Concrete RV Pad Requirements: Size, Thickness & Cost Guide

What Size Concrete Pad Do I Need for an RV?

A concrete RV pad should be at least 12 feet wide by 40 feet long (480 sq ft minimum). For larger Class A motorhomes, go 14x45 feet or larger. The pad must be 6 inches thick with rebar reinforcement to handle the weight—RVs can weigh 15,000-30,000 pounds.

RV Pad Size Requirements

RV Type	Minimum Pad Size	Recommended Size
Travel Trailer (20-25 ft)	10x30 ft	12x35 ft
Fifth Wheel (25-35 ft)	12x40 ft	14x45 ft
Class C Motorhome	12x35 ft	14x40 ft
Class A Motorhome	14x45 ft	16x50 ft

Pro tip: Add 2-4 feet on each side for walking room, hookup access, and slide-outs.

Thickness and Reinforcement

RV pads require heavy-duty specs:

• Thickness: 6 inches minimum (not 4 inches like driveways)
• Concrete strength: 4000 PSI minimum
• Reinforcement: #4 rebar on 18-inch centers, both directions
• Base: 6 inches compacted gravel

A standard 4-inch driveway WILL crack under RV weight. Don't cut corners on thickness.

RV Pad Cost Breakdown

Pad Size	Square Feet	Estimated Cost
10x30 ft	300 sq ft	$3,000-$4,500
12x40 ft	480 sq ft	$4,500-$6,500
14x45 ft	630 sq ft	$5,500-$8,000
16x50 ft	800 sq ft	$7,000-$10,000

Costs include 6-inch thickness, rebar, and proper base prep. Prices vary by location.

Slope Requirements

RV pads need slight slope for drainage:

• 1-2% slope away from any structures
• Too flat = water pooling under RV
• Too steep = RV feels unlevel inside

Most RVs have leveling jacks, but starting level makes setup easier.

Utility Hookups to Plan For

Consider these before pouring:

• Electrical: 30 or 50 amp outlet location
• Water: Frost-free spigot placement
• Sewer: Cleanout or dump station access
• Conduit: Run PVC under slab for future wiring

It's much cheaper to install conduit during the pour than to cut concrete later.

Permit Requirements

Many areas require permits for RV pads:

• Check local zoning for RV parking rules
• Some HOAs prohibit visible RV storage
• Setback requirements may apply
• Impervious surface limits in some areas

We can help navigate permit requirements in the Charlotte area.

Key Takeaways

• Minimum size: 12x40 feet for most RVs
• Thickness: 6 inches (not 4)
• Reinforcement: Rebar required, not optional
• Cost: $4,000-$10,000 depending on size
• Plan utility hookup locations before pouring

Ready to build your RV pad? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We build heavy-duty pads designed for the weight and use patterns of recreational vehicles.