![[FACTS] Is covered RV storage worth it?](https://www.rvcamptravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FACTS-Is-covered-RV-storage-worth-i-1024x683.jpg "FACTS-Is-covered-RV-storage-worth-i - RV Camp Travel")
What is RV Covered Storage?
RV storage covers a variety of options for RV owners. One of the most common types of RV storage is an indoor storage unit where the owner rents out a space in a building to store their vehicle.
However, you can also get RV parking services whereby you have your vehicle on the property but it’s not in a garage. Other times, people might rent out their driveway or back yard with just some fencing and then park the RV there during wintertime, as long as you have enough space.
Why Use RV Covered Storage?
A lot of times people will store their RVs in their driveways and backyards, but neighbors don’t always understand that it’s not a year-round eyesore. And in some states its illegal to park your RV in your backyard.
If you’re looking at storing your RV somewhere, then it might be worth talking to the homeowners association or even getting them involved in some situations.
Cons of covered RV storage
One of the cons of RV storage is that you’ll have to find it in advance if you’re going to use it. If you live in a city or metropolis, you may have to drive out of your way to find a good RV storage facility.
Price
The main con of having covered RV storage is that it’s too expensive! Most places charge between $100 – $300 per month. I know this because my parent’s just started doing business with one today. They had to pay $684 up front and now they’re going to pay $154 every month for two years!
You will also have to pay for it which can be quite expensive. Depending on the RV storage facility you choose, you could end up paying anywhere from $150 per month and upward depending on how long you want to store your RV for.
Timing
Another con of covered RV storage is that it will take longer time before you get to use your vehicle if you need it in an emergency or just suddenly want to go for a trip somewhere with it.
Additional costs
Another con of RV storage is that if you want them cleaned or lined-dried when they’re returned to you after being stored, then it will be charged accordingly. That costs extra and may even consume more money than anticipated depending on how much cleaning is needed.
Space
A final con of covered RV storage is that, since there are limited spaces available for parking your RV, you may have to wait for your turn before you can start storing it.
If you live in a small town or city where there are more people who want RV storage than there is supply, then you could be waiting many years before you get the chance to buy your own space in an RV storage facility.
Pros of covered RV storage
-There is a secured and covered place for your RV.
-It can be an affordable storage option.
-Covered RV storage may protect against weather fluctuations (heat, rain, etc.).
-Your RV may have better protection from the elements.
-You don’t have to worry about someone coming in and damaging your RV by accident or on purpose.
-It’s a secure option to store your RV.
-Parking, as well as the unit itself, is secured and locked.
-You may be able to pay for an entire month in advance (or longer).
-RV storage facilities have elevators and/or ramps to provide easier access into the facility.
-Many storage facilities will use their own insurance on your stored vehicle(s), so you don’t have to worry about it at all if something were to happen while it’s there.
They usually protect against theft, but some offer additional protection against other things such as fire damage during storms or accidents with others in the parking lot that may cause property damage or bodily harm. Ask what type of coverage they offer.
– Your RV may be out of plain sight.
-There aren’t many bugs in a covered storage unit for your RV.
-It (covered storage) is usually cheaper than outdoor parking, since you don’t have to worry about paying for electricity or water due to high winds, rain, snow, etc.
-Covered and secure parking can give you peace of mind, which is priceless.
-You will probably not have to hide if the police come by while your RV might be parked elsewhere; they’ll assume that it’s one of those who belong there and are permitted to park at that facility. However even if they did inspect each vehicle with their flash light(s), depending on where this place is located such as in a more rural area or even in town, they might not notice your RV if it blended into its surroundings well enough from the outside and you have curtains or something covering it on the inside.
-You can request that they use their own insurance for zero cost to you if there is an accident while your RV is being stored at their facility, so you don’t have to worry about getting sued.
-Your RV will be out of plain sight (in some cases), since covered storage facilities usually offer 24/7 monitoring by security cameras, as well as someone patrolling around the grounds via golf cart or ATV.
-Covered parking facilities are usually safer than uncovered ones; because everyone knows who belongs there while those who don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
It’s easier for someone to notice something they shouldn’t about your vehicle while it’s parked outdoors (such as being broken into, stolen or damaged) compared to if it was covered; especially if you’re in an area that is more rural or gets very little foot traffic at night; and not just from the person watching the cameras, but also from occasional drive-bys done by patrolling security guards.
-You don’t have to worry about people coming in to damage your RV on purpose. Things can happen when people are drunk or high on drugs and someone might come walking through (sometimes even camping out there), so having access control gates with closed circuit monitoring helps deter vandals from doing their dirty work at 2am or 3am when they think no one’s around.
-Being inside a building may be safer than being outside in some places, especially during bad weather. Rain storms can cause flooding and tornadoes, hail and high winds from disastrous thunderstorms can damage your roof (or it could even get blown off completely), which is why some people choose to cover their RV.
Some storage facilities also have security control gates to help deter vandals from coming onto the property and doing their dirty work on RVs.
-Your RV will probably be more secure because you’re not just relying on one lock only for security; there are usually 2 at least, considering that you’ll have a key(less) card as well as a regular locksmith type of key that you can use to enter and exit the storage facility.
Price of RV Covered Storage
The average price of an RV storage space is about $130 a month. RV storage rates tend to vary more than you might expect, with many RV storage facilities able to offer a wide range of features or services.
The following RV Storage Fees are the median prices for units across the US and are based on the approximate size of a standard 5th wheel trailer:
$120-$325/mo. space rental
$5-25/day short-term rental
$4-9/month insurance cost (1x annual)
To give you an idea of how much RV storage costs in different locales, here are the average rents for a 10’x40′ storage unit in the top largest U.S. metro areas over the last 12 months:
- Atlanta, GA: $145.31
- Chicago, IL: $163.23
- Dallas, TX: $126.98
- Denver, CO: $191.88
- Houston, TX: $124.93
- Los Angeles, CA: $263.17
- New York, NY: $235.67
- Phoenix, AZ: $163.98
- San Francisco, CA: $194.44
- Washington D.C.: $187.85
Covered RV Storage: Is It Worth The Cost?
Purchasing a storage space for your recreational vehicles can be a costly investment. However, there are many benefits to this purchase that will help offset the cost.
Security is one of the primary benefits to covered storage. With recreational vehicles being one of the most commonly targeted vehicle types for theft, protecting it with a locked fence can go a long way in deterring potential thieves.
One other thing to consider is that once your RV is parked outside and exposed to elements such as rain or snow, you have no idea what damage has been done until you bring it inside – sometimes this damage wouldn’t be visible until weeks later.
Once your RV takes an exposure, there’s nothing you can do except wait for it to dry out before using it again. This will not only cost you money in terms of reduced use time but can also cause further damage if moisture gets into electrical components like wiring or power.
A good storage facility will also have protective components that help keep your recreational vehicles safe from the outside environment.
For example, a covered RV storage facility will provide protection from the elements as well as thieves – so it’s a win-win situation! Additionally, some RV facilities will even offer you certain features like 24/7 surveillance of your unit and motion detection alarms to ensure additional safety for your RV.
Yet another benefit to covered storage is that you’ll use your recreational vehicle more often if it’s in a secure and protected place instead of being out on the open road or driveway where theft can be easier.
It’s been estimated that securing a recreational vehicle with a lock only adds $50-$100 per year to the cost of owning it. As it’s being stored indoors, you’ll keep your vehicle as clean and well maintained as possible.
How Do You Prepare an RV For Storage?
You are responsible for the care of your RV while it is being stored, including cleaning and making sure it doesn’t incur damage. Don’t forget to check the tires, lights, brakes, toilets, sinks and water lines.
Be sure that there are no leaks or drips. You should also make sure that everything is turned off – this includes the electric battery charger. If you don’t have time to clean out your RV before storing it ask if they offer a service that will do this for you.