Consider These Factors Before Choosing RV Storage Facilities
Don’t leave your RV at a storage facility before reading this! There are some important things to consider before choosing RV storage facilities. Storing your RV for the season is a sad day. Unfortunately, for many of us, it is a reality. Whether you live in a region with winter months or you are unable to use your RV for long periods of time, it will have to be stored. For some, they are able to store their RV at their property. However, for many, an RV storage facility is the only option. There are lots of benefits to storage facilities and millions of vehicles are stored every year. If RV storage is in your plans here are some things to consider before choosing RV storage facilities.
Cost
No surprise this is first on the list. If you have to store your RV you are gonna want to know how much it’s going to cost you, right? As with many things, the cheapest isn’t always the best. Some of the more expensive facilities are so because of the extra benefits they provide. An open grass field with a chain-link fence is probably going to be cheap but may not be secure or may be a muddy mess when it’s time to pick up your RV.
Compare storage facilities and see how they charge; some will charge per foot and some will have set rates. Many will offer discounts for longer stays and monthly rentals. As with any contract, check the small print for any additional fees or conditions that may cost you extra.
Security
Having a secure RV storage facility is a must! This will often come with higher fees as the facility has to pay for security and systems. 24-hour security is important and may come in the form of personnel, cameras, dogs, or all three.
A secure facility will have an entrance with individual card or code access and a camera at the gate to monitor vehicles coming and going. 24-hour security contact is also important. Confirm with the facility that they have an active contract with an alarm provider and not just posted signs. If they have third-party vehicle patrol check that they are actively doing rounds.
Access
Most modern RV storage facilities have card access for renters so you can come and go outside business hours. If you will need access to your RV early or late, confirm you will have access when needed. Just because you are storing your RV for the winter doesn’t mean you won’t want to access it. Maybe it’s for a check-up or to retrieve something. In the case of fire or emergency, you don’t want your RV buried behind a snowbank. Having plowed access is important for the winter as is road maintenance in spring when it gets muddy.
Location of the RV Storage Facilities
Large outdoor storage facilities take up lots of space. For this reason, many are located in more rural areas. If your storage is for longer periods this may not be a big deal. If you use your RV regularly, however, you will want to find the most convenient facility.
Consider your travel destinations as well. If you live in the middle of a city and always travel north with your RV find a location in that general direction. Once you pick up your RV do you want to have to travel through city streets and high traffic areas to get to the highway out of town? Consider these things when looking for RV storage facilities.
Covered RV Storage Facilities
There aren’t nearly as many covered storage facilities for RVs due to their size. Most RVs are stored outdoors without issue. If you do want covered storage, expect to pay more and have fewer options for locations. Having a fully enclosed storage building for your RV will be even more unlikely. Most covered storage is sheltered from above only or open on at least one side.
Nobody wants to put their RV in storage but if you do, you want to find the right facility. It’s more than a long-term parking spot, it’s your RVs home.
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