Creating A Camper Driveway: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make a drivewat for your camper

Parking your camper on your driveway can be a challenge, especially if you have a sloped driveway. Before parking your camper, it's important to check local laws and regulations to ensure you're complying with any restrictions on parking an oversized vehicle, such as time limits and weight capacity. You should also consider your neighbours' views and avoid parking in front of their houses.

If your driveway is sloped, you will need to use the right tools and techniques to ensure your camper is secure and level. This includes using wheel chocks to prevent your camper from rolling away, and levelling blocks to stabilise your vehicle.

If your driveway is too steep, you may need to build a ramp to pull your camper up. You can do this by using 2 by 12s or 2 by 6s, or something in between, to build your own ramp.

Characteristics Values
Driveway design Solar pavers, Geometric paver designs, Glow-in-the-dark pathways, Rainwater harvesting, Heated driveway system, Elevated decks, Smart technology
Camper parking Private property, Public streets, Size restrictions, Time limits, Zoning laws, HOA rules, Local laws and regulations
Camper ramp DIY with 2 by 12s, 2 by 6s or in between, Commercial ramps e.g. Portable Lightweight Plastic Curb Ramps, Vestil MRR-2310 Rubber Multi-Purpose Ramp, Electriduct Heavy Duty Rubber Curb Ramp
Camper chocks Wheel chocks, X chocks, Leveling blocks, Tongue jack, Stabilizers

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Check local laws and regulations

Before making a driveway for your camper, it is essential to check local laws and regulations. These laws will vary depending on your state, city, and even your neighborhood. There are several factors to consider:

Private Property vs. Public Streets

In general, you are allowed to park your camper on your private property, such as your driveway, side yard, and rear yard, as long as it is permitted by local laws and regulations. However, it is usually illegal to park a camper on public streets overnight or for extended periods, including residential streets.

Size Restrictions

Whether you are allowed to park your camper in your driveway may depend on its size. Local laws and regulations may prohibit oversized vehicles. For example, if your camper protrudes out of your front yard area or blocks the street, it may not be permitted. Check for any length, width, or weight restrictions specified by your local laws.

Time Limits and Consecutive Hours Parked

Many cities and towns have restrictions on how long a vehicle can be parked in one place, especially for oversized vehicles like campers. For instance, some cities have time limits for how long an RV can be parked in a residential area, while others may require you to move your camper after a certain number of consecutive hours to avoid violating local ordinances.

Zoning Laws and Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules

Zoning laws and HOA rules can also impact where you can park your camper. Some residential areas may have restrictions on parking oversized vehicles, inoperable vehicles, or commercial vehicles on residential lots. Be sure to check your local zoning laws and HOA handbook for any relevant regulations. HOA rules, in particular, can result in legal action, fines, or penalties if not followed.

Code Enforcement and Consequences

Code enforcement officers are responsible for investigating potential zoning violations and enforcing local laws and regulations on camper parking. If your camper violates local laws or HOA rules, an officer may issue a warning or citation. You may be required to pay a fine, remove your camper, or, in severe cases, face legal action or have your camper impounded.

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Be mindful of space

When creating a driveway for your camper, it is crucial to be mindful of the space available. This involves considering the size of your camper, the dimensions of your driveway, and any potential obstacles.

Firstly, you need to ensure that your driveway is wide enough to accommodate your camper comfortably. There should be sufficient space to manoeuvre your camper without causing any damage to your property or your neighbour's. It is important to maintain a reasonable distance from neighbouring properties to avoid obstructing their view or creating any inconvenience.

Secondly, the length of your driveway should be carefully evaluated. Consider not only the length of your camper but also the clearance needed for other vehicles to enter and exit the driveway. If your driveway is too steep, you may encounter challenges when pulling or backing your camper into it. In such cases, a slow and cautious approach is recommended to prevent any damage to the rear end of your camper. Additionally, seeking assistance from someone who can guide you while backing up can be helpful.

Another aspect to consider is the height of your camper. Ensure that there are no low-hanging obstacles, such as tree branches or power lines, that could collide with your camper. It is also important to be mindful of the height of your garage door if you intend to store your camper inside.

In addition to these spatial considerations, it is worth noting that some cities have specific regulations regarding the parking of oversized vehicles. These regulations may include restrictions on the length of vehicles permitted in residential areas. Therefore, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the local laws and homeowners association (HOA) rules to ensure compliance.

Lastly, keep in mind the potential impact on your neighbours. While you may not be violating any laws or regulations, a large camper parked in front of your house for an extended period can be an eyesore for your neighbours. Communicating your plans and being considerate of their views can help maintain a harmonious relationship.

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Use wheel chocks

Using wheel chocks is essential when parking your camper on uneven ground or an incline. They are wedges placed against your camper's tires to prevent unintended rolling and are especially important for campers or trailers, which typically don't have brake systems.

Wheel chocks come in various forms and materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and are designed to be placed at the rear or front wheels, depending on the inclination of the ground. It's important to choose the right size and weight-bearing capacity for your camper, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

When positioning your camper on wheel chocks, it's helpful to have someone assist you. You can also use a spirit level to ensure your camper is aligned correctly. Drive carefully onto the chocks, using first gear, and check if your vehicle is level using the built-in levels in your camper.

Remember always to use wheel chocks in pairs, and ensure they are wedged tightly against the tires. If you're parking on a flat surface, place the chocks behind the tires. For added safety, you may want to consider using a parking brake in conjunction with the wheel chocks.

By following these steps and choosing the appropriate wheel chocks for your camper, you can ensure a stable and secure parking experience, even on challenging terrain.

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Level your camper

To level your camper, you will need to use levelling blocks, which can be purchased or made from pavers or wood. You will also need wheel chocks to lock your camper in place.

First, you will need to position your trailer on the steep driveway. Then, you can begin to level your trailer. Use a bubble level to determine how unlevel your trailer is and what side needs to be adjusted. To level side-to-side, hold the level vertically against your RV and adjust the stabilizers until the bubble is in the middle. To level front-to-back, hold the level horizontally and adjust the jack as needed.

You will then need to adjust the stabilizers individually to level the camper based on the terrain. If you are on a very steep slope, you may need to dig a little and build up a block using wood or cement pavers for the stabilizers to sit on. It is better to build a block underneath your jack than to fully extend it.

Once you have levelled your trailer, you will need to go back and check your wheel chocks. Sometimes, during the levelling process, the wheels shift, so you must check and be sure they are firmly in position.

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Talk to your neighbours

Talking to your neighbours is an important step in making a driveway for your camper. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Communicate Your Plans

It's a good idea to let your neighbours know about your plans to install a driveway for your camper. This gives them a heads-up about any potential disruptions during the construction process and shows that you respect their right to be informed about changes in the neighbourhood.

Discuss Any Concerns

Your neighbours may have concerns about the impact of your driveway on their property or the neighbourhood. Be open to hearing their worries and try to address them collaboratively. For example, if they are concerned about the aesthetic impact, you could discuss potential landscaping or screening options to enhance the appearance of the driveway.

Negotiate Any Necessary Access

If your project requires access to your neighbour's property, such as for equipment storage or worker entry, be sure to negotiate this access in advance. Respect their property and try to minimise any inconvenience or disruption to their daily lives.

Maintain Good Relations

Throughout the process, maintain a friendly and respectful attitude towards your neighbours. Good neighbourly relations can make the whole experience more pleasant and help prevent any minor issues from escalating into major conflicts.

Comply with Rules and Regulations

Be sure to comply with any relevant rules and regulations regarding the installation of driveways in your area. This includes obtaining any necessary permits and following zoning laws and homeowners association (HOA) guidelines. This will help you avoid legal issues and maintain a positive relationship with your neighbours and the wider community.

Frequently asked questions

You must check your local laws and regulations, as well as any Homeowners Association (HOA) rules. Some cities and HOAs have restrictions on how long a vehicle can be parked in one place, and this may differ for oversized vehicles like campers.

You can use wheel chocks and levelling blocks to keep your camper stable and prevent undue stress on the structure and appliances.

You can consider renting an RV storage space, parking on someone else's property, or using an RV park or campground.

It's a good idea to check with your neighbours before parking your camper in your driveway. You can also try to be respectful by not blocking their views, avoiding parking in front of their house, and keeping your camper clean and well-maintained.

Yes, this will allow you to power basic appliances like your fridge, lights, and a propane heater. However, be mindful that household electric plugs may not be suitable for running all the appliances in your camper.

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