RV gate and fence gate installation
In a county full of trailers, side-by-sides and boats headed for Sand Hollow, a good RV gate gets used constantly. Build it to take it.
An RV gate is often the biggest single piece of a St. George fence job. Lots of homeowners here park a travel trailer, boat or off-road toy in the side yard, and that means a gate wide enough to back through without clipping a post. It also means a lot of weight hanging off the hinge side.
Types of gates
- Double swing RV gates. Two leaves meeting in the middle, with a drop rod to hold one side closed.
- Single wide swing gates. Fewer moving parts, but they need a lot of clear space to swing.
- Rolling or sliding gates. Good on sloped driveways or where there's no room to swing.
- Walk gates. Usually 3 to 4 feet for people, mowers and trash cans.
Why do big gates sag?
- Light hinge posts. Vinyl posts without steel reinforcement can't carry a wide gate for long. Steel posts or block pilasters do better.
- Frames that rack. Wide vinyl and wood gates need a steel or aluminum frame inside or behind them.
- Hinges and latches that are too small. Heavy-duty hinges, a drop rod and a positive latch keep wind from slamming the gate.
- Footing movement. If the hinge post shifts in wet clay or washed-out soil, the gate falls out of line.
Planning the opening
Measure your widest vehicle and its mirrors, and think about the turn from the street or driveway, not just the straight-in width. Check the slope: a gate that swings uphill will drag. Make sure the opening clears water meter boxes and electrical equipment, which St. George's fence code requires fences to stay several feet away from.
Walk gates and pets
Self-closing hinges and a latch out of a toddler's reach keep kids and dogs in. If a gate opens to a pool area, it may have to meet the pool barrier rules.
Pricing comes from the contractor after they've measured the run, looked at the ground, the grade between lots and the gates you want, and talked through materials. We don't quote prices, and any figure given over the phone before someone has seen the yard is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How wide should an RV gate be?
Wide enough for your rig plus room to maneuver, which depends on the approach angle. Measure the trailer and mirrors and walk the turn with the contractor.
Can a sagging vinyl RV gate be fixed?
Often, with a steel frame or reinforced hinge post and heavier hardware. If the gate is cracked or badly racked, replacing it with a framed gate is usually better.
Related services
More background: St. George fence guide.
Bare backyard, broken vinyl or a gate that won't latch?
Call the number above and a local fence contractor will come look at the job and quote it directly.