5 Best RV Storage Options for Protection
Different types of RV storage – enclosed, indoor, covered, and parking spaces – offer varying levels of protection and affordability for your RV, safeguarding it from elements and ensuring longevity.
An integral part of recreational vehicle (RV) ownership is understanding how to store these vehicles when they are not in use.
Various types of storage options cater to different needs, providing benefits that ensure the longevity of your RV and make your life easier when it’s time to hit the road again.
RV storage refers to the practice of safely keeping your travel trailer or motorhome when it’s not being used.
Whether it’s during off-seasons, between trips, or simply a period when you’re not traveling, proper storage helps protect your RV from various elements such as weather conditions, vandalism, and even unwanted pests.
By choosing the right storage solution, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear, extending your RV’s lifespan and maintaining its value.
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Enclosed RV Storage
Let’s begin by looking at the enclosed RV storage, which is often considered the premium option in RV storage.
Enclosed RV storage offers a dedicated space for your RV, similar to a garage.
It provides complete protection from the elements as it fully encloses your RV, shielding it from rain, snow, sun, wind, and more.
The enclosed structure also offers an added layer of security against theft and vandalism, making it an ideal choice for high-end RV models.
Benefits and Considerations for Enclosed RV Storage
The primary benefit of enclosed RV storage is the superior protection it offers.
Sheltering your RV from the elements prevents issues like paint fading, tire damage, and water leaks.
Additionally, the increased security reduces the risk of theft or vandalism.
However, enclosed storage tends to be the most expensive option due to the high levels of protection and privacy it provides.
Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the cost against the benefits and your budget when considering this type of storage.
Indoor RV Storage
Next on our list is indoor RV storage, a popular choice for those seeking significant protection without the cost of an enclosed unit.
Indoor RV storage involves storing your RV inside a shared indoor space, like a large warehouse.
While your RV won’t have its own private unit, it will still be protected from weather conditions.
Benefits and Considerations for Indoor RV Storage
Indoor storage presents many advantages, including protection from harsh weather and temperature fluctuations, which can lead to cracking and warping of materials. It further keeps your RV clean from dust and debris.
On the downside, since your RV isn’t in its own dedicated space, there might be less privacy and the potential for minor dings or scratches from other vehicles.
However, compared to enclosed storage, it’s usually more affordable, making it a great choice for those with budget constraints.
Covered RV Storage
Moving forward, let’s discuss covered RV storage, a perfect middle-ground between protection and affordability.
Covered RV storage, as the name suggests, involves parking your RV under a roof-like structure.
This type of storage doesn’t offer full enclosure, but the covering does provide some level of protection from the elements.
Benefits and Considerations for Covered RV Storage
Covered storage offers better protection than open-air parking spaces, especially against sun damage and precipitation.
It’s also generally more affordable than both enclosed and indoor storage, making it a popular choice among RV owners.
However, since the sides are open, your RV might still be exposed to wind, dust, and pests. Therefore, you might want to consider using RV covers for additional protection.
Parking Spaces
Lastly, let’s explore the most affordable yet least protective option – RV parking spaces.
RV parking spaces are exactly what they sound like – designated spots in a parking lot where you can park your RV.
These spaces offer no protection from the elements, but they do provide a secure location to keep your vehicle.
Benefits and Considerations for RV Parking Spaces
RV parking spaces are typically the most budget-friendly option available, making them an excellent choice for those who don’t need high levels of protection.
They also provide easy access to your vehicle, allowing for last-minute trips or routine maintenance.
However, these spaces leave your RV completely exposed to all weather conditions, potentially leading to faster degradation.
Therefore, investing in a good quality RV cover is advisable if you opt for this type of storage.
Tips on How to Store Your RV
Beyond selecting the right storage type, there are several other factors to consider to ensure your RV remains in top shape.
Importance of Storing Slides in
While it may seem like a good idea to leave your slides out to create more space, this can lead to potential problems.
When left extended for long periods, slides can become damaged due to weather exposure. Always remember to store your RV with the slides in to avoid unnecessary repair costs.
Potential Damages from Incorrect Storage
Improper RV storage can lead to numerous issues, including tire flat-spotting, roof leaks, battery drains, and pest infestations.
It’s crucial to follow proper storage procedures to minimize the risk of damage.
This includes cleaning and drying your RV thoroughly, covering or storing removable items separately, and performing regular maintenance before storing your RV for an extended period.
How do I get more storage in my travel trailer?
To get more storage in your travel trailer, you can utilize multi-purpose furniture, install overhead and under-the-bed storage compartments, use wall-mounted racks for smaller items, and consider external storage solutions such as cargo carriers or bicycle racks.
Is it OK to store your RV outside?
Yes, it is okay to store your RV outside, however, it’s recommended to use a quality RV cover to protect it from elements like sun, rain, snow, and dust which could potentially damage the exterior and interior over time.
How do you store a camper when not in use?
To store a camper when not in use, you should thoroughly clean it inside and out, empty and clean all tanks, remove perishables, disconnect the battery, cover the RV to protect it from weather, and consider using a stabilizer to prevent tire damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is climate controlled RV storage?
Climate-controlled RV storage is an indoor, fully enclosed facility that regulates temperature and relative humidity to protect recreational vehicles from extreme heat, freezing, and moisture damage. These facilities typically maintain temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and keep humidity below 50 percent. This controlled environment stops mold growth, protects sensitive electronic components, and prevents rubber gaskets or seals from drying out. It provides the highest level of physical and environmental protection available for an RV.
What does covered RV storage protect against compared to open parking?
Covered RV storage protects a recreational vehicle from ultraviolet sun damage, direct rainfall, falling tree debris, and hail. The overhead roof blocks UV rays that oxidize exterior paint, degrade fiberglass gel coats, and crack roof sealant. While the open sides leave the rig exposed to ambient temperature swings and wind-blown dust, covered parking prevents water pooling on the roof. This option significantly reduces the likelihood of leaks without the high rental fees of enclosed indoor units.
How do I prepare an RV for winter outdoor storage?
Preparing an RV for winter outdoor storage requires draining all water lines, adding non-toxic antifreeze, disconnecting batteries, and sealing all exterior entry points. Start by draining the fresh water tank and water heater, then pump RV-grade propylene glycol antifreeze through every faucet and toilet trap. Disconnect the house and chassis batteries and store them on a trickle charger inside a garage. Finally, cover exterior appliance vents with fine mesh screens to keep mice and nesting insects out of the cabin.
How do I prevent flat spots on RV tires during long term storage?
Preventing flat spots on RV tires requires inflating tires to the sidewall maximum cold pressure and parking the vehicle on tire-friendly surfaces or blocks. Park the RV on plastic leveler blocks, rubber mats, or wood planks instead of bare, damp ground or freezing asphalt. If storing the rig for more than six months, unload excess gear to reduce weight and move the vehicle a few feet every four to six weeks to redistribute resting pressure across the tread.
Covered vs uncovered RV storage which is better?
Choosing covered RV storage is far better than choosing uncovered parking because the overhead canopy blocks damaging hail and shields roof sealants from relentless sun exposure. Uncovered storage leaves your rig directly vulnerable to sun bleaching, seam degradation, and roof leaks, leading to higher long-term maintenance costs. Although uncovered lots cost roughly 30 to 50 percent less per month, the added protection of a metal canopy preserves your vehicle’s resale value and extends the lifespan of roof membranes.
How much does indoor RV storage cost per month on average?
Renting indoor RV storage typically costs between $150 and $450 per month, depending on unit size, climate control features, and geographic location. Basic enclosed bays with manual roll-up doors in rural areas often start around $150 to $200 monthly for a 30-foot space. In high-cost urban regions, heated and climate-controlled storage for a 40-foot Class A motorhome can easily reach $400 to $600 per month. Most commercial facilities also require a one-month security deposit upon signing.
What is the biggest mistake people make when storing an RV outdoors?
The biggest mistake people make when storing an RV outdoors is using a cheap, non-breathable plastic tarp instead of a purpose-built, breathable fabric RV cover. Standard blue polyethylene tarps trap rising ground moisture against the exterior walls, creating a humid greenhouse that causes severe mold and mildew growth. Furthermore, loose plastic tarps flap violently in high winds, acting like sandpaper against exterior clear coats and corner trim. Always select a multi-layer polypropylene cover that vents moisture while shedding rain.
Is indoor climate controlled RV storage worth the extra money?
Indoor climate-controlled RV storage is worth the extra investment if you own a high-value motorhome or store your vehicle in regions with severe sub-zero winters or extreme summer humidity. Eliminating extreme temperature fluctuations protects expensive onboard lithium battery banks, luxury woodwork, residential refrigerators, and plumbing seals from cracking or molding. For motorhomes valued over $100,000, avoiding a single roof repair or mold remediation job easily recoups the additional $100 to $200 paid each month for environmental protection.
