RV Storage: Choosing, Preparing, and Maintaining Your Recreational Vehicle

RVs, or Recreational Vehicles, being vehicles with living quarters installed, play a significant role in many people's lives and have numerous benefits; however, unless you live in your RV full-time, you’ll likely need to store your setup occasionally. In this article, we'll walk you through selecting the best storage facility options, getting your RV ready for storage, and keeping it in excellent condition.

What is RV Storage?

Proper RV storage is crucial to safeguard your investment and guarantee many years of pleasurable travels, whether you're an experienced RV owner or are just beginning your journey into the world of recreational vehicles. This is also especially important when you want to considerselling your RV, as the RV’s condition greatly influences its’ buying prospects and how fast you sell your RV.

Preparation for Storage

Preparation ensures that the RV is in its best condition regardless of how long it is intended to be stored. The exact practices may vary depending on the type of RV to be stored, the planned duration of storage, and the kind of storage chosen; however, some general steps should be taken regarding all RVs. These steps are also taken when you need tosell your used RV; they involve the following;

• Deeply cleaning both the inside and outside of the RV

• Removing all food in the RV as well as other valuables you’d want to have

• Draining all water and plumbing systems from the vehicle

• Defrosting the fridge while ensuring it is clean and dry

• Pest-proofing the whole RV to prevent damages

• Checking for leaks and necessary repairs to prevent further deterioration

• Store the battery separately(remember to remove the negative first!) in a cool, dry place and ensure it is adequately charged while in storage

Types of RV Storage

There are different options for RV storage, and they arise due to many factors, including the cost and intended time of storage. Still, they ultimately offer different levels of protection, and some trade-offs are inevitable.

Indoor RV storage

Indoor storage involves storing the RV in an indoor facility, protecting it from harsh weather conditions, pests, and potential robbers and vandals. They may also offer other webcams for extra protection.

This is usually the most expensive option, but that largely depends on the size of the RV in question and the location of the vendor offering the service, as different cities have different living costs. Indoor storage may be in the form of Communal garage storage or Single-unit storage, the significant difference being Single-unit being slightly more secure and, as a result, more expensive due to the possibility of other RV owners or passers-by damaging your RV in the Communal garage storage.

Outdoor RV storage

Outdoor storage is the least expensive type of storage option and is the most practical when considering larger RVs. It doesn’t offer as much protection from the elements but is easily the most accessible of the three options. They come in the form of Open land lots, which are large fields providing lots of space for owners to park, Parking spaces which may offer fences and security cameras, or Driveways which are usually close to buildings making them the most situational of outdoor RV storage as it is based on the extra space available.

Exposure to the elements and security troubles are the problems most associated with outdoor RV storage.

Covered RV storage

Covered storage is similar to outdoor storage, but using carports that protect the RV roof or Canopies, which can sufficiently protect all sides, adequate protection from harsh weather could be guaranteed, assuming the parking location isn’t too poor. They are only slightly more expensive than outdoor RV storage.

Factors to Consider when Selecting RV Storage

Security measures

Security goes without saying, as RVs are essentially homes on wheels with potential valuables and valuable in the eyes of thieves, robbers, and vandals. Facilities that offer gated access to the property, surveillance cameras, and onsite personnel that deter unauthorized access are the most critical in selecting suitable RV storage. And when you plan to sell your used RV eventually, RV owners must put adequate security measures in place to protect their investments.

Accessibility and convenience

RV storage facilities that employ flexible hours and are close to your residence or offer to tow your RV to your location add a bit of convenience that may influence the choice of RV storage.

Storage space and size options

The size of the RV largely influences the cost of its storage, as the size and height of the RV directly dictate the space where it is stored; therefore, it can be expected that the bigger the size of the RV, the costlier it would be to keep. Some specialized facilities offer ample parking spaces for specific RVs, allowing easy maneuverability.

Environmental considerations

Areas that experience extremes of temperatures and weather need to be particularly prudent when selecting the type of RV storage. Extreme temperature changes shorten the lifespan of the RV considerably due to the constant freezing and thawing.

Areas with heavy snowfall or hail may face potential structural damage during such events, so indoor RV storage is usually the RV storage choice. On the other hand, areas with milder climates might not need to consider such and settle for a form of outdoor or covered storage. Humidity also plays a part when considering the environment, as wet temperatures can cause rust, water damage in the case of flooding, the formation of mold, and other water-related injuries.

Maintaining your RV during storage is also crucial to its longevity. Proper cleaning, checking for leaks, damages by pests, draining water systems, and keeping batteries and tires in pristine condition are all vital maintenance tasks. Regular inspections and pest prevention measures help ensure your RV remains in optimal condition while in storage; this is particularly important when you want to sell your used RV fast.

Conclusion

RV storage is an essential aspect of owning an RV. Proper storage ensures the preservation of your vehicle, protects it from the elements, and provides convenience and peace of mind

of knowing that your RV is ready for your next adventure. Whether you store your RV outdoors or indoors, there are essential considerations to remember. By following proper storage practices, you can maximize the lifespan of your RV, maintain its value in case the need to sell your RV arises, and ensure many more enjoyable journeys on the road ahead.