Why Smaller, Garageable RVs Are Gaining Ground in Travel and Housing Trends
A garageable Class B campervan parked inside a residential garage, illustrating how compact RVs can comply with HOA parking requirements.
A compact Class B campervan parked inside a standard residential garage, reflecting the growing demand for RV-compatible living in HOA communities.
A compact Class B campervan fitting inside a standard residential garage, illustrating how garageable RVs align with HOA parking requirements and everyday living.
New townhomes under construction at Siesta Hills in Mankato, Minnesota, reflecting growing demand for HOA communities designed around flexible garage space.
The Siesta Hills HOA clubhouse in Mankato, Minnesota, serves as a central gathering space supporting community events, fitness, and amenity-focused living.
Housing patterns, HOA living, and rising ownership costs are driving interest in smaller, garageable RVs that integrate more easily into everyday life.
Industry observers note a recurring ownership pattern: many RV buyers initially choose large motorhomes drawn by interior space and amenities, only to downsize later after experiencing storage challenges, operating costs, and limited day-to-day practicality. In contrast, compact and micro Class B campervans are now being selected earlier in the ownership journey as buyers prioritize flexibility and long-term usability.
A key driver behind this shift is total cost of ownership. While purchase price often dominates buying decisions, long-term expenses such as fuel consumption, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and storage play a significant role. Larger RVs frequently require off-site storage, incur higher operating costs, and see limited annual use—factors that can significantly increase cost per mile traveled.
Housing trends are also influencing RV decisions in meaningful ways. Homeowner associations (HOAs) continue to expand nationwide, particularly in suburban and amenity-focused communities. While these neighborhoods offer structure, shared amenities, and low-maintenance living, they often restrict driveway or street parking for RVs. As a result, garage compatibility has become an increasingly important consideration when choosing both a home and a recreational vehicle.
Smaller, garageable RVs integrate more naturally into these environments. Designed to be stored indoors, compact campervans allow homeowners to retain RV ownership without relying on paid storage facilities or conflicting with neighborhood parking rules. This compatibility has made small and micro RV formats especially appealing to homeowners who want to balance community living with travel freedom.
Travel habits themselves are also evolving. Many travelers now favor shorter, more frequent trips rather than infrequent, long-duration journeys that require extensive planning. Vehicles that can serve multiple roles—daily transportation, weekend travel, and extended touring—support this shift more effectively than larger motorhomes that often remain parked between trips.
From an industry perspective, these factors point to a broader redefinition of value in RV ownership. Comfort and capability are increasingly measured not by size, but by efficiency, ease of storage, and how well a vehicle fits into everyday life. Compact and garageable RVs reflect this change by offering mobility without excess and travel without logistical friction.
“Over time, many buyers discover that RV ownership works best when it fits seamlessly into how they live at home and how they prefer to travel,” said David Mellon of DLM-Distribution. “Smaller, garageable designs are gaining attention because they align with housing realities, community rules, and evolving travel preferences.”
As housing and travel patterns continue to intersect, the growing interest in small, compact, and micro RVs signals a lasting shift—one driven less by aspiration and more by practicality, flexibility, and thoughtful design.
David Mellon
DLM-Distribution
+1 651-285-7089
email us here
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