5 things to consider when choosing an RV storage facility
Published Sep 15, 2023
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Traveling by RV is a spectacular way to explore the world around you. It’s gained popularity over the last few years as there’s better internet connectivity in remote areas, and it’s more commonly accepted to pursue a nomadic life these days. But what happens when you stop traveling and need to store your RV for a while? Not everyone has a large garage or backyard that can accommodate their RV, and some people may even be limited by their city regulations or homeowner’s associations (HOAs). So, how do you decide where and how to store your RV?
We’ve already talked about why you should store your RV professionally, how to prepare your RV for storage, and provided tips on how to store an RV, but what about the RV storage facility itself? What are some attributes that can make or break your RV storage facility?
1. Does the facility have adequate space for your coach?
Only some storage facilities can accommodate every coach all the time. Whether you own a campervan or a class A coach, you’ll want to make sure that the facility you plan to use has plenty of space you need to safely park and access your RV! Take special note of the height of covered storage for larger RVs and plenty of space on all sides so you can safely get your RV in and out of the facility.
2. Check out the security situation
The safety and security of your RV are of the utmost importance when it comes to finding a storage facility. When you consider the weight of your investment in the vehicle itself, not to mention the countless hours of fun and memories made on the road, your RV is likely as precious to you as your brick-and-mortar home.
You’ll want to keep your usual security measures in place no matter what kind of storage facility you choose, including locks, cameras, and tracking, if desired, but it’s also worth looking into what your RV storage facility offers in terms of additional security.
Common security measures you may find at an RV storage facility include locking gates attached to owner key fobs or passcodes, a full-time guard, and/or closed-captioned television (CCTV) remote monitoring. If you find all three of these things - secure gate, manned facility, and CCTV monitoring - you can sleep comfortably knowing that your RV is safe. If you find none or only one or two of these things, consider another RV storage facility option or weigh the risks vs. benefits of storing your RV at that location.
3. Convenient access for RV owners
Limited access is important from a security standpoint, but you also want to make sure that you’re able to get to your property when you want or need it without a huge hassle. Whether you want to check on your RV while it’s in storage or you’re planning an upcoming road trip, you may need access to your coach. Some facilities may allow you to begin road trip prep while the RV is still in storage, which is a great perk, while others may limit access time.
It’s entirely up to your unique preferences, but you’ll want to make sure you choose a facility that offers the access options you need. Some allow you to access your storage slot any time of day or night with a key fob or passcode, while others only offer access during normal business hours. You very well may find yourself weighing the importance of convenience of access against security measures in some cases, as the risks/costs for the storage facility to maintain security may mean that they can’t guarantee all-hours access for owners.
4. RV storage parking: Indoors vs. outdoors
There are some climates that are simply not conducive to parking your RV in an open-air parking spot. The southwest USA and the southeast USA come to mind immediately for different reasons. The southwest USA is dry and hot, and the sun bears down for days on end with no relief. This can cause seals in your RV to crack, paint to fade, and layers of dust to build up on the exterior.
By contrast, the southeast USA is hot and humid for many months of the year. The mugginess can facilitate mold growth and leaks that can lead to damage to your RV. If your storage facility experiences rainy seasons or flooding frequently, your RV will also be susceptible to floors.
Climates that experience temperature extremes, whether hot or cold, will translate to associated costs and wear and tear on the RV, so that may be an additional reason to consider an indoor, climate-controlled storage facility, if available and possible.
In general, climate-controlled indoor storage is preferable to outdoor storage for at least the reasons listed above, but it’s not always possible to find or afford an indoor storage facility. If you end up choosing an outdoor storage facility, it may be helpful for you to find one that has covered parking for RVs to minimize the risks of weather/temperature exposure and costs associated with them.
5. Additional RV owner perks
As RVing has exploded in popularity over the last few years, it’s also become increasingly en-vogue for storage facilities, campsites, and other resources to cater more specifically to RV owners. Some things you may want to prioritize during your hunt for the perfect RV storage facility include concierge services for owners, electric hookups, access to water, relationships with vendors who provide housecleaning or other services, and free wireless internet or other perks. Don’t be surprised to find that many RV storage facilities offer a whole lot more than simply storage!
Ready to take on the world by RV?
We know that purchasing an RV is a big decision, no matter what size you want or where you plan to store it. That’s why our friendly and knowledgeable staff here at Transwest is eager to help you choose from the highest quality motorhomes from top manufacturers. Find a location near you today, or browse our online inventory and let our experts help you find the perfect RV.
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