As camping season ends and winter approaches, non-snowbirds are ready to stow their RV away for the season. With many avenues to choose from, deciding on a place to park your camper can feel overwhelming. To help assuage your concerns, RVT has put together information on how to choose the best RV storage option for the offseason, providing both pros and cons for each option.
NOTE: Before you store your recreational vehicle for the offseason, it is essential to winterize your camper to prepare it for storage.Â
It is important to state that there is not a best option for storage, per se. Rather, there is a more beneficial option for you, depending on your preferences. For example, If you recently bought a new Class A Gas RV and prefer to keep a close watch on it, then you might not want to use a far-away storage facility. On the other hand, if your neighborhood does not permit large campers on properties, storing at home will not be feasible. Keep your own personal situation in mind when evaluating these options.
1. At Home
The easiest way to keep an eye on your camper is storing it on your own property. Make sure to prepare your property correctly before bringing home your RV, as some neighborhood jurisdictions may have restrictions on storing your RV on your property. If you can store your camper at home, weigh your options on the location of where you want to keep your RV. Garages provide the best way to protect your vehicle from the elements, yet they require a lot of space. On the other hand, storing your RV outside can expose your vehicle to potentially harsh environmental elements and while possibly making it susceptible to rodent or bug infestations.
2. Motorhome Storage Facility
If you are willing to spend the extra money while your RV is in storage, one of the best routes is a designated motorhome storage facility. These top tier facilities provide indoor, climate-controlled areas with high security and offer impeccable care to your RV while it is not in use. This may also negate the need to winterize your vehicle, as your RV will be in a stable, pristine environment during the off-season.
National Indoor RV Centers (NIRVC) is a premier motorhome company that offers great amenities, so you won’t even need to worry about your RV while it’s in storage. In fact, NIRVC provides a 50-amp connection to ensure all stored RVs will not run out of battery power and are ready to drive. Upon your return, they will check your RVs tire pressures, fill the fresh water tank, and turn on your fridge. With locations in Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, Nashville, and Phoenix, RV owners from across the country can enjoy the services of NIRVC.
The amenities are endless at these types of motorhome storage facilities, making them a great option for your RV. However, storage facilities can be quite costly, so some RV owners might want o opt for other storage options during the off-season.
3. Large Self-Storage Unit
If you have a smaller RV, like a used Class B camper van, large self-storage units could be a worthwhile option. These units allow you to easily park and secure your RV, and since most cities and towns possess multiple self-storage unit areas, this option is very convenient for the RV owner. Consult with your local storage companies about the dimensions of large units to determine whether your camper will fit.
One of the drawbacks to self-storage units is that some storage unit facilities can be susceptible to rodents. If they manage to find a way into your unit, rodents can cause a lot of problems, so be sure to check for what rodent-free guarantees the facilities offer, if any. Another drawback to self-storage units is the cost. Though they are not as expensive as top tier motorhome storage facilities, depending on the region and company, some storage units can be pricey. Check your local storage companies as some may have great deals that you should consider.
Most importantly when planning for the offseason, do your own research and decide which option is best for your specific situation. If you are ready to upgrade your recreational vehicle soon, check out the new and used listings on RVT.com.
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