Because you won’t be using your RV throughout the year, you must find a safe storage place. Some people store RVs in their homes. Others rent out space from a storage company. If you have never given either option a try, we will explain the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed choice.
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Where to Store an RV at Home
There is no safer storage solution for most RV owners than in your own backyard, driveway, or even garage (if the RV is small). Using your home as a storage place for your RV is very economical. You don’t have to pay a single coin. And here is the best part, you get to see your most prized possession every single day. As great as storing an RV in your home is, some complications may arise in the long run. Here’s what you can expect when you keep an RV in your home, more so in the following areas:
1. Driveway
If you pass by the homes of some RV owners, the first thing that will draw your attention is a camper towering over everything else on the driveway. Not that such people are advertising their RVs, but the driveway is usually big enough to accommodate an RV. Having an RV on your driveway is quite convenient because you can use it whenever you want. You don’t have to worry about picking it up from a storage facility or dropping it off. Plus, it’s free.
Storing your RV on the driveway isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Things can get pretty ugly. First, your community may have restrictions against storing an RV on the driveway. Those found guilty could be fined or risk having their car towed. The other drawback is exposure to the weather. These elements can have adverse side effects in the long term. Depending on your neighborhood’s safety, there may be some security concerns.
2. Garage
Garages are a little bit safer. But, how many recreational vehicles can fit in a garage? You can store your RV in a garage, only if it’s big enough. A two-car garage can fit a small size RV. There must also be sufficient headroom.
If you can get your RV to fit in your garage, that can save you a lot of money. Unlike the driveway, garages are more secure. If yours isn’t, now is the time to implement more advanced security measures. The other thing you don’t have to worry about other than vandalism is the effects of the weather. When your RV is in the garage, it is sheltered from the weather.
There is one main disadvantage of storing an RV in a garage: limited space. Most homes have a tiny garage that can only fit one or two cars. Most people don’t even have enough space to park an SUV. You can imagine what will happen if you attempt to put an RV inside there.
3. Backyard
When you ask about RV storage space, most people think about their backyards as the best place. If you have a big backyard, there would be nothing wrong with choosing this storage option. It will eliminate the fees you will have paid for professional storage facilities. When you have your RV packed in your backyard, you can take it for a ride at any time.
Like parking an RV in the driveway, you may face homeowners’ association restrictions. Also, weather and security can be an issue, not unless you build a parking pad for your RV.
4. Personal storage unit
For folks who love the RV lifestyle, building a special garage is a great idea. Owning an RV is a long-term investment. A garage can help protect this investment. Now, the thing about building an RV garage is that it’s a great idea only if you are building a new home from scratch. This way, you can incorporate this plan into your overall home design. For already existing homes, the construction will be a bit complicated.
Building an RV garage may require a lot of money initially. However, in the long term, you will have saved a lot of money that would have ended up paying for storage solutions. We also have the security aspect. If the garage is well-built, your RV will be free from burglary and weather effects.
You will need adequate space to build an RV garage. This may be impractical if you are living in urban areas. Secondly, designing, building, and remodeling your home to create a garage will cost more. If building an RV garage seems like a lot of work, you can widen your driveway. This is more economical. But, you will have to confirm with your local state laws to avoid being penalized.
What About Storing at an RV Self-Storage Facility?
After going through the above, it should be clear whether storing your RV at home is a great or terrible idea. That is a decision you will have to make at the end of the day. Depending on your current situation, if storing an RV at home doesn’t sound ideal, you can always utilize RV self-storage facilities.
When you visit an RV self-storage facility near you, you will be asked to choose from the following options.
1. Outdoor RV Storage
In most RV storage grounds, you will find this as the go-to option. An outdoor RV storage is more of an open yard where you will find people storing RVs, campers, and trailers. Outdoor storage is the cheapest in this category, and it is the solution most facilities provide.
Even though leaving your RV in an open storage yard might not sound like a great thing to do. It has many advantages. The first benefit is that there is no limit on size. No matter how big or small your RV is, it should fit easily. The other benefit is in regards to cost. Outdoor storage solutions are cheap and are the most commonly offered service. When you store your RV in a facility, you are guaranteed maximum security. Should anything get lost or damaged, the providers of this service will be liable.
There is only one disadvantage of outdoor RV storage – weather. There being nothing to shelter your RV, it will be under the sun all day long.
2. Covered RV Storage
Before we even get started with covered RV storage, you need to know that it is not the same as indoor RV storage. A covered RV storage is just like the outdoor one, only that it is sheltered. With this option, there is no limit on size. You can store any RV, no matter the size. They are not usually costly. They can cost slightly more than outdoor RV storage. Because a storage company is offering these services, your RV should be secure at all times. The cover will protect it from the elements of the weather.
Covered RV storage facilities will never be like the indoor options. Some elements of the weather will still pass through. This includes humidity, heat, and coldness.
3. Indoor RV Storage
When you compare this to the above storage solutions, indoors is the safest place to store your RV. With this option, it is safe from weather and vandalism. Some facilities use security cameras, and others even allocate you an enclosed space with a unit lock. Moving on to weather, if you want, you can get a storage facility with climate control.
Despite the many perks of indoor RV storage. It is the most expensive in this category. The other issue may be space. Not all storage facilities will accommodate a big RV.
Tips on Storing an RV
There are usually two main choices when it comes to storing an RV. Either keep it at home or pay for a storage facility. As you have seen above, both options have their pros and cons. Whatever option you go with, you must familiarize yourself with the proper modes of storing an RV. They include;
- Always park the RV on a flat surface. If you leave it parked at an angle, there is a chance that there won’t be even weight distribution.
- Make use of wheel blocks and tires. If you are parking the RV on a slope, use a set of wheel blocks. This will keep the RV intact.
- Ensure that the RV is not blocking the views of your neighbors. They can report you.
- If we are heading towards, you must winterize the RV. Pay more attention to the pumping and drainage. Do not forget about the engine as well. Our some antifreeze in the windshield washer.
- Increase the security measures of your premises even if your neighborhood doesn’t have many cases of insecurity. Things can always take a dark turn.
Conclusion
The choice of where you should store your RV can be a bit overwhelming. But, once you weigh out the pros and cons, it should be easy for you to know which option is better.
