Getting More Space: Parking Large Vehicles Near Airports

I know someone who was traveling with a family in his large pickup truck and had to pay $50 extra charges as oversized vehicle surcharges. He paid and was still unable to adequately fit his truck in the assigned parking space. The vehicle stayed there for a whole week, and the whole time, the guy was frustrated. Most of the trip, he was feeling anxious that someone would hit his truck since a part of its back was outside the space boundary. 
This whole thing could have been avoided if he had gone for the selection of a facility that accommodates large pickup trucks. 

His mistake was simply assuming that all parking (airport and offsite facilities) accommodates large SUVs and trucks equally and that there’s no need to do separate planning.  He booked without even verifying the space dimensions and had to pay extra charges along with all the stress he had along his trip. 

You could be someone who has a full-size SUV, a pickup truck, or even a passenger van. OR any type of vehicle that exceeds the standard dimensions of parking spaces, a strategy for large vehicle parking will enable you to locate a parking space that will be appropriate and will accommodate your vehicle without burdening you with an extra fee and allowing you to park with the same benefits and protection. 

As someone who has been in the parking business for some time, I have asked and tested multiple parking facilities where large SUVs and pickup trucks are parked. I have asked about the ideal dimensions required to accommodate these large modes of transport and have noted down some features required for a parking facility to be ideal in the eyes of customers having big vehicles. I have written down this simple but highly important blog that will help travellers in parking for oversized vehicles near the airport.

Understanding Parking Classification of Large Vehicles 

Airport parking facilities tend to classify their vehicles in a different manner. This affects where travelers can park and what they have to pay for their parking. 

Large Vehicle Category and Its Definition.

The following are the dimensions for the average vehicles at the parking facilities. 

• The length of the vehicle should be 16 to 18 feet.
• The vehicle’s width is under 6 to 7 feet.
• The height of the vehicle must be under 6 to 7 feet. 
• Typical examples of this category include sedans, coupes, and small SUVs. This also includes compact crossovers. 

Categories of Large Vehicles 

• Large vehicles include crossovers and SUVs.
• The length of the vehicle should be 16 to 21 feet.
• The width should be around 6.5 to 7.5 feet.
• The vehicle’s height is 6 to 7 feet. This is without the roof cargo. 
• Typical examples of large vehicles include the Chevrolet Suburban, the GMC Yukon XL, and the Ford Expedition.

 
Pickup Trucks Category

• Pickup trucks' length should be 17 to 22 feet. (The extended can configuration)
• The width comes at 6.5 to 8 feet.
• The height of pickup trucks should be 6 to 7 feet. This also includes cargo considerations.
• The best examples are the Silverado 1500/2500, RAM 1500/2500, and Ford F-150/250.

Passenger Vans 

• The length of passenger vans is 17 to 20 feet.
• The width of passenger vans is normally 6.5 to 7 feet.
• The height ranges from 7 to 9 feet. This is for extended roof models.
• The best examples are Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, and Mercedes Sprinter.

Evaluation of Facilities Based on Large Vehicle Parking 

The strategic selection of a parking facility will help you make sure your large vehicle gets sufficient parking space without the risk of damage or extra charges. 

Assessment of Space Dimensions

Dimensions of Standard Space Parking

• A standard parking space can be 8 to 9 feet wide.
• The length of such a space would be 16 to 18 feet.
• This space is adequate for sedans, small SUVs, and compact vehicles. 

Space Requirements for Large Vehicles

• When it comes to large vehicles, the minimum width is 9 to 10 feet to ensure there’s door opening space. 
• The length of large vehicles is usually 20 to 22 feet for full-size trucks and SUVs.
• Large vehicles also require extra space for maneuvering during parking and exiting. 

Questions to Ask the Facility Before Parking 

Before parking your large vehicle in the parking lot, it is important to ask some important questions of the facility. 

• Ask them about the dimensions of the standard parking space.
• Ask them if they have space available for oversized vehicles.
• Ask them if they could comfortably accommodate your vehicle.
• Ask them about any extra charges in case of parking oversized vehicles.

Facility Features that Actively Accommodate Large Vehicle Parking 

• Special reserved parking spaces for large vehicles.
• The spaces at the facilities are wider and arranged keeping large trucks and SUVs in mind.
• There are pull-through spaces for RVs and trucks.
• The staff members of the parking facility are experienced in handling large SUVs and trucks. 

Positive Green Flags of Parking Facilities with Large Car Parking

• Their website explicitly mentions accommodating large vehicles.
• There are multiple positive reviews from owners of trucks and SUVs praising the parking.
• Some photos are available of SUVs and pickup trucks parked at the facility’s spaces.
• Policies regarding oversized vehicles are present on the website. 

Here’s the thing: when it comes to big SUVs, pickup trucks, and RVs, a proactive approach is required for choosing the best parking space provider and saving yourself from worry and extra money.