STORING YOUR RV

Storing Your RV – What Are Your Options?

It’s a common question that a lot of new RV owners don’t consider until they drive off the lot. Storing your RV correctly is important to the long-term performance of your RV, as well as retaining its resale value. Keeping your RV out of direct sunlight, heavy snow, and knowing RV tire care basics are just the start.

Here are some options for storing your RV, whether you have a towable or a Class A and everything in between.

Storing Your RV On Your Property

Storing your RV in your driveway or on a bit of land is the obvious choice. It’s also a very affordable option and it makes it easy to check on your RV regularly. If you’re going to keep your RV in your yard, you should use an RV cover to protect it from the four-season elements.

Before putting your cover on, however, clean your RV from top to bottom and prepare your RV tires for storage. If you’re storing your coach during the winter, you’ll also need to winterize your RV correctly to prevent freezing temperatures from doing damage.

Keep in mind that some neighborhoods have regulations that prohibit storing recreational vehicles on your property. So here are a few other options if you can’t store your RV on your property.

Storing Your RV in an RV Storage Facility

You can find indoor and outdoor storage facilities specifically for RVs nationwide. Some outdoor facilities also offer covered parking spaces for RVs, which is preferred if you can secure one. If you can get a covered storage space, you should still consider installing window covers and tire covers to protect these components from damage. If you have a travel trailer, use a propane tank cover to protect your LP gas supply as well.

Some RV-specific storage facilities provide periodic maintenance so you don’t have to worry about checking on your RV regularly while it’s in storage. Others will winterize or de-winterize your RV and detail it before you take it on the road for another season of adventures.

RV storage facilities usually charge a monthly rate. This rate can fluctuate based on peak seasons, as well as the length of your coach and the lot size needed to store it. Still, long-term covered RV storage protects your RV well and the monthly cost can outweigh pricey repairs resulting from severe weather damage.

Storing Your RV in General Self-Storage

Just about every self-storage facility has some outdoor fenced area that they dedicate to long-term storage of RVs, boats, and other vehicles. This is usually the cheapest option, but it generally doesn’t come with any RV-specific services.

This means it’s your responsibility to prep your RV for storage. Research must-have products for storing your RV and set a schedule to check on your camper periodically while it’s in storage.

Another thing to keep in mind with general self-storage is access to your RV. Make sure you find a facility that offers 24/7 access to your RV just in case you spontaneously decide to hit the road for a long weekend.

Renting Out Your RV

If you want to make a little extra cash while you’re not using your coach, you can rent it out instead of putting it in storage. RV rentals are becoming a more attractive option for folks that want an alternative to often overpriced hotel accommodations.

Today, you can list your RV and rent it out to other travelers when you’re not using it. While renting your RV is not really a “storage” option at all, it is a great way to earn additional income and avoid the costs of RV storage. It can also reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do while your RV is in storage.

For example, It’s a good idea to operate your slides and test critical systems at regular intervals while your RV is in storage. Even if you only rent it out for one weekend a month, all your systems will get enough use to stay in great shape.

Many RV rental companies offer insurance for rental periods and complete control over availability so that you can schedule regular maintenance tasks and, of course, enjoy your own RV vacations. If you’re interested, learn more about renting your RV here.

Storing your RV appropriately will help you avoid unnecessary maintenance and repairs down the road. If you need any additional tips on getting your RV ready for storage, visit your local Camping World specialist, book a service appointment online, or contact us.

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