When you’re not using your RV, you need to make sure that its is safe. You also want a storage solution where you can have easy access and doesn’t cost a fortune. In this article we will be discussing all the various storage options available:
Storing at an RV Storage Facility
For most people storing your RV at a storage facility will be the most convenient option available. This isn’t as big of a problem as you might think. RV storage facilities have some great benefits. There are a range of options you can choose from, outdoor storage, covered or indoor storage.
Outdoor RV Storage Facilities
Outdoor RV storage is the most cost effective of the options and thus the most common way of storing RVs. This is essentially parking your RV in an outdoor parking space.
Pros
- There is plenty of space available with outdoor storage, and will therefore fit a range of sizes including the large Class A RVs.
- This is the cheapest of all storage options.
- Outdoor storage provides an extra level of security from storing you RV at home.
Cons
- Your RV will be exposed to the elements.
- Even though it is cheap, it’s still a monthly expense.
Outdoor Covered RV Storage
A step up from outdoor storage is the outdoor covered RV storage. The covered parking offers some protection from the weather but will be slightly more expensive.
Pros
- There is plenty of space available as with outdoor storage, and will therefore fit a range of sizes including the large Class A RVs.
- This is still a fairly cheap option, more so than indoor storage.
- Covered storage provides an extra level of security from storing you RV at home.
- Covered storage also offers some protection from the elements.
Cons
- Whilst covered storage offers some protection from the elements, extreme weather won’t be stopped by a roof.
Indoor RV Storage Facilities
Possibly the best storage option for the ultimate protection of your RV is indoor storage. Especially for long-term and winter storage this option shouldn’t be overlooked because of the price.
Pros
- Not only will you get the security of the storage facility, you will get the added protection of a locable enclosed unit.
- You won’t have to worry about the elements with indoor storage, you may even find an indoor unit with climate control.
Cons
- Indoor storage is going to be the most expensive option available, especially if you choose the climate controlled option.
- Obviously you will be limited by space when you choose indoor storage, there may not be enough room to store your 40 foot class A RV.
Covered storage for your RV is great, it helps reduce UV damage from the sun. It also helps keep the rubbish of the roof, not to mention the protection from rain and falling debris.
Indoor or enclosed storage has all the benefits above but it’s has the added benefit of being more climate controlled. You won’t have to worry about winterizing your RV in the colder weather.
What Size Storage Space Will I Need?
This basically depends on the size of your RV. Typically you will fall into one of the following categories:
- Class A motorhomes – You can compare these to the size of a bus, they are the largest of all RVs. On average they are around 33 feet long so would fit into a 35 foot RV storage space.
- Class B motorhomes – these are the smallest of the motorized RV and are onaverage to to 25 feet long.
- Class C motorhomes – These are between class A and B so range from 25 to 33 feet.
- Towable campers – Teardrop campers, pop-up campers, tiny trailers and small fifth wheel trailers are all small enough to fit into the standard RV storage parking space.
- Truck campers – These attach to the top of your camper, and as such will easily fit into the standard RV storage space.
Can I Store My RV Long Term?
Most RV storage solutions are rented on month-to-month contracts. That means you can store your RV for as long or as little as you’d like. If you need long term storage you can usually negotiate terms with the storage company.
How Do You Store an RV?
Storing your RV is different from storing boxes and household items. You’ll need to make sure that it’s in working condition, you’ll also want to make sure that it’s cleaned and serviced before being put into storage. This is also an added bonus for when you want to use it, as you’ll have a nice clean RV to take off in and don’t have to spend a day cleaning first.
Lastly, you need to take steps to protect the engine and battery. You’ll also want to cover your RV to protect the body, if storing outside.
How Much Does RV Storage Cost?
The cost of RV Storage is obviously subject to where you are based, the cost tends to average between $10-$25 per foot. This will be dependent on whether you choose indoor or outdoor and climate controlled or not. For a 30 foot RV thats stored inside with climate control can be up to $700 to $750 per month. Outdoor storage will be significantly cheaper, the same RV could be as little as $150 per month.
Can I Store My RV at Home?
You can always store your RV at home if you have the space. This will save you the monthly storage cost. However, you’ll have to investigate your areas ordinances and HOA agreements if applicable. If you can store your RV at home you might have to apply for permits.
Driveway
The driveway is the most convenient place to store your RV if you have the space. It can have it’s disadvantages though.
Pros
- It’s super convenient, there’s no planning needed you can just take off whenever you want.
- You’ll be able to store your RV for free!
Cons
- There may be homeowners association (HOA) restrictions in your area.
- Your RV won’t be protected from the elements
- Your RV will take up a lot of space on your driveway if not all of it.
- Not as secure as a storage facility.
Garage
If you have a travel trailer or a smaller RV you can keep it in your garage if you have space.
Pros
- It’s super convenient, there’s no planning needed you can just take off whenever you want.
- You’ll be able to store your RV for free!
- Your RV will be more secure in your garage than on the driveway.
- Your RV will be protected from the elements.
Cons
- Obviously you’ll need the space to begin with, but if you store your RV in the garage it’s likely to take most of it up.
Another Option to RV Storage
There is another option you can consider…
I know that this might not be a comforting idea, but neither is the thought of months of storage payments and damage caused by storing your RV.
You can earn a substantial side income from renting out your RV, and keep it running on a regular basis.
Listing your RV is safe and insured and is fast becoming the best vacation option available. You can list your RV for free and renters are verified and must pass an insurance check before they are able to rent.
You’ll also be able to set the pricing, availability and screen any potential renters. You can also decide if you want to let pets into your RV or not.
How Much Can I Earn Renting Out My RV?
Depending on your RV you can earn between $400-$1200 per week. Motorhomes can fetch between $1000-$1,500/week and travel trailers run between $600-$800/week.
What If My RV Gets Damaged?
In the unlikely event that your RV gets damaged, most rental agencies include complete liability coverage, collision and comprehensive, and physical damage cover. This should be at no extra costs to you. Make sure you check this before going ahead.
Where Can I Rent Out My RV?
There are more and more websites popping up now where you can list your RV, the most popular ones are:
Final Thoughts
The best RV Storage option is definitely indoor climate control, but, as with everything this is the most expensive option.
Wherever you decide to store your RV, you can earn some money from it by letting it out for part of the year. We like this option because if you can rent it out for 1 or 2 months of the year you can cover most of the costs of owning an RV. You could even make a profit.
