RV Garage with Living Quarters: Dream of a Lifetime
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RV Garage with Living Quarters: Best of Both Worlds!
Do you know what is better than owning an RV? Owning an RV and an RV Garage.
Hang on. Change that to owning an RV and an RV Garage with Living Quarters!
Ever since I came across the concept, it has become my dream. I have been doing a lot of research on this and hope to adopt this fantastic new lifestyle soon!
Most people who own an RV, go out on an RV camping vacation. The trip may last a few days or a few weeks (3 trips per year on average).
But it inevitably comes to an end and you return home. Parking your RV, if you do not have an RV Garage, can be a challenge.
A smaller percentage (0.5 – 1.0 million) of RV owners live the RV Lifestyle. They live in the RV long-term, that is permanently. They call it “full timing” in the community.
“Full Timing”, romantic as it sounds, is not easy.
Living in cramped quarters with very few possessions can take its toll. Always being in flux and not being “anchored” is not a lifestyle that many seek. Sooner rather than later you start missing friends & family.
An RV Garage with Living Quarters lets you have the best of both worlds.
In this post, I share with you a lot of information that will be helpful in your desire to own an RV and an RV Garage with Living Quarters!
RV Ownership: Past Trends and Future Predictions
The RV industry has experienced consistent growth over the years, driven by factors such as affordability, flexibility, and a desire for an active outdoor lifestyle.
This growth is reflected in the record levels of RV ownership, which have seen a 62% increase since 2001 and a remarkable 124% increase since 1980.
Here’s a closer look at past trends:
- The RV industry experienced eight consecutive years of sales growth starting in 2009, expanding by over 200% during that period.
- Although slight declines occurred in 2018 and 2019, the industry rebounded in 2020 with a 6% increase in units sold compared to 2019, reaching 430,412 units.
- This upward trend continued, with 2021 projected to have 577,200 units shipped, marking a new record high in the past 12 years.
- 2022 witnessed a slight dip, with 493,268 shipments, securing its position as the third-best year on record.
Several factors suggest a positive outlook for future RV ownership:
- Changing demographics play a significant role, with younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, increasingly embracing the RV lifestyle, accounting for 22% of the market.
- The median age of first-time RV buyers has dropped to 32, underscoring the growing appeal of RVs among younger demographics.
- Baby Boomers entering retirement represent another key demographic driving future growth, as they traditionally have the highest RV ownership rates.
The sources suggest that these trends, combined with the continued emphasis on affordability, convenience, and an active outdoor lifestyle, point towards a positive future for the RV industry.
Information Sources:
FUN FACT: 3 out of every 5 RVs come from just one county: Elkhart County.
Why do I Need an RV Garage?
Owning an RV is a serious commitment to the RV lifestyle. Most people love their RVs so much they humanize them by giving them names.
An RV can cost anywhere between $35,000 and $300,000. The price depends on the RV Class and the features, you want. Some typical examples are:
| Class / Type | Brand / Model | Starting Price |
| Class A Motorhomes | Tiffin Allegro Breeze | $291,144 |
| Class B Motorhomes | Thor Compass | $115,000 |
| Class C Motorhomes | Tiffin Wayfarer | $150,120 |
| Fifth Wheels | Dutchmen Astoria | $50,682 |
When you are spending that kind of money, why would you not spend money to build a garage for your RV? You do that for your sedan or SUV, don’t you?
There will be several months in a year when your RV is just going to be parked. The durability of the RV will be compromised if you leave it at the mercy of the weather gods.
Give your RV a lot of TLC, park it in a good RV garage and it will be there for you for many years! The value of your home will go up too, by adding an RV garage.
How Much Does an RV Garage Cost?
A simple prefab metal RV garage will cost around $15,000, just for the steel structure. The total build cost will be more like $30,000 after you add the delivery cost, concrete slab, and construction. (Source: Buildings Guide)
According to Home Advisor, a properly built RV garage will cost between $36,000 and $140,000, according to Home Advisor.
A standard 24’X24’(576 square foot) detached garage for 2 cars will cost between $23,000 and $40,000.
An RV garage costs much more than a car garage, mainly because of the much larger RV garage size.
How Big Should an RV Garage Be?
An RV is big. The RV garage has to be bigger. So, the size of your garage really depends on the size of your RV.
When it comes to an RV garage, bigger is better. The extra space will always find some use. And who knows, you may even upgrade to a bigger RV, in the future.
For example, the dimensions of Tiffin Allegro Red, a Class A Motorhome, are 39’ 6” long, 8’ 5” wide, and 12’ 10” high. Size-wise, this is certainly one of the bigger RVs in the market.
To ensure that you have enough room around the RV, the garage should be 50’ long. 18’ wide and 16’ high. The RV garage door should be 12’ wide and 14’ high.
RV Garage with Living Quarters Plans
An RV Garage does not come cheap. If you are going to spend over $100,000 in building an RV garage, why not go one step further?
Why not build an RV Garage with Living Quarters?
I actually think that building a detached garage with a studio apartment above it is a great idea. This is why I wrote the blog post 10 Great Reasons For Building A Studio Apartment Above Garage a while ago.
And now I am convinced that an RV Garage with Living Quarters is an equally brilliant idea!
There are some excellent ideas and plans for RV Garage with Living Quarters. Architectural Designs has been selling quality house plans for generations and they have several very innovative RV Garage with Living Quarters plans.
Consider “RV Garage with Living Space a Plus Plan 68599VR” which lets you park your RV and a car or a truck. You get an apartment on the second floor with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom.
| Main Level | 2nd Floor |
 |  |
So you could buy the plan from them and get a contractor to build it for you.
RV Garage with Living Quarters Kit
For a perfect RV Garage with Living Quarters, that is quick and easy to get built and yet looks out of this world, look no further than DC Structures.
DC Structures is the nationwide leader in “post and beam” building kits, producing America’s best and most complete pre-engineered heavy timber structures. They have a simplified 4-step process to bring your dream to reality, with none of the stress.
Shasta
The Shasta is a unique multi-purpose structure perfectly suited to house your recreational vehicle in any climate.
The main feature of this building is a heavy-duty workshop with a 14′ high drive-through garage bay for a large vehicle, but there’s also plenty of room for your horses, a workshop, or additional vehicles and outdoor toys.
On the second level, you’ll find a spacious apartment with vaulted ceilings, perfect for a vacation home, guest quarters, or a full-time residence.
Designed in the reliable and long-lasting, “post and beam” construction method, the Shasta RV Garage with Living Quarters Kit is framed with the finest Douglas fir posts and glulam beams from the Pacific Northwest.
The Shasta includes a 14′ drive-through RV garage, a 14′ x 14′ deck, a cupola, dormers, and a door and window package. There are 4 sizes to choose from. The package offers a sturdy but flexible design that can be adapted to meet your unique needs.
Cost to Build an RV Garage with Living Quarters
Prices for the Kit from Shasta
| MODEL | KEY FEATURES | ORIGINAL PRICE | SALE PRICE |
| SHASTA 42’ | 42′ x 42′ 3,528 sq. ft. 3+ Bedrooms | $232,508 | $210,711 |
| SHASTA 56’ | 42′ x 56′ 4,704 sq. ft. 3+ Bedrooms | $274,516 | $248,659 |
| SHASTA 70’ | 42′ x 70′ 5,880 sq. ft. 4+ Bedrooms | $310,339 | $281,042 |
| SHASTA 84’ | 42′ x 84′ 7,056 sq. ft. 4+ Bedrooms | $347,011 | $314,157 |
The 4-Step Simplified Process
They streamline the building of your dream RV Garage with Living Quarters using a 4 Step Simplified Process.
STEP 1: Selecting & Customizing Your Building Model
- Select Your Building Kit
- Choose Your Customization Features
- Place Your Deposit & Schedule a Shipping Date
Their project coordinator works with you to select the right pre-engineered building model for your vision and needs.
They’ll walk you through the wide array of available options and upgrades for your build, all while making notes of any structural modifications you’d like to make to your design.
STEP 2: Creating Your Design Plans
- Schematic Design Sheets Created
- Construction Documents Finalized
- Plans Approved by Engineering Partner
Their designers work with you and your project coordinator to create detailed blueprints for your building package. They will also create a 3D building model for you to explore and modify in real-time using their VR software.
After schematic design plans are approved, construction documents that ensure building code compliance are prepared. Your contractor gets involved at this stage to address any questions they may have.
STEP 3: Crafting Your Materials Package
- Material Procurement Begins
- Framing Components Prefabricated
- Building Package Prepared for Shipment
Procurement of the premium materials included in your building package starts. At the manufacturing facility in Oregon, skilled craftsmen select the right sizes and quantities of lumber for your project.
Design plans are translated into expertly pre-cut, drilled, and individually labeled pieces of lumber using specialized woodworking machines. With all components cut to length and fit for hardware, the building package is made ready for shipment.
STEP 4: Shipping Your Building Kit
- Building Package Wrapped, Strapped, & Palletized
- Shipped Via Flatbed Truck
- Delivered to Your Job Site for Easy Assembly
Your contractor will be able to complete the erection of the RV Garage with Living Quarters quite easily.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that while RVing is great fun, most people can not live in an RV permanently.
An RV Garage with Living Quarters is a fantastic way of getting the best of both worlds.
Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and useful.
