Understanding RV Storage Spaces

Owning an RV can be fantastic. You get to travel the open road, stay in beautiful campgrounds, and visit national parks and big cities alike. However, you need to store your RV somewhere in between trips.

You might consider parking your RV on the street outside your home. However many urban areas have traffic laws against that, and you don’t need expensive tickets piling up on your windshield. You may also consider parking it in your driveway, but many neighborhood HOA rules forbid this. Additionally, parking your RV on the street or in your driveway leaves your vehicle vulnerable to theft.

Fortunately, there are many storage facilities where you can keep your RV safe. Here are the different types of RV storage you can expect:

Enclosed Vehicle Storage

An enclosed RV storage unit is like your own garage away from home. You’ll want to make sure to get one that’s big enough for your RV. Once you’ve rented the unit and you’re ready to park your ride there, you’ll roll up the door and park it in a private, walled space. You can then roll down and lock the door. Often, electrical outlets are available with this type of storage, allowing you to charge your RV’s battery with a trickle charger. This is the most expensive option, but only you will have access to your vehicle, and it will be protected from the elements. You won’t have to worry about weather damage from sun, snow, rain, wind, or hail.

Indoor Vehicle Storage

This is nearly as good as enclosed storage. Instead of parking your RV in a private unit, however, you’ll park it in a large hangar or warehouse, along with other vehicles.

Your RV will have protection from all sorts of weather, and the space will cost less than privately enclosed storage.

Covered Vehicle Storage

This sort of storage consists of rows of covered parking. Basically, each unit is similar to a garage with no door. Some will have full walls between vehicles, and some won’t.

These facilities can still be quite nice and have good security. Your RV will have a roof above it, though it will still have some weather exposure. It probably won’t get a lot of sun, but can get pelted with rain, snow, and even hail, depending on which way the wind is blowing.

Outdoor Parking Space

If you’re not too worried about weather, or you really need to watch your budget, consider facilities that offer spaces in a large parking lot. Make sure the facility has a stone or concrete wall, gated access, plus camera security and alarms. You’ll be assigned an outdoor space.

The cost will be lower than any other type of RV storage, but your vehicle will be exposed to the weather. We strongly recommend getting a cover for your RV if you opt for uncovered, outdoor storage.

Weighing Your Options

Once you know what’s available in your area, you’re going to have to decide based on what you can afford, how secure you want your RV to be, and how protected you need it to be from the elements.

Other considerations include distance from home, positive reviews, and hours open.

When storing your RV in the winter in an area that is very cold, always winterize it. This will protect the engine, pipes, and so on so that your vehicle will be in good shape when you retrieve it in spring or summer.