As the popularity of RVs continues to grow, more and more RVers are looking for versatile compact travel trailers like the Forest River R-Pod.
As these lightweight stylish campers have all the same features as larger options, just in a more compact package.
Making them the perfect choice for those with less capable tow vehicles, such as a small SUV.
Or really for anyone who wants an easy-to-tow camper.
A common question though that many have about the Forest River R-Pod is if the trailer will fit in a garage.
As this would make the camper super easy to store and give those in neighborhoods with RV HOA restrictions the ability to store the trailer out of sight.
So can a Forest River R-Pod fit in a garage?
The Forest River R-Pod is offered in 11 different trim levels, the only one that will fit in a standard garage though is the smallest teardrop RP-107C.
As all other R-Pod trim levels have exterior heights of 10 feet 5 inches or higher, exceeding the max height of a standard garage door opening, which is 7 feet tall.
If you’re thinking about buying an R-Pod though, make sure to keep reading.
As we provide the dimensions for all current Forest River R-Pods below, and discuss the factors to consider when trying to decide if an R-Pod will fit in your garage.
Plus, as a bonus, we also highlight three small campers that will fit in a standard garage.
Forest River R-Pod Trim Levels (Smallest to Largest)
Trim Level | Exterior Length | Exterior Height | Exterior Width |
---|---|---|---|
1. RP-107C | 15′ | TBD | 7′ 4″ |
2. RP-153 | 17′ 6″ | 10′ 7″ | 8′ |
3. RP-171C | 19′ | TBD | 8′ |
4. RP-180C | 20′ | TBD | 8′ |
5. RP-190C | 20′ 4″ | TBD | 8′ |
6. RP-192 | 22′ 2″ | 10′ 5″ | 8′ |
7. RP-196 | 22′ 2″ | 10′ 5″ | 8′ |
8. RP-193 | 22′ 11″ | 10′ 5″ | 8′ |
9. RP-201 | 25′ | 10′ 7″ | 8′ |
10. RP-202 | 25′ | 10′ 7″ | 8′ |
11. RP-203 | 25′ | 10′ 7″ | 8′ |
Factors to Consider When Deciding If an R-Pod Will Fit in a Garage
When deciding if a certain R-Pod will fit in a garage, it’s not always as easy or as cut and dry as you might think.
As there are many factors to consider concerning both the R-Pod’s size as well as the garage’s size.
So to make things easier, we’ve broken down the most important factors to consider for both the R-Pod and the garage.
Understanding the R-Pod’s Dimensions
The R-Pod is specifically designed with compactness in mind.
Making the trailer a great choice for easy towing and maneuverability.
To determine if the trailer can fit in a garage though, it’s essential to know the specific dimensions of the R-Pod in question.
As R-Pod size can vary significantly depending on its trim level, as can be seen below
R-Pod Size Ranges
- Length: 15 Feet to 25 Feet
- Height: ~5 Feet to 10 Feet 7 Inches
- Width: 7 Feet 4 Inches to 8 Feet
(To determine the dimensions of a specific R-Pod trim level see the above table.)
Sizing Up the Garage
Once you know the size of the R-Pod, the next thing you need to do is size up the garage.
And to size up the garage there are three main factors to consider, which we’ve outlined below.
- Garage Door Clearance: The first consideration is the height and width of the garage door opening. Because often it’s not the size of the garage but the size of the garage door that prevents the R-Pod from fitting. (When measuring for clearance don’t forget to take into account any roof-mounted or garage door accessories.)
- Garage Dimensions: The next factor to consider is the actual interior garage measurements. To ensure the width, height, and depth of the garage space will accommodate an R-Pod. (Remember to account for any obstructions, such as shelving units, pipes, or garage door openers that may reduce the available space.)
- Maneuverability: The last factor to account for is to assess the feasibility of maneuvering the R-Pod in and out of the garage. Because low clearances, tight corners, or narrow sections could pose a challenge when trying to park or hitch the trailer. Even if the garage will technically accommodate the R-Pod.
3 Popular Travel Trailers that Will Fit in a Garage
Make/Model/Trim | Length | Dry Weight | Sleeping Capacity |
---|---|---|---|
1. Little Guy Trailers MeerKat | 13′ | 1,180 lbs | 2 |
2. Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0 TD | 14′ 2″ | 1,587 lbs | 2 |
3. TAXA Outdoors Cricket | 15′ | 1,753 lbs | 4 |
While the Forest River R-Pod won’t fit in a standard garage, due to its height, there are a few travel trailers that will.
So for those wanting a camper that will fit in a garage, we’ve highlighted three of the most popular options below.
Starting with the one-of-a-kind Little Guy Trailers MeerKat.
1. Little Guy Trailers MeerKat
Quick Specs
- Cost: $22,000 – $24,000
- Length: 13 Feet
- Exterior Height / Width: 6 Feet 5 Inches / 5 Feet
- Dry Weight: 1,180 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: Porta Potty
While not as well known as other RV brands, no list of trailers that fit in a garage would be complete without the Little Guy Trailers MeerKat.
As the Meerkat is one of the most unique travel trailers that will fit in a garage today.
Thanks to the camper’s small size and distinctive front pop-top, which when raised allows for standing and when lowered keeps the trailer under standard garage door height.
Just because the MeerKat is small in size though, doesn’t mean it’s short on amenities.
As the camper is loaded with a surprising amount of comfort and convenience features.
Including a large rear convertible dinette booth, a small front kitchenette, and plenty of interior cabinet space.
Little Guy Trailers MeerKat Floorplan
And because the Little Guy Trailers MeerKat uses two-piece molded fiberglass construction, as opposed to stick frame construction, the trailer is also very lightweight, with a dry weight of only 1,180 pounds.
Making this compact easy-to-store camper one of the lightest travel trailers on the road today.
To learn more about the Little Guy Trailers MeerKat and to find out how to order one, check out Little Guy Trailer’s website by clicking here.
2. Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0 TD
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $15,000
- Length: 14 Feet 2 Inches
- Exterior Closed Height / Width: 6 Feet 5 Inches / 6 Feet 10 Inches
- Dry Weight: 1,587 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: None
Created to be a cross between a pop-up camper and a standard travel trailer, the Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0 TD offers the best of both worlds.
As the front of the trailer is built like a standard travel trailer with fixed walls and a roof for better sound deadening and insulation.
While the rear of the trailer offers a unique single hinge pop-up.
Offering a low profile exterior height of 6 feet 5 inches when lowered in travel mode and standing height when raised in camp mode.
Allowing the Clipper Express 9.0 TD to easily fit inside just about any garage.
Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0 TD Floorplan
Offered in various trim levels, the Clipper Express 9.0 TD is in the middle when it comes to features and amenities.
Offering more features than the basic Escape 9.0 TD but fewer than the loaded Explore 9.0 TD.
Providing a nice compromise between weight, cost, and features.
For more info on the Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0 TD, check out Coachmen’s website by clicking here.
3. TAXA Outdoors Cricket
Quick Specs
- Cost: $43,514 – $48,247
- Length: 15 Feet
- Exterior Closed Height / Width: 6 Feet 11 Inches / 6 Feet 7 Inches
- Dry Weight: 1,753 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
Similar to the above Coachmen Clipper Express 9.0 TD, the TAXA Outdoors Cricket offers a lower profile while still providing a good amount of interior space.
Because like the Clipper Express 9.0 TD, the Cricket offers a semi-pop-top design that expands the living space and walkability of the camper.
Providing an easy-to-use pop-top that increases the interior height to 6 feet 10 inches.
Allowing you to easily walk around inside the camper.
TAXA Outdoors Cricket Floorplan
There’s more to this TAXA Outdoors trailer though than just its unique pop-top though.
As the camper also offers a very distinctive angular design, which provides not only a sleek look but also practicality to the trailer.
In addition, the TAXA Cricket also offers a versatile interior that can accommodate up to four people at a time.
Making it the only camper on this list that can fit inside a standard garage and offer a four-person sleeping capacity.
Be prepared to pay for all this versatility and capability though.
As the Cricket is one of the most expensive small lightweight campers you can buy that will fit in a garage, with a price range of $43,514 to $48,247, depending on options.
To find out more about the TAXA Outdoors Cricket and for ordering and sales information, check out TAXA Outdoor’s website by clicking here.
Final Thoughts on Storing an R-Pod in a Garage
When storing a travel trailer, finding one that can fit inside a garage is the holly grail of RV storage.
As it provides tremendous convenience and cost savings, allowing you to avoid expensive RV lot storage.
Unfortunately, as this blog post has shown, finding a travel trailer that can be stored inside a garage is extremely rare.
As most standard travel trailers, including the Forest River R-Pod, with the exception of the smallest teardrop, cannot be stored in a garage.
Due mostly to their exterior height, but in the case of larger models, also their length and width.
So if you’re looking for an RV that will fit in a garage, beyond the ones we’ve already mentioned, your best bet is going to be extra small RVs, such as teardrop campers and pop-ups.
As these ultra-compact RVs will usually be short enough and narrow enough to fit inside a standard garage.
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