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Many people choose to install gates in their driveway for privacy and security. However, you may have difficulty when maneuvering your RV. An RV gate provides protection and ample room to get through with your rig. Let’s look at how you can make it easier to back into your yard. Let’s get started.
What Is an RV Gate?
An RV gate is a driveway door that opens wide enough for RVs and other wide loads to pass through. These gates provide the necessary security and privacy and give you plenty of space to back your RV into your yard.
Sliding vs. Swing vs. Dual Opening
The amount of space available can often determine which type of RV gate you get. The three kinds include sliding, swing, and dual opening. How they open separates them from one another.
A sliding RV gate will sit on sliding mechanisms to help it open and close. These generally cost the most to install and maintain. They have many moving pieces that you have to calibrate to work correctly. If not, the gate may bind and fail to open or close. In certain circumstances, this may be the only RV gate option available.
Swing and dual opening gates require a certain amount of ground clearance. However wide the entrance is, you’ll need to confirm that you don’t have elevation changes that could prevent the gate from opening, such as a sloping driveway.
A standard swing gate often costs half the price of a dual opening one as it takes half the amount of hardware and mechanics compared to the other.
Should You Get an Automatic Gate?
Many owners enjoy the conveniences that automatic gates provide. You can open and close the gate at the press of a button and have increased security and safety. However, an automatic gate costs much more than a manual gate and will likely need more maintenance or repair.
By using an automatic gate, you can avoid needing to get out of your vehicle each time you leave or arrive. You may especially enjoy this in the cold, rain, or when you just don’t feel like getting out of your vehicle. If you select the right gate and install it properly, an automatic gate is a great option.
Pro Tip: Don’t let your RV roll away into your new gate! Make sure to use these Best RV Wheel Chocks And Why You Need Them.
Know Before You Buy
Before you go buying your RV gate, there are a few things to keep in mind. Let’s take a look at what you should know before you buy. Then we will share our favorite options.
Size Considerations
First, consider the width of your driveway when selecting an RV gate. Depending on the distance, it might require additional supports or require a dual opening gate.
Driveways typically range from 9 to 24 ft wide, but common driveway gate sizes are 10, 12, 14, and 16 ft. You want your gate to be slightly wider than the entry to your driveway.
You can likely get by with a single gate if you have a straight driveway. However, a double gate often works better for longer driveways with curves.
Installation Location
Second, you must consider where you’ll install it. Driveways with an awkward incline or decline may make it problematic.
You also need to consider which way the gate will open. If you put it near a sidewalk or roadway, you may run into a problem with code enforcement or potentially damage your gate if it sticks out in the road.
Gate Material
The type of material used to construct the gate will play a large part in the cost and maintenance. You’ll typically find RV gates made from wood, steel, or wrought iron. Where you live will also determine the type of material you use and how often you’ll need to maintain it.
If you live near the coast, you’ll want to avoid steel or wrought iron. The salt in the air will cause these metals to rust. You’ll have to regularly maintain and paint your gate to avoid ruining it.
HOA Concerns
If you live in an area with a homeowners association, you should check with them regarding any restrictions or requirements. Get their approval to avoid wasting your money installing a gate that results in an HOA letter or violation. They can force you to remove it or pay a fine.
You may not feel that the HOA should have any say in your choice of gate, but they can. You may get lucky and have no problem with it. However, some HOAs can have strict regulations and make it difficult and frustrating to upgrade your property.
Pro Tip: No house to permanently park your RV at? Find out how to Save Money by Free Camping.
RV Gates That Will Make Parking a Breeze
You don’t want to stress whether you and your RV will fit through the gate. We have sifted through some options in different styles. Review these to see what would work best for you. Let’s take a look at a handful of options you might consider for your driveway.
#1. ALEKO Munich Style Gate
About:
The ALEKO Munich gate is 14 ft wide, 6 ft tall, and weighs 384 lbs. It has powder-coated wrought iron that will last for years. This RV gate has a luxurious look but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
The ALEKO Munich Style gate has unique spear designs housed in the arched metal of the structure. This provides the perfect combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and affordability. We also love that the ALEKO Munich is available at your local The Home Depot store.
Price: $999.99
#2. ALEKO Stockholm Style Gate
About:
The ALEKO Stockhome is 12 ft by 6 ft and weighs 372 lbs. You can use it as a swing or dual opening gate. It has a flat top look compared to other arched options. ALEKO uses the Duplex System, which produces the highest quality protection against weather and corrosion.
The gate comes with everything you need to install it in your driveway, including the posts and all the hinges. ALEKO has even manufactured it for easy DIY installation. Add this to your cart, and you can have increased privacy and security by next weekend.
Price: $1449.99
#3. Standard Gates Sliding Driveway Gate
About:
Sometimes simple can give you a luxury look and feel you’re going for with your RV gate. Standard Gates offers both vertical and horizontal ironwood gates and fences. The metal framing is powder coated in a semi-gloss black, but you can also get custom colors.
Standard Gates sells their driveway gate kits for a DIY install. They also can have automation easily added to them at any time. So if you want to save some money and do it later, you can.
Price: $4,294
#4. Double Swing Driveway Gate
About:
If you want a double swing driveway gate, consider one from Great Fence. They build custom fences, made to order, and assembled using powder-coated stainless steel screws. You can install these gates yourself and forget about them as they require no maintenance. They even come with a lifetime warranty against rust.
This is a high-quality driveway gate that will make your driveway look good and make it easy for you to get your RV through. You have the freedom to customize it to fit your style and house.
Price: $1,453.98
#5. Shop Local
About:
One great way to get the best RV gate for your driveway is to shop locally. You can work with a local contractor or do the work yourself. Your local retailer likely has several options available, either online or in-store. They’ll help ensure you get what you need if you plan to install it yourself or have a professional do the work for you.
Price: $500 to $5,000
Finding the Right Option
You don’t want to try to maneuver your rig through a tight squeeze every time you come or go. You could risk damaging your RV. Many of these customizable options make it easier to get in.
Having a quality RV gate can help ensure you have plenty of room and don’t have to battle a difficult situation. You can get in and out with ease with any of the gates we’ve suggested today.
