 8 feet 6 inches, and you opt to purchase a wider RV, you could find yourself encountering several obstacles. Class A RV’s are classified by any motorhome weighing over 26,000 pounds. Another item to note about class A RV’s is that they require a Class B non-commercial driver’s license, unlike the traditional Class C license.

Class B motorhomes are the smallest RV’s available they are typically around 20 feet long, stand 7-9 feet tall, and are about 8 feet wide, which meets the size requirements in most states. These RVs are popular because of their compact build, which makes them easier to drive. And they don’t have any special licensing requirements.

Class C RV’s fall in the middle of the Class A and Class B RVs. They are typically around 28 feet long, 8 feet 6 inches wide, and 10 feet high. This is a good compromise because it offers the compact maneuverability of the class B while providing enough space for 6-8 people. The Class C weighs anywhere from 12,000-20,000 pounds. You could be required to get a special license if you are towing anything behind the RV, which brings your total weight to over 26,000 lbs. since a Class B license is needed for anything over 26,000 pounds.

Travel trailers are known to be lighter even though some have several slide outs. The width varies, but a travel trailer width ranges anywhere from 7-9 feet, making it legal in almost every state. The size of travel trailers differs quite a bit. There are travel trailers as small as 10 feet and as big as 30 feet long.

Fifth wheel trailers are also extremely popular amongst adventure seekers. Much like the travel trailers, they vary in size but are traditionally on the larger end of the scale. They typically comply with most state requirements at around the 8 feet 6-inch mark in width.

RELATED READING: For a complete guide to all types of RVs and their sizes check out our article “What Are RV Classes? – All Types and Styles Explained”.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing RV Width

Obviously, if you are reading this, you are probably anxious to purchase a new RV, and you have lots of options to consider. Take your time and weigh the positives and negatives when picking your RV. The width is probably something you never thought of when searching for a new RV. So, be sure to consider things like what state you are living in and where you will be traveling. Understanding state restrictions will be a critical piece of information when purchasing an RV.

Besides the legal requirements, it really comes down to personal preference. If you want your RV to be a luxurious getaway and you’re willing to get a Class B non-commercial license then a Class A motorhome may be for you. However, if you are looking for something a little smaller that is easier to maneuver on the roads, then perhaps a travel trailer or class B would be right for you. Class C and many travel trailers range in the middle of the pack in terms of size and provide maneuverability while still offering lots of space for a larger group of travelers.

How Slide Outs Affect RV Width

Slide outs are a convenient feature often included with several classes of RVs. But they can add additional weight to the RV. This doesn’t affect the width requirements, but as mentioned earlier if the vehicle exceeds 26,000 pounds, then you may need to obtain a Class B non-commercial license to drive the RV.

Each Slide out can add up to 1,500 pounds to your RV, which could be the difference maker between needing a Class B or a traditional Class C license. Slide outs are a nice feature to have if you can afford it but obviously come with their downsides too. Slide outs are not included in the width measurement of your RV so that is one aspect that you shouldn’t need to worry about when considering whether or not to purchase an RV with slide outs.

How Much Wider Do Slide-Outs Make An RV?

Slide-outs are a common feature in many modern RVs that can significantly increase the living space. These extendable rooms can add 6 to 14 feet of width, making the overall width of an RV up to 14 feet wider when fully extended.

This added width is especially beneficial for longer trips or full-time RV living, as it provides more room for amenities and activities. With slide-outs, you can have a larger kitchen area, more comfortable seating and dining areas, and even extra bedrooms or bathrooms.

The exact amount of width gained from slide-outs depends on the size and design of the RV.

Smaller trailers may only have one slide-out that adds a few feet, while larger motorhomes can have multiple slide-outs that add several feet each.

Some luxury RVs even have full-wall slide-outs, which extend the entire length of one side and can significantly increase living space.

RELATED READING: Another important factor to consider is the weight of your RV. For more info check out our article called RV Weight Explained – Travel Trailers, Motorhomes, and 5th Wheels.

Are Destination Trailers Wider Than Travel Trailers?

Yes, destination trailers are typically wider than travel trailers. While travel trailers offer a more compact and easily towable option, destination trailers cater to extended stays with their spacious layouts.

The average width of a travel trailer is around 8 feet, while destination trailers can range from 8.5 to 12 feet in width. This extra width allows for larger living areas, including bigger kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

How Long Can An RV Be?

The length of an RV varies depending on the type of RV. The maximum motorhome length is typically around 45 feet, while the maximum trailer length can range from 40 to 48 feet.   

However, some states may have specific restrictions on RV length, so it is essential to research the state laws you plan to travel through.

There are several types of RVs, each with their average length. These include:

1. Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are the largest type of RV, ranging from 30 to 45 feet long. They offer all the luxuries of a home on wheels and are perfect for long-term travel or full-time living.

2. Class B Motorhomes: Also known as camper vans, these are the smallest type of motorhome and typically range from 16 to 22 feet long. They offer a compact and versatile option for those who want the convenience of an RV but with easier maneuverability.

3. Class C Motorhomes: Class Cs are typically 20 to 33 feet long, falling between Class As and Bs. They offer a comfortable living space and are popular among families because of their bunk bed options.

4. Travel Trailers: Towable RVs range from 12 to 35 feet long. Travel trailers come in various styles, such as teardrop trailers, pop-up campers, and toy haulers, offering different amenities for every type of traveler.

5. Fifth Wheels: Similar to travel trailers, fifth wheels also require towing but offer more living space because of their unique design that extends over the truck bed. They range from 21 to 40 feet long and often have multiple slide-outs for extra room.

CONCLUSION

Hopefully, you will have found this article to be a good beginner’s guide to RV width. Just remember before purchasing an RV to research the rules and regulations regarding RVs in your state and any states where you will travel as these rules will aid in your decision.

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