An often overlooked expense of owning an RV is the cost of storage. You didn’t pay all that money for your fancy rig to park it in a sketchy spot, did you? It’s reassuring knowing your baby’s in good hands when you’re not around to keep an eye on it.
Unfortunately, some facilities charge a pretty penny to store your camper with them. However, the peace of mind these establishments provide can be worth every cent for many owners.
Today, we’ll look at how much you should budget for RV storage.
Let’s check it out!
Why Would I Need RV Storage?
While storing your rig on your property may be more convenient, it’s not always possible. This is especially true if you own a large RV. Your driveway or the roads to your residence may not accommodate your home on wheels. In this instance, you’ll have to park it elsewhere when not using it.
However, you may run into issues even if you have the space or can maneuver your rig to your home. Many communities, especially Homeowners Associations (HOA), have rules and regulations prohibiting campers and trailers. They may allow short-term loading and unloading, but overnight or extended parking could land you in hot water.
What Options Do I Have For RV Storage?
Luckily, several options are available for RV owners needing storage for their campers. Which one is best for you and your rig will depend on your situation and how much you’re willing to spend. Benefits and disadvantages exist no matter which one you pick, so choose carefully.
Outdoor Storage
One of the most popular and cheap options is outdoor RV storage. These spots are readily available at professional self-service facilities. Some establishments create these locations to take advantage of unused or undeveloped space. They typically offer security through cameras and locked gates.
Motorhomes stored at outdoor sites sit exposed to the elements. This can lead to increased wear and tear and more frequent maintenance. If you choose this option, you’ll want to regularly inspect roof and exterior seals. While this kind of storage will cost less per month, you might spend more fixing external damage to your RV.
Covered Storage
If you want more shelter for your recreational vehicle, covered storage is worth considering. This’ll be slightly more expensive than outdoor options but offers more protection. As a result, you can worry less about rain, hail, snow, and the sun potentially damaging your investment.
Some covered locations also offer electrical hookups. Typically, this is for keeping batteries topped off and isn’t a full 50- or 30-amp connection. However, some facilities provide amenities like water and sewer connections but come at a premium price.
Indoor Storage
Indoor storage is the highest level of security for storing a camper. This is a fully enclosed, climate-controlled space in warehouses and large facilities. Your RV will be safe from theft, vandalism, and other potential hazards. You can have confidence your investment is safe and sound.
Costs will vary depending on the location and size of your camper. Unfortunately, it won’t be cheap, no matter how you slice it. Expect to pay top dollar if you choose this option.
RV Park Storage
Another common RV storage option is available at some parks and campgrounds. These facilities offer designated areas or sites for long-term parking. This is generally outdoors and might not provide security like cameras or locked gates.
Not every campground or park will offer storage, but it can be worth considering when they do. If you have a favorite park or campground, you could leave your camper there when you leave. This is typically less expensive than indoor options but more expensive than outdoor facilities. Costs and amenities will vary considerably based on the location.
Pro Tip: We compared which RV Storage Facilities Are Decent, Better & Best.
How Much Do RV Storage Facilities Cost?
Because of the different types of facilities, RV storage costs vary considerably. Some of the most significant factors to keep in mind are the location of the facility, size of your rig, and amenities provided. Generally, you can expect increased prices in urban areas.
Costs typically start around $50 per month for outdoor spots and can increase to more than $450 monthly for indoor options. But an average amount spent for RV storage is roughly $120 to $150 monthly.
Shop around so you can consider all your options. Call several places to get quotes and weigh the pros and cons of each one. If the facility offers a tour, seeing it before committing can help you know they’ll provide a safe home for your rig.
How to Prepare an RV for Storage
Before putting your RV away in storage for the season, take the time to go over some important steps. This can help ensure it’s ready for your next adventure.
Clean the Interior
Whether your rig will sit for weeks or months, you should thoroughly clean it. Wipe down all surfaces, sweep the floors, and vacuum your carpets. You don’t want crumbs attracting mice or rodents into your camper.
Before locking up your rig, close the curtains and blinds. This prevents others from looking into your RV and reduces the potential for sun damage on fabric. Following this tip can keep the interior looking new for as long as possible.
Inspect and Prepare the Exterior
At the end of every camping season, it’s essential that you thoroughly inspect the exterior. It would be best to look over every inch for potential issues, especially the seals. If you notice any cracks or peeling, repair them as soon as possible. If not, you could end up with severe water damage, which isn’t cheap or easy to fix.
Additionally, prepare all the external systems and components to sit unused for an extended time. This often involves things like checking tire pressure and cleaning all exterior surfaces. Show your rig some TLC and take your time during this process.
Empty Tanks
One crucial step for preparing a camper for the off-season is to empty the tanks. Not only do you want to completely dump them, but to flush out your black tank as well. This can help remove gunk and debris sticking to the sides that would otherwise stay inside the tank.
If you don’t empty your tanks, it can result in serious odors the next time you step inside your camper. Additionally, if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, you could damage your water lines, holding tanks, and water heater. Get as much water as possible out of your plumbing system.
Remove Batteries
Don’t overlook removing your batteries when storing your rig. If you don’t, you can cause severe and irreversible damage to your battery bank. When removing your batteries, fully charge them and keep them in a safe location.
Unfortunately, there are different battery chemistries and manufacturers. It would be best to store your batteries correctly to maintain their warranty and achieve maximum life.
Cover the RV
Even if you opt for indoor or covered storage, it’s still a good idea to wrap your RV with protective material. As with car covers, these products can protect surfaces from exposure to the elements or accidental scratches from you or someone else. However, ensure you get the proper size. Otherwise, unprotected areas could experience damage.
A loose cover can flap in the wind and rub against the exterior. This can remove protective coatings and cause harm to the exterior. You’ll be in for a big surprise when you remove the covering at the start of the next season. We’ve seen some nightmarish posts from fellow owners who experienced this unpleasant situation.
Pro Tip: Store your RV properly! Find out Should You Keep Your RV Slides in While in Storage?
Is the Cost of RV Storage Worth It?
RV storage is, unfortunately, an inevitable expense for many owners with no place to store their camper. However, if you choose the right spot, you can know that your precious rig is safe and sound when out of sight.
On the other hand, if the facility isn’t providing security or protection, you might be wasting your money. So do your homework, read reviews, and select the best option for you and your rig.
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