How Wide Is a Standard RV Door? – All You Need To Know


How-Wide-Is-a-Standard-RV-Door

Whether you’re remodeling your RV or you’re packing for an adventurous trip, it’s helpful to know how wide your RV’s door is. The last thing you want to do is to buy some new furniture or a new toy for your RV and then not be able to get it inside.

How wide is a standard RV door? Widths of standard RV doors range from 14 to 70 inches. The door of some rear-hatch models can go up to 46 inches. As with most “standard” doors, the measurement can vary according to what brand of unit the door is needed for, what model the unit is, and even the age of the model.

In an effort to provide you all the information you need, we have put together some general information about RVs and their doors. Keep reading to learn more about your RV’s doors.

What Is the Standard Width of an RV Door?

As we mentioned, this can vary a bit, depending on what kind of RV you have. And RVs aren’t generally very “standard” in and of themselves.

Companies and individuals have been making travel trailers and “camping trailers” in every possible shape and size, practically since the first automobiles started showing up on our highways.” A quote from the  OldTrailer.com web site.

With that in mind, it is no wonder there are so many different RVs around. And not all of them use the same size door!

RV models that have only one entrance door will most often use a rather narrow door to save room on the inside. This is particularly true for older model pull-along trailers and for pick-up truck drop-in units.

Providing a way to get to the cargo space under, or on, the outside of any RV, there will be an access door, which is usually anywhere from 14 inches to 70 inches wide.

What Size Opening Do I Need for an RV Door?

To truly understand the width of your RV motorhome entry door, it’s helpful to know how the manufacturers measure for one.

When measuring for the width of your RV’s door, it’s important to first consider what type of RV door you’re working with. Are you replacing or repairing a:

  • Class A entry door
  • A motorhome door
  • A toy hauler door
  • A travel trailer door

They’re all constructed very differently. Another thing to be aware of is whether part of your door is rounded or if all of the corners are square angles.

Getting an Accurate Measurement

To get an accurate measurement, use your tape measure to measure only the rough opening of the door space both in width and height. The rough opening includes both the door and the frame. It is technically where the “skin” of your RV ends at the door.

To get this measurement, you need to:

  • Cut away the weather stripping and caulk from the outside of the door and frame and pull your RV door and frame out of its position,

or

  • Go inside your RV, remove the door trim so you can clearly see where the rough opening is, hold a block of wood on both sides of the door’s rough opening, and measure between the blocks. This method requires two people, multiple measuring points both from side-to-side and top-to-bottom, and a lot of accuracy.
  • Make a diagram of the places you’ve measured and record the measurements for each spot.

RV Front Door vs. RV Access Door

You know where your RV’s front door is. Your RV’s access door is typically along the bottom, outside areas of your RV, or in the back near the bottom. Although you access the interior of your RV via the front or entrance door, you should never refer to that way in as an access door.

Just as with different types of RVs, access doors are built differently than entrance doors. The measurement process for access doors is the same as what we described for your entrance (or front) doors.

Related reading: Why Have 2 Doors on A Travel Trailer? [What To Consider]

How to Replace an RV Door

Now that you’ve measured the rough opening of your RV’s door, you know what sized door you will need. Always use the smallest measurement to make sure your new door assembly will fit properly.

Because RV motorhome entry doors are not standard doors, and because manufacturers do not have consistent sizes, in order to replace your door, you will want to:

  • Search salvage lots for RVs of the same make and model that has a door that’s in good shape you can use to replace yours.
  • Contact the manufacturer to order a new door.

Can I Repair My RV Door Instead of Replacing?

If you are a DIYer and feel comfortable with your skill set, you can work on repairing your RV’s door.

One of the most common reasons that RV doors get damaged is that the RV has not been set up to be level. This puts strain on the doors, creates cracks, and allows moisture and debris to enter into those cracked areas creating a perfect environment for rot.

If this has happened to your door, regardless of whether it is the entry or access door, here’s how to fix it:

  • Remove your RV’s door. If it is attached to the frame on standard hinges, you can remove the hinge pins and pull your door out. If part of the frame is actually on ribbon hinges, you will need to remove the entire door and frame assembly.
  • Remove the weatherstripping. Once you have your door laying flat on a work surface, remove the weather stripping rail and cut away the rotted material.
  • Clean it up. Using a rag and some carburetor cleaning fluid, remove all of the rot, dirt, and debris from both the weather stripping rail and the damaged area.  

NOTE: Notice there is foam insulating the inside of your door. Do not get the cleaner in that area or get it wet. If the foam has damage, you are better off replacing the entire door.

  • Measure twice. Now that the area is clean, carefully measure the opening you have exposed.
  • Cut once. Cut yourself a piece of solid wood to fit the opening.
  • Prepare to put it together. Liberally apply some exterior/interior construction adhesive to the side of the wood that will connect to the door’s insulating foam.
  • Insert the cut piece of wood and make sure it is all the way inside the door, but that the outside of the wood is even with the bottom of the metal at the opening.
  • Apply adhesive again. Use a significant amount of the exterior/interior construction adhesive to the weather stripping rail.
  • Replace the weather stripping rail making sure that you get it both securely in place and aligned with the existing screw holes.
  • Let it set! Give the adhesive a day to dry and set.

Put your door back in place, and you’re ready to get on the road!

Replacing an RV Screen Door

If it is your entry screen door that has been damaged, there are a few options for you. You can measure the screen door the same way you measure your entry door and completely replace it.

  • Remove any torn screen from the weather stripping
  • Cut some new screen
  • Use a flathead screwdriver to insert the screen back into the weather stripping or frame,
  • Apply some exterior/interior construction adhesive around the assembly to secure the screen
  • Line the screen area with clear exterior caulk to give it a finished look.

Another option to consider is to replace your fixed screen with either a piece of plexiglass or with a retractable screen. These are both items that will need to be custom ordered to fit in your opening.

RV Entry Door Makeover! >> Check out the video below:

Maintaining an RV Door

You’ve got a brand new door now – or you are just fine with your old door and want to keep it in shape. Here are a few things you can do to keep your RV door in good shape:

  • Mind where you park. As we mentioned earlier, the best way to care for your RVs doors is to make sure you have parked it, so it is level. Granted, this can be a bit of an ordeal if your rig doesn’t have self-leveling jacks, but it is worth it to keep your RV in good working condition.
  • Keep seals clean and lubricated. As your RV ages, you will need to perform upkeep and/or replace the seals around your windows and doors. One way to keep them in good shape is to make sure they are kept clean and lubricated.
  • Check hardware and fasteners regularly. You will also want to make sure that your RV’s hardware is secure. Sometimes door hinges, locks, and handles can come loose with use. Occasionally check to make sure screws don’t need to be tightened or replaced.

RV Motorhome Entry Doors

Need to replace your RV motorhome entrance door? >> Check out the video below:

Sources:

https://www.pellandent.com/RV-Entry-Door-Replacement

https://www.campingworld.com/search?q=rv+doors&lang=default

Mike Gilmour

Hi, I'm Mike, co-founder, and editor of RV and Playa. My passion is traveling (with my RV) and enjoying the day at the beach (Playa)! Well, I originally created this blog as a way to share what I've learned by experimenting with the RV lifestyle, and I want to help others develop in life through new skills and opportunities.

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