How to Properly Store an RV

aerial view of an RV driving on the highway

Millions of folks around the United States have RVs they use to escape everyday life, see the country and enjoy special times with friends and family. Of course, most people only take short trips with their RVs, meaning they need to store them safely the rest of the time.

That’s where Storage Solutions comes in handy. At Storage Solutions, we offer several different types of RV storage. If you need to store your RV but aren’t sure how to do it right so that your RV stays in excellent condition, the information below will be beneficial.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Why do People Store their RV in a Self Storage Facility?

RVs can be stored in many places, including an oversized garage, a side yard outside, a driveway, an apartment parking lot, and, of course, a self storage facility. Why do people choose to store their RVs in a self storage facility? There are several excellent reasons!

1. They don’t have the space to store them at home

This is one of the main reasons RV owners store in a self storage facility – a lack of space. If you don’t have a large driveway or an extra-large garage, storing your RV at a self storage facility like Storage Solutions might be your only viable option.

2. They aren’t allowed to store their RV in their driveway due to their HOA rules

Some folks have plenty of driveway space at home but, because of their HOA rules and regulations, can’t park them there. In cases like this, a storage facility might be your best choice.

3. They want to have covered or indoor RV storage

Sunshine, snow, rain, sleet, hail, and snow can all cause damage to an RV if it’s sitting outside for years at a time. The paint can fade, rubber items dry out and get brittle, and falling debris can cause damage to an RV. In a covered or indoor RV storage space or a storage unit, your RV will be better protected from the weather and debris falling out of the sky. (We’re looking at you, birds!)

4. They live in an unsafe area

Storing your RV at a self storage facility might be a better choice if you live in an area unsafe from vandals, thieves, and other people with criminal intentions.

Prepare Your RV for Storage

Tire of an RV in a tire cover

Please use the following steps as a guide to ensure your RV stays in the best condition while stored in a storage facility.

  1. Drain everything that contains water. Water is a solvent, and all water tanks will be better off dry when stored. Also, water pipes in your RV won’t be able to freeze and burst if there’s no water in them.
  2. Empty all perishable food from the fridge and cupboards. The last thing you want is to find rotten food when you go to use your RV again.
  3. Vacuum the interior well. This will eliminate food waste, pet dander, dirt, grime, and more that can cause damage to your RV while stored.
  4. Cover your RV. If you plan to use a storage parking space that’s not covered or indoors, an RV cover is a good investment and will protect your RV from the elements.
  5. Cover your RVs tires. While they might seem OK, UV rays from the sun can destroy your RVs tires in a relatively short time. Covering all of them with simple, low-cost tire covers is a good idea.
  6. Seal access holes. Exhaust pipes, tubes, and hoses are a welcome mat for rodents. Seal them to prevent rats and mice from entering your RV and making a huge, expensive mess.
  7. Remove the battery and place it on a trickle charger at home. This will help your battery last much longer. (Remember always to remove the negative connector first!)
  8. Add fuel stabilizer to your RV’s gas tank. This will prevent the fuel from going bad while stored.

Find a Storage Facility with RV Storage

To store an RV in a self storage facility, you’ll need to find one near your home that lets you store RVs and does so the way you want it to be stored. (Indoors, covered, outdoors, etc.) Storage Solutions offers RV storage at most of our locations.

Decide What Features You Need

multiple RVs parked under covered parking

There are several storage options when you store an RV with Storage Solutions. Let’s look at all of them to help you decide which ones you’d like for your RV. (Call the location near you to see which options they offer.)

  • Indoor Storage- Indoor storage is available at some Storage Solutions locations and is the best option for excellent RV protection.
  • Outdoor Storage- Outdoor storage is usually in a parking space in the storage facility’s parking lot and is the most common. It’s safe but still exposed to weather and possible falling debris.
  • Covered Storage. Covered storage spaces are covered by a roof to protect your RV from inclement weather.
  • Electrical Plugs- Some self storage locations have electrical outlets you can use to keep your RV plugged in while stored. (They do cost more, just FYI.)
  • Oversized Parking Spaces. If you have an extra large RV, you may need to find a Storage Solutions location with oversized parking spaces.

Guidelines for Storing a Vehicle with Storage Solutions

  • Your RV must be registered and insured
  • Your RV must be in running condition
  • You must be able to lock your storage unit if you store an RV inside one.
  • You must place chocks under your RV’s wheels so it can’t move.

Store Your RV with Storage Solutions

Count on Storage Solutions to provide safe, secure, and convenient options when you need RV storage. Not sure if your RV will fit in a storage unit? Use our convenient storage unit size guide for help. We also offer boat storage and other vehicle storage inside, outside, and covered, depending on your Storage solutions location. When you’re ready, reserve your RV storage online with Storage Solutions. No deposit and no credit card are needed, so it’s super easy!