You want to get a new fifth RV to make great memories with your family. Maybe you want an RV to go on the road on the weekends.
Or maybe you just retired and your dream of owning a Class A motorhome is finally coming true. Whatever the reason for owning a motorhome, you’ll need a covered RV park to store it when it’s not in use.
Let’s take a look at why an RV shed is the best option if you can afford it and have a location near you.
Do RVs need to be stored indoors?
When not in use, RVs are usually stored in someone’s home or in a storage facility. Some people have a large driveway to park their RV for a few months. Others have a side yard with a covered garage. However, many people do not have the space to store their RV at their home.
They turn to storage facilities in the community. Sometimes campgrounds offer sites. Other places like self-storage facilities have space for a few RVs. However, most of these facilities only offer outdoor storage. Indoor storage facilities are much harder to find.
So do RVs have to be stored indoors? No, they don’t have to. There may not be indoor storage available near your residence.
But if you can find a location and have the money to pay the high monthly rent, covered RV storage is certainly better than outdoor storage. Let’s take a look at why.
What is indoor RV storage?
With outdoor RV storage, you simply park your vehicle outside. This can be your driveway or yard, a field at a campground, or a covered carport at a storage facility. Your RV will be parked here for the months it is not in use.
In contrast, housing your RV in a shed is similar to a garage. These storage units vary from 10 feet by 20 feet to 10 feet by 40 feet to even larger options for RVs and long trailers.
You drive your RV into the garage and close the door until you want to get it out again in the spring.
Advantages of indoor storage for motorhomes
Because of the cost and location, storing your RV indoors is not practical for some people. However, there are tremendous advantages to storing your RV in a sheltered location.
From security to weather protection to protection from pests, these units provide far better havens for your RV when it is not in use.
Protection from weather and pests
If you store your RV outdoors, even with a cover it is still vulnerable to the elements. When winter temperatures fluctuate between below and above freezing, various components can be damaged. Snowfall on a roof can cause structural damage.
In addition, moisture is one of the biggest enemies of RVs. This moisture can wreak havoc inside an RV.
If you store your RV indoors, protect it from these weather conditions. Also, protect it from falling branches or other debris caused by thunderstorms, windstorms or snowstorms. When you bring your RV out in the spring, you won’t notice any hail damage.
Air conditioned room
As mentioned earlier, moisture can cause mold to form in the walls and under the mattresses of a mobile home. This can be extremely hazardous to your health. It is also very costly to get rid of the mold.
In addition, extreme temperatures in the summer can cause seals to crack. An air-conditioned room keeps the temperature and humidity at a reasonable level.
Therefore, you do not need to worry about getting into a danger zone or money hole in the spring.
Safer facility
When your RV is housed indoors, no one can see it. This prevents theft.
Even if outdoor storage facilities have a fence, gate and cameras, your RV is an easy target. If it’s safely stored in a garage, there’s much less chance of someone breaking in.
Protection from UV rays
Like humidity, the sun can also damage an RV. UV rays can damage your roof, fade graphics and paint, and damage interior furnishings. You paid a lot for your RV and want it to look nice when you take it back out of storage.
But you also don’t want to repair a roof the week after you get it out of storage. Keeping your RV in a garage will protect it from the sun’s harmful rays.
Reduces tire damage
Fluctuating temperatures can damage your tires prematurely. You can’t control if the temperature plummets one night and rises above 60 degrees two days later.
Constant freezing and thawing in the winter can damage the structure of your tires and shorten their life. RV tires are not cheap.
Protection from pests and rodents
When you store your RV outdoors, there is always the possibility of rodents getting inside. Even if you have taken all precautions, there is no guarantee that you will not find droppings in your kitchen or holes in your subfloor.
Indoor storage will protect your RV from such pests. Once again, you paid a lot for your RV. You don’t want it to be taken over by rodents.
Remember: Keep mice away from your RV for good with these tips and tricks!
Disadvantages of indoor storage of mobile homes
So why would anyone park their RV outdoors when there are so many advantages to storing it indoors? There are two reasons: Cost and location. Although indoor RV storage offers some advantages, it is simply not feasible for some RV owners.
More expensive than outdoor storage
Owning a mobile home is expensive. Another budget item is storage. Outdoor storage at a campground costs much less than storing the RV in a secured space.
There is no charge for storing your RV in the driveway of your home. Monthly rental rates for indoor RV housing vary significantly by city, unit size, and length of contract.
Owners can pay anywhere from $100 to $400 per month to house their RV. For some people, this is simply not an option.
Fewer facilities nationwide
Indoor RV parking is also less than outdoor parking. Due to city ordinances or HOA rules, you may not be able to house your RV indoors.
But you can probably find a campground or self-storage facility that offers RV parking for several months. You may even have a friend who will allow you to park your RV on their property.
But it’s much harder to find a covered RV park. There may not be an option within a few hours of your residence. If that is the case, you have no choice but to store your RV outside where you can.
How much does it cost to store RVs outside?
As mentioned earlier, indoor RV storage varies. If you are storing a 40-foot Class A RV, you will need a larger unit than someone storing a 25-foot trailer.
The cost of living also varies in cities across the country. The same 10×40 unit in San Antonio can cost twice as much as a 10×40 unit in Memphis. So expect a monthly cost of $100-400.
Where can you find RV storage?
ExtraSpace Storage, Storage.com and SpareFoot all offer a search function for RV storage facilities. Check with your insurance company for coverage when your RV is in storage. Hopefully nothing will happen, but you want to be sure you’re covered.
Another good way to find an RV park is to ask around. Personal recommendations and Google reviews are important to protect your RV. Remember that you have already spent a lot of money.
Remember: How much does it actually cost to store an RV? Let’s take a look!
Is storing an RV indoors really worth it?
If you can afford the monthly payment and have a location close to home, there is no reason to store your RV outdoors. Indoor RV storage is a much better option.
Your RV will have a much longer life because it is better protected. You won’t have to worry about what’s coming in the fall.
Did the summer heat ruin your paint? Did last week’s hailstorm damage your roof? None of these problems will occur if your RV is parked indoors.
Is a covered RV park the best solution for you?