Optimum garage Size

[Tonard Bales]

I have a permit to build a stand alone garage in my yard that I will eventually use to build an RV (probably a 9A). The current plans are for an interior of 18 feet wide by 22 feet long. Will this suffice? I know bigger is better but I am looking for the smallest space without compromising the actual build process. Thanks

[DickDe]

You will do it in that space if that is the best you can do. I built in a space 20 X 22 and did not have much excess space. Storage for completed components was the problem especially when you still need those components handy for fitting. Hanging racks from rafters to store completed parts and standing a kit shipping crate on end with the lid hinged as a door (like a closet) for storing raw kit parts worked for me. Wall shelving just below the ceiling above the doors & windows helped (also made from Vans crates). A friend built two RV's in a single stall garage and had a more severe case of the same problem so it is being done. I believe organizing the "stuff" becomes critical with smaller facilities but don't let it deter you from building. I had to remind myself the goal is to build a plane and NOT a workshop. Good luck.

Dick DeCramer
N500DD RV6 flying
RV8 wings
Northfield, MN

[terrykohler]

Nick Seraphinoff, an EAA Tech Counselor from Michigan, built two Thorpes and three RV6s in a one (not 1.5) car garage. Nick's house is about 800 square feet and has no basement. I believe from that same garage also came a Vollmer Sportsman and two or three other aircraft. The RVs were the only kit built AC and were all slow builds. All others were plans built.

Nick's last project (an RV6) was completed in 2004 and made its initial flight on his 85th birthday. When I notified Van's of the launch of my 9A and noted Nick's participation, Richard VanGrunsven wrote that he had met Nick and his Thorpe at EAA when the annual gathering was held in Rockford.

Nick was my initial contact with EAA and the main reason I decided that I could take on and complete such a project. Every few months when I'd get bogged down during building, Nick was always around to remind me "it's just an airplane". Interestingly, Nick did not come from an aviation background, but spent most of his life working in maintenance at Detroit's Wayne State University. I don't think he spent too much time watching TV.
Terry
RV9A
N323TP

[rv72004]

Bottom line; The bigger the garage the easier it is . Do not forget the height needed for the tail. EJ

[Mel]

Ann & I built 2 RV-6s side by side in a 20' X 23' garage. This was back in the days when we had to do everything including 2 fuselage jigs. We did modify the jigs to be tapered, but other than that, we had plenty of room. Bottom line, build it as big as you can. You can NEVER have too much space.

[David-aviator]

Go for a six car garage....as you grow up (older) you will need the space for more toys.

[mikehoover]

I was working out of a 10x22 old timey garage and two years ago, accepted the reality that I need more space if I wanted to continue building my RV-9A at my home. I had a new garage built in my backyard. Initially I ordered a 24x24, but inquired about a 24x30 and it was $2 per square foot cheaper so I opted for that. The metal building builders said they like to build in 10 foot units, so the 30 foot length was convenient for them. Glad I did it! I was able to fit both wings at the same time with room on either side to walk around comfortably. Go big, you will be glad you did!
Check it out:
Inside:
http://www.aclog.com/rv-9a/images/Fu...0_DSC_0245.JPG

Outside:
http://www.aclog.com/rv-9a/images/Journal/DCP_2457.JPG

[RV6 Spartanburg, S.C.]

Ok I know this is over the top a little but I built a 26X26 workshop with a 18X18 loft.

Inside:
Pine floors
Three pc. Crown molding
18 recessed lights
TV, phone, sound system
A/C
Security system
Dehumidifier
Refrigerator
Will turn into RV hotel after project is complete.

http://www.rivetbangers.com/g2data/f...ysWorkshop.jpg

[WSBuilder]

Sorry, I just learned how to post these.

[kevinsky18]

"if" I had to build an RV in a single car garage then I could make it happen.

But!

You are talking about building a garage, you have the choice to go bigger. And when it comes to shop space go as big as you possibly can afford and the property limits will allow.

Space is like horsepower, you can never have too much. And nobody ever says, "I've got too much space." or "My shop is just too big I don't know how I'm going to fill it."

Yes single will work but really double is better and if I was custom building a garage for myself I wouldn't go any smaller than a three car garage.