After years of dreaming, you finally made the big purchase – you bought a brand-new RV and are finally ready to bring it home! Since RV storage units can be pricey, and you want to keep an eye on your New Class A Diesel or other RV from the comfort of your full-time home, your own property may be the best option. However, before you park your motorhome and show it off to your neighbors, there are a few things to know. For that, RVT has provided a few tips on how to prepare your property before bringing home your new RV.
Check Your HOA Guidelines
Some neighborhoods have strict guidelines on parking recreational vehicles. Before you decide to stow your new RV on your property, make sure to check the regulations for RVs in your neighborhood. Go directly to your homeowner’s association (HOA) board and ask if your vehicle is up to code for parking or storing. For example, some HOAs will not allow you to park your RV on the street; however, they will allow you to stow your RV in a garage or hangar along the side of your house. Still, others may not allow any RVs whatsoever on your property. It is best to check with your local municipality and HOA before parking your RV at your house – you do not want to risk fines or having your new RV towed.
Assess Your Space
The most important question to ask yourself is whether you have sufficient space on your property to fit your RV. If you purchased a Class A RV and you have a small property, this may not be feasible since these motorhomes are generally very large. However, if you purchased a New Class B camper van or Class C motorhome, your smaller property might be sufficient for these types of RVs. To get a clear sense of if you have sufficient room, clean your property to get a better assessment on the practicality of the space. Tidy up and get rid of any debris from the trees and plants in your yard and organize your outdoor accessories.
Make Room
The next question you need to answer is where you should store your new RV. The main spots most RV owners park their vehicles is on the driveway or in the garage. Keeping your RV on the driveway can be both useful and undesirable. On the one hand, driveways are very accessible and convenient. On the other hand, maneuvering your standard cars around the RV can be a hassle.
In addition, it is important to evaluate the dimensions of both your garage and your RV before parking your RV inside. It would be a tragedy to damage your new RV while attempting to park in a garage with insufficient clearance or space. If you purchased your RV during the off-season and your garage does have the storage capacity, it is advantageous to stow your RV indoors to remove it from the harsh elements while it sits idle for a few months.
Parking Your RV
Though parking can seem like a mundane task, keeping your RV on your property may not be as straightforward as it seems. When parking your RV, it is important to consider its weight distribution. Ideally, you should not park it on a slope, as this can cause wear on a number of items including interior components. If you must park your New Fifth Wheel RV or other motorhome on a slope, make sure to purchase wheel chocks to help prevent your unit from rolling.
Safety Measures
The main two reasons why most people desire to store their RVs at home is to save money and help protect the vehicle. It is important to consider some type of shelter that will cover your RV from the elements. If you cannot fit your RV in a garage on your property, consider building a basic carport to house your RV. These fixtures will help shelter your RV from the sun, rain, snow, hail, or other weather conditions that can cause negative wear-and-tear on your vehicle. This will be especially advantageous long-term, as these elements can significantly damage your vehicle and shorten its lifespan.
If you are concerned about someone breaking into your RV, park your motorhome in an area on your property that is less visible – either near the side of your house or in the back. Minimizing visibility and keeping your RV away from the street may help deter potential burglars. Additionally, set up security cameras or motion sensor lights that will discourage bad behavior and will help assuage your nerves.
Purchasing a brand-new, state-of-the-art RV is an exciting milestone. However, do not let your jubilation blind you from the preparations required for properly storing your RV on your property. These tips should serve as a guide to help you gameplan the steps needed to prepare your property before you bring your RV home. If you are interested in checking out new or used RVs for your next motorhome purchase, be sure to browse RVT.com for current listings.
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