So, you’ve decided to buy an RV for you and your family – how exciting! There is so much to think about when you come to this decision, such as the interior features, how it drives, and how you’re going to power all of your appliances.
However, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is the height of your RV. Many people focus more on the length of the RV because this is what’s going to be most difficult to get used to when you’ve been driving a small car for so long.
While the length of the RV is important, and you will need to be able to drive your RV safely, the height is also incredibly important.
Imagine driving down a road, happy with how you’re controlling your long vehicle when you suddenly crash into the top of a tunnel or bridge. Even some car parks have vehicle height restrictions that might stop you from using them with an RV.
So, how tall is the average RV, and what is considered too tall for an RV? Most RVs are between 10 and 14 feet tall, with a width of 8.5 feet and a length of 20 to 45 feet. The majority of RVs will have a height depending on their class.
Different Classes for RVs
When purchasing an RV, you will have the opportunity to choose one from a certain class. Below are the different RV classes with the height ranges and average heights that you can expect from them.
| RV Class | Height Range (Feet) | Average Height (Feet / Inches) |
| Class A Motorhome | 13 to 14 | 13’ 6” |
| Class B Motorhome | 7 to 9 | 8’ |
| Class C Motorhome | 10 to 11 | 10’ 6” |
| Travel Trailers | 10 to 12 | 11’ |
| Fifth Wheels | 11 to 13 | 12’ |
This is an average table that you can use for a basic comparison. However, you might find that some heights differ from this table from manufacturer to manufacturer. So, why is the height of your RV so important? Let’s find out in the next section.
RV Height Regulations
The Federal Highway Administration has set a minimum clearance requirement for tunnels, bridges, and other things that tall vehicles need to get under on a daily basis. So, to ensure that your RV is not too tall, you need to follow this requirement.
Bridges covering interstates need to be at least 16 feet tall, and they need to be at least 14 feet tall if covering roadways in urban and rural areas. The federal government has no regulations regarding the height of recreational vehicles.
However, different states will have their own laws and regulations on this matter. For example, Georgia states that the maximum height of any vehicle is 13.5 feet. This means that if your RV is taller than this and you’re planning on driving through Georgia, you might run into some issues with fitting under structures.
Other Eastern US states have similar regulations to Georgia’s, so beware if you’re looking for a Class A motorhome to drive through these areas.
Some states are not this restrictive, with states like Colorado and Nebraska having a maximum height of 14.5 feet. Alaska even allows the maximum height limit of vehicles to be 15 feet, which is more than tall enough for any type of RV.
So, make sure that you know the state requirements for your area as well as anywhere you want to go holidaying with the RV. If you’re renting the RV in the state where you’ll be staying, they should already be compliant with the state regulations.
Class A Motorhome Heights
RVs in the Class A category are typically considered the tallest type of motorhome with a height range from 13 to 14 feet. Some might be even taller if they have added attachment on the roof such as a satellite or AC unit.
Below are a few examples of Class A RVs that you might be considering, as well as their heights.
Fleetwood RV Flair
The Fleetwood RV Flair is a popular type of RV with a modest height of 12 feet 4 inches. The interior height is 82 inches and therefore over six feet tall, allowing you to stand comfortably within the RV without grazing your head.
There are five floor plans to choose from with this RV, so you’re bound to find one that you enjoy and that will work well with your family. There is also a drop-down queen bed in the driver’s cabin, ideal for saving space.
Entegra Coach 2020 Cornerstone
The Entegra Coach 2020 Cornerstone is a luxury RV on the market, with a diesel engine and incredibly comfortable interiors. You can choose one of six floor plans, all with an interior height of 84 inches, or 7 feet.
The exterior height is 12 feet 11 inches, including the satellite and AC unit. It’s important that you check if the additional appliances are featured within the RV height before you purchase it, as some manufacturers only note the height without these accessories.
Trying to go underneath a bridge with a taller RV than you’re aware of might leave you with a broken AC unit and a satellite left on the road behind you.
Newmar Dutch Star
Newmar offers over 12 floor plans for you to choose from with their Dutch Star RV, featuring an exterior height of 13 feet. You can also choose a length that you’re comfortable with from 37 to 43 feet. Most of these will have a 13 feet height, although some come with a slightly more modest height of 12 feet 10 inches.
The interior height of all of the Newmar Dutch Star RVs is 83 inches or just under 7 feet tall, making it comfortable for most people.
Class B Motorhome Heights
The class of RVs down from A are, rather confusingly, considered the smallest RVs available on the market. They don’t often stretch longer than 20 feet and come with an average height of 7 to 9 feet. Their interior height is around 6 feet 3 inches, which might not be ideal for everyone.
Class B motorhomes commonly refer to as campervans and are more maneuverable and easy to drive. This makes them ideal for beginners, and you’ll also be able to take them around more states with stricter height regulations.
Here are a few examples of Class B RVs to give you an idea of their heights.
Winnebago Travato
There are four floor plans to choose from when purchasing the Winnebago Travato, allowing you to choose from two-person sleeping to three-person. Each of these floor plans comes with the same length of 21 feet.
The exterior height is also the same at 9 feet 4 inches, as well as the interior height of 6 feet 3 inches. Despite the compact size, the Winnebago Travato features everything you need for living and holidaying in your RV.
Regency RV National Traveler
The length of the Regency RV National Traveler is 20 feet 11 inches, with an exterior height between 9 feet 4 inches to 9 feet 9 inches. The height will depend on the floor plan you choose, in which there are three to choose from.
Two of these floor plans feature a two-person sleeping space while the third offers a third Euro bunk above the living area. The storage for this is the reason for the exterior height difference.
Pleasure-Way Ontour 2.0
Finally, the Pleasure-Way Ontour 2.0 RV measures under 20 feet long as it’s built on the same chassis as the Ford Transit 2500 Van.
The exterior height is a mere 10 feet, and that’s including the AC unit. Despite this impressively small exterior height, the interior height is surprisingly spacious at 6 feet 6 inches.
Inside is everything you need to live in your RV, including a kitchen and wet bath.
Class C Motorhome Heights
We might think that Class C RVs would be the smallest type of motorhomes, but it is actually the category positioned between Class A and Class B. Class C RVs have an average height of 10 to 11 feet, although they will typically be on the higher end of the scale.
Class C motorhomes have over-cab lofts which often act as another sleeping area. This is one of the main reasons for the additional height difference between Class B and Class C RVs.
We’ve included three examples below.
Forest River Forester Classic
Forest River has a few popular Class C RVs in their portfolio, and the Forester Classic comes with nine different floor plans for you to choose from.
These nine floor plans will either come on a chassis originally designed for a Ford or Chevy. They all come with an exterior height of 11 feet 3 inches, which is on the higher end for Class C RVs.
This motorhome can sleep between six and 10 people depending on the floor plan you choose. This is incredibly impressive for motorhomes, and some will even come with outdoor kitchens to use.
Winnebago Vita
Choose between two floor plans for the Winnebago Vita, depending on how large you want the master bedroom to be as well as modifications for the interior space. No matter the floor plan you choose, the exterior height will be 11 feet 7 inches including the AC unit.
The interior height is 7 feet, making it very comfortable for almost everyone. The majority of people will find that there is more than enough headroom for them to enjoy their holiday.
For a Class C RV, the Winnebago Vita has an impressively large battery along with a 200-watt solar panel for plenty of power throughout your adventure. This allows you to park up whenever you want without having to be confined to an RV park.
Jayco 2020 Greyhawk
The Jayco 2020 Greyhawk is also slightly on the taller size for a Class C motorhome with an external height of 11 feet 8 inches. This includes the AC unit.
Each of the six floor plans has an interior height of 84 inches or 7 feet, making them nice and roomy for your entire family. One of the floor plans also has a set of bunk beds for more sleeping space.
Each floor plan comes with plenty of storage space for all of your belongings so that you don’t feel cramped within your RV.
Travel Trailer Heights
There are so many travel trailers on the market that it can be difficult to pinpoint an average height for them. However, the most common heights will be between 10 and 12 feet tall. It is possible that you’ll find some taller and some shorter on the market though, so make sure that you check before purchasing.
Teardrop and tent trailers often have a lower travel height than traditional travel trailers. If you have a large car, you might even find that your travel trailer is shorter than your SUV.
With that being said, traditional travel trailers will almost always have a height between 10 and 12 feet.
Forest River Cherokee
There are more than 20 Forest River Cherokee travel trailer floor plans available for you to choose from. They all come with a height of 11 feet 1 inch and come with everything you need for your traveling holiday.
Most of these travel trailers come with an outdoor kitchen as well as multiple slide-out spaces to enhance your interior living areas once parked up for the day or night.
Keystone RV Premier Ultra-Lite
The Keystone RV Premier Ultra-Lite comes in 11 possible floor plans that can alter the exterior height slightly. The range will be between 11 feet and 11 feet 4 inches, so it’s not too much of a drastic change.
The interior height is the same for all of the floor plans; however, at 6 feet 11 inches. This RV can sleep between 4 and 6 people depending on the choice of floor plan.
Airstream Classic
You might not know the name of this travel trailer, but you’ll surely recognize the design of the Airstream Classic. The ‘silver bullet’ trailer has been enjoyed by RV travelers for years now, and the external height is 9 feet 9.5 inches.
This exterior height is slightly smaller than the travel trailer average. However, don’t let this deter you from opting for the Airstream Classic. The internal height is actually taller than the majority of travel trailers at 6 feet 7.5 inches.
Choose between four floor plans depending on how much sleeping space you need and the length of the travel trailer. The height will not be affected by the floor plan you choose.
Fifth Wheel Camper Heights
Fifth wheelers are the largest RVs on the market as well as the heaviest. They’re also the most difficult to drive as the space you’re getting is incredibly generous. Many fifth-wheel campers come with as much space as a residential apartment.
The height average for fifth wheelers is similar to Class A motorhomes, with it being between 11 to 13 feet tall.
Fifth wheel RVs often have a raised front of the trailer to allow for a standing room above the trailer hitch. If you opt for a fifth-wheel RV with this additional feature, you might find that the height is significantly increased.
Northwood Arctic Fox Grande Ronde
This fifth-wheel RV has an exterior height of 13.5 inches. There are six layouts to choose from, although the one you pick won’t have an effect on the exterior height.
The Northwood Arctic Fox Grande Ronde RVs are incredibly long vehicles at around 40 feet, although they are best suited to smaller families as they only sleep four.
Forest River Sierra
There are over 12 floor plans for the Forest River Sierra, with plenty of living space throughout the entire RV. Choose from entertainment areas to offices, second bedrooms to outdoor kitchens, and much more.
The external height for these RVs is between 12 feet 10 inches and 13 feet 5 inches, depending on the floor plan you go for. The highest option should still be in keeping with the maximum height allowance or 14 feet for the majority of US states.
Grand Design RV Solitude
If you thought that the Forest River Sierra offered an impressive number of floor plans, the Grand Design RV Solitude is about to blow you away. Choose between 15 floor plans, each as luxurious as the last with the best layouts for space.
The exterior height for this RV, no matter the floor plan, is 13 feet 5 inches. The interior height is 8 feet, so you’ll have plenty of room without feeling cramped.
How To Choose The Best RV Height For You
As you can see, there are so many different types of RVs that you might not know where to start when choosing the best for you. When it comes to height, you should always check on the manufacturer’s website to ensure that you’re getting an accurate measurement to avoid disappointment.
Below are some considerations to take into account when choosing the best RV height for you and your family.
Your Height
This speaks for itself, but it is so obvious that you might forget about it altogether. Make sure that you measure your height as well as everyone in your family to ensure that you are going to be comfortable with the interior height.
Remember, a tall exterior height does not always mean a tall interior height. You might have an RV with an incredibly tall exterior height but next to no internal height, or vice versa.
Take Your Tape Measure
If you’re looking at the RVs in person before you buy, and we recommend that you do, take a tape measure so that you can double-check the measurements. The manufacturer’s website shouldn’t be wrong, but you can never be too careful when making such an investment as an RV.
Measure from the highest point of the roof, whether that be an AC unit or a fan, to the ground. This ensures that you know exactly what bridges and tunnels you can travel under without damaging your RV. Some manufacturers might not take these added accessories into account.
Check State Regulations
Most states will allow the maximum height of your vehicle to be 14 feet, which is fine for the majority of RVs.
However, some are more strict than others and will have smaller height requirements. You don’t want to get caught out and have to turn in the road, holding all the traffic up, so make sure you know the regulations of everywhere you’re going.
GPS systems often now have low-clearance points which can tell you where you might get stuck in your RV. Using this allows you to avoid these routes to make your journey as stress-free as possible.
Summary
There is no set rule for how tall an RV is as it will depend on the type of vehicle. Class B and travel trailers will be the shortest RVs with an average height of between 9 and 10 feet, and Class A motorhomes and fifth wheelers will be the tallest with an average height of 13 feet.
Class C RVs are a happy medium with an average height of 11 and 12 feet. Bear in mind that these measurements are only guidelines and there will be exceptions, so you should always measure the RV yourself before purchasing it.
