Time To Put Away The RV? The Differences Between Inside And Outside RV Storage Lots

As the camping season comes to a close, you might be thinking about storing your RV for the winter. If your home has plenty of space and there are no RV parking restrictions, great. You can probably just winterize your rig, park it and cover it until spring. If not, finding an RV storage company, such as Advanced Realty, is usually your best option. Below is some basic information on the differences between inside and outside storage lots.

RV Storage Lots Defined

RV storage lots may be stand alone facilities, part of RV dealerships or even set up at household goods storage firms. Either way, the idea is to put your rig in a safe, secure spot. Preferably, that spot has a caretaker that does periodic checks to make sure everything is in order. Some RV storage companies have indoor and outdoor storage available.

About Inside RV Storage

Inside RV storage spaces may or may not be heated, but your rig will be kept out of the elements. Depending on the facility, your rig may be locked up for the duration and you won't have access until spring. This happens more often in the snow belt, but since the roads are typically covered in snow and ice, that's not usually an issue since you wouldn't want to drive your RV in the snow anyway. Also, if your rig has been winterized, meaning all the fluids and batteries have been removed, it's not usable anyway.

Fees are usually determined by the length of your rig and are typically charged by the foot. Other items, such as whether the space is heated or if you have access to the rig also affect the price. Some firms will allow you to work on your RV while it's stored. Find out before you sign the rental agreement if that's your intent. Some storage facilities have dump stations and RV sized washing booths. When you pull your rig out of storage, you can give it a good scrub before you leave the property if the facility offers this service.

About Outside RV Storage

Outside RV storage facilities are fenced, lighted and have security systems. The best of them have 24/7 cameras and security guards making rounds. While all of this helps keep your rig safe from vandals, it doesn't keep your rig out of the elements. Most RV owners will tarp their units to help protect the finish. Some also have winterizing treatments done on the undercarriage to prevent rust forming from exposure to rain or snow. Putting a rig up on wooden blocks also helps because it increases air circulation.

Before you sign the space agreement, find out if you will have access to your rig and if you will be responsible for periodically shoveling the snow off the roof. Companies that take care of this chore and keep an eye on your rig through the winter are worth the higher fees.