RV Storage Considerations

When you buy an RV, storage is a major issue. Not only is your new motor home huge and hard to park, many neighborhoods have ordinances against storing your RV at home. Even if you have the space, you may find yourself searching for suitable RV storage.

The first thing you will discover is that RV storage isn't cheap. Expect to pay anywhere between $60 to $120 (or more) per month for storing your motor home. When comparing prices, there's more to consider than price alone.

For example, if you are looking at one storage lot that charges $60 per month and is located twenty miles from your home and another that charges $75 per month that's within five miles of your home, the $75 dollar RV storage deal could actually be the more economical choice.

How can that be? Simple. Gas is hovering around $3 per gallon and motor homes are notorious gas guzzlers. At 10 mpg, it would cost you four gallons of gas (roundtrip) each time you bring the RV out of storage at the $60 storage yard. That's $12 right off the bat. Add in the gas your car uses getting you to and from the yard and you're looking at another $6 or so in gas. If you take your RV out of storage twice a month, it will cost you $36 in gas turning your $60 monthly charge into $96.

Another consideration is whether the RV storage lot offers a free dump station. Dumping fees can cost up to $10 each time. If you go camping twice a month, $20 is a pretty steep expense. If your motor home storage facility offers free dumping, factor that into the price when comparing with those that don't.

It's also important to ask about insurance especially if you are storing your RV at a private party's property. Do they have adequate insurance should something happen to your RV while stored at their property? Do you? Check with your RV insurance company to make sure you are protected.

What about access? Is the RV storage facility secured? Will you have a key or do you need to come and go during business hours? Can you leave your car in the RV's spot when you take the motor home on a trip or will you need someone to drop you off each time?

When looking at different RV storage locations, consider your parking abilities. If you're a pro at maneuvering the motor home, you won't need to be as picky as those who are less confident in their abilities. Even so, try to select a parking location that is easy to get the motor home in and out of such as a pull through space if available.

Most RV storage facilities are outdoors. Your motor home will get dirty. Close the shades and all windows. Many RV owners put pieces of plywood up against the wheels to protect the rubber from cracking in the sun. In addition, don't store food in the RV unless you are okay with rodents and other critters getting inside.

If you are one of the lucky ones who can store their RV at home, you are money ahead!