Everything You Need To Know About Storing Your RV

If you have the space to do so, storing your RV on your own property is a great way to save money and access your RV for quick getaways. You can park your RV in your driveway, garage, under a carport, or on a piece of open land. Storing your RV in a garage or carport can be a frugal way to have covered storage, without spending money at an indoor storage facility. Here are some things to consider when parking your RV on your property: 

• Is it allowed? Many homeowner’s associations (HOAs) and city ordinances restrict RV parking, even on your own property. Be sure to double check that you’re allowed to park your RV on your property to avoid any fines or upset neighbors.
• Do you have a level spot? It’s important that you find a level, even surface to park your RV. Many appliances and systems inside of your RV need to remain level in order to function properly. If you don’t have a level spot, you may want to consider grading a portion of your property or building a parking pad.
• Will you need to access your RV while it’s stored? If so, make sure you have enough room to open any slide outs, doors and exterior storage compartments.

An outdoor facility can include an RV-specific facility or a general storage facility that allows RVs. These facilities usually offer covered and uncovered storage options, and are surrounded by a locked gate or fence. If you do opt for outdoor storage, try to get a covered spot for your RV. Having overhead coverage will better protect your RV from the elements and harsh sun. Covered storage at an outdoor facility does cost more than uncovered storage, so you’ll have to consider the cost of potential damage versus the cost of the storage space. Some would argue that opting for covered storage, while more expensive, is worth it when considering the potential damage that an uncovered RV could have.

An indoor storage facility is likely the most expensive option of the three, but is a good way to ensure that your RV will stay protected from the elements. Indoor facilities also tend to be more secure—your RV is kept inside a locked building and out of sight. Depending on where you live, indoor storage facilities can be hard to find and you may have to travel far distances to access one. If you have a really large RV, it can be even harder to find a facility that will fit your rig. If you’re having trouble finding a storage facility, websites like Neighbor can be helpful. This peer-to-peer website connects local landowners who are willing to give up a portion of their property with RVers who are looking to store their rigs.

The cost of storing your RV depends on the type of storage you choose, the “amenities” offered at that facility (security, temperature controlled, coverage, power, etc.), the length and height of your RV, and your location. The costs listed below are monthly averages, but actual costs can vary greatly given these various factors.

• Indoor storage costs: $135+
• Outdoor storage costs: $30-$100
• Covered storage costs: $70-$125

Most RV storage facilities don’t provide short-term storage rates, so you will either have to pay for at least one month or look into other options. If you plan on storing your RV at a campground, the storage cost will come down to how much you normally pay to stay there, and whether you’re paying a daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonal/annual rate. Some campgrounds and RV parks offer uncovered storage on-site, but these tend to be subject to a minimum rental of one month and you likely won’t have access to power, so it isn’t ideal for any short-term storage needs.

If you only need to store your RV for a few days or a long weekend, you can still stay connected to your power sources and don’t have to remove everything like you would for long-term storage. Here are some other things to consider for short-term storage:

• Turn off your RV’s water source to help prevent any unexpected leaks or flooding.
• Turn off all lights, both inside and outside.
• Remove all perishable food items, and seal any pantry goods in airtight containers.
• Retract your awnings and bring in any slide-outs.
• Close all of your windows and blinds, and lock all of your doors and storage bays.
• Lock away any outdoor items, like camping chairs or games.

Storage facilities are probably not the best option for short-term storage. You likely won’t have access to water or power at these facilities, and they usually have monthly minimums. Leaving your RV hooked up at a campground or RV park is a good option, or utilizing a peer-to-peer storage website like Neighbor. If you are able to leave your RV at a campground, be sure to let management or the campground host know what dates you’ll be away and your contact information. Many campgrounds do not allow you to leave your RV unattended for more than two days.

If you need to store your RV for an extended period of time, here are some steps to help keep your RV safe and secure:

• Empty your refrigerator and freezer of all food items, and turn it completely off. Let your freezer defrost fully. It doesn’t hurt to leave both your freezer and refrigerator doors open to help prevent mold and mildew.
• Remove all food items from your RV, including any canned foods or toiletries. Wipe and clean all surfaces and inside all cabinets.
• Invest in some pest-control, like an ultrasonic rodent repellent or a spray-on repellent. Be sure to thoroughly examine your RV, including the underbelly and all of the pipes. Place screens or plugs in any vents, hoses or pipes, and seal any cracks or holes. You can also place mothballs or dryer sheets around the interior of your RV to further deter any critters.
• Empty and sanitize all of your holding tanks. Add some antifreeze solution to your pipes or wrap them in heated tape to help prevent freezing.
• Turn off and disconnect your propane.
• If you can, remove your RV’s battery. Extreme temperatures can impact the overall health of your battery and reduce its lifespan. If you prefer to leave your battery, make sure it is fully charged and that the power is turned off.
• Close all of your windows and blinds, lock all of your doors and storage bays, and remove all valuables.
• Wash and wax your RV before placing it in storage. Many waxes have UV blockers that can protect your rig from sun damage.
• Cover your RV, including your tires. While RV covers can be expensive, they greatly reduce the overall wear and tear on your rig. Make sure you get a material that is breathable so the air can still circulate over your RV.

• Where will my RV be staying? Can I see the exact site?
• Is the storage space inside or outside? If it’s outside, is it covered or uncovered?
• How much does the storage site cost? Do you offer discounts for longer stays?
• What are your storage policies?
• What times will I be able to access my RV?
• What are the office hours of the storage facility?
• Is there a key or gate code access? Is there on-site security?
• What other security measures do you take to protect the property?
• Will there be access to power or electrical hook-ups?

• Is the specific RV storage site easy to access?
• Does the storage facility seem safe? 
• How close is the storage site to home? Am I willing to drive that far?
• Is the storage facility staff easy to work with? How is their communication?

Storing your RV outside requires a bit more caution and preparation. Things like covering your RV and wheels, placing reflective material in the windows, and adding screens to vents and pipes are all especially important since your rig will be exposed to the elements and creatures.

That being said, even indoor storage facilities are not free from pests or temperature changes. Regardless if you’re storing your RV inside or outside, err on the side of caution and take all the preventative and protective measures you possibly can.

In general, you should not keep your RV connected to power while it’s being stored long-term. There are a few reasons why you’d want to keep your power on if you’re away for just a few days, especially if you RV full-time. But leaving your RV connected to power for extended periods of time can damage your batteries and leaves your RV susceptible to power-surges. Always ask yourself if you really need power while you’re away.

Some airports allow you to park your RV in their parking lots—typically with an additional fee—but not all airports allow this. Be sure to verify that RV parking is allowed ahead of time if this is something you’re considering. Additionally, airports that do allow RV parking usually have vehicle length limits that might restrict larger RVs, so double check any size restrictions.