Episode Summary
Modern Storage® breaks down everything you need to know about storing your RV, from choosing the right storage type to keeping your vehicle protected between trips and through the off-season. The episode covers what to look for in a quality RV storage facility, including security features, access options, and sizing considerations. If you own a motorhome, travel trailer, or camper van and want practical guidance on where and how to store it, this episode gives you a clear starting point.
Choosing the right RV storage option depends on how often you use your vehicle and what level of protection you need.
Key features to prioritize in an RV storage facility include gated access, 24/7 availability, and spaces sized for larger recreational vehicles.
Storing your RV properly between road trips or during the off-season helps protect your investment and keeps it ready to use.
In this episode of Modern Storage® Unpacked, Modern Storage® dig into one of the most searched topics in the self storage industry: RV storage. Recreational vehicles represent a serious financial investment for their owners, and finding the right place to store them when they are not in use is a decision that deserves real attention. Whether someone owns a Class A motorhome, a travel trailer, a fifth wheel, or a camper van, the storage needs can vary significantly, and this episode helps listeners understand those differences from the start. Modern Storage® walks through the three main types of RV storage: outdoor uncovered spaces, covered or canopy storage, and fully enclosed units. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and trade-offs depending on your budget, your vehicle type, and the climate where you live. Outdoor storage tends to be the most affordable and widely available, but leaves your RV exposed to the elements. Covered storage adds a layer of protection from sun and rain without the full cost of an enclosed unit. Enclosed RV storage offers the highest level of protection and is often the best choice for long-term storage or harsh winter climates. Security is a major theme throughout the episode. Storing an RV is not like storing a box of old furniture. These are large, expensive vehicles that can be targets for theft and vandalism when left in unsecured locations. Modern Storage® emphasize what to look for in a secure RV storage facility, including perimeter fencing, electronic gate access, video surveillance, on-site management, and adequate lighting. They make the case that paying a little more for a facility with strong security infrastructure is almost always worth it when you consider the value of what you are protecting. The episode also covers practical considerations that many first-time RV storage customers overlook, such as making sure the facility can accommodate the full length and height of their vehicle, understanding access hours and whether the facility allows drive-through pull-through spaces, and knowing what maintenance tasks should be completed before putting an RV into storage. Properly preparing an RV for storage, including checking tires, draining water lines, and covering vents, can prevent costly repairs down the road and extend the life of the vehicle. Modern Storage® also speak to the seasonal nature of RV storage and how demand tends to spike in fall and early winter as owners prepare to put their vehicles away until spring. This makes early planning important. Waiting until the last minute to find RV storage can mean fewer options, less desirable spaces, or having to store further from home than you would like. The hosts encourage listeners to start their search early and ask the right questions when touring or calling a facility. By the end of the episode, listeners have a solid framework for evaluating RV storage options and a clear sense of what Modern Storage® brings to the table. The conversation is grounded in real-world concerns that RV owners face and delivers practical guidance without overcomplicating the topic. For anyone who has been putting off finding a reliable storage solution for their recreational vehicle, this episode is a straightforward starting point.
Common questions about the topics covered in this episode.
Covered RV storage means your vehicle is parked under a roof structure but the sides are open, protecting it from rain and direct sun while keeping costs lower than fully enclosed options. Enclosed or indoor RV storage places your vehicle inside a building with walls, a roof, and often a lockable door, offering the highest level of protection from weather, theft, and vandalism. If you own a high-value motorhome or plan to store it for an extended period, enclosed storage is worth the added cost. For shorter-term or seasonal storage in a mild climate, covered storage is often a practical middle ground.
RV storage costs vary widely depending on your location, the type of storage you choose, and the size of your vehicle. Outdoor uncovered spaces typically run anywhere from $50 to $150 per month, covered spaces often range from $100 to $250, and enclosed indoor storage can cost $200 or more per month in many markets. Facilities in high-demand urban or suburban areas tend to charge a premium compared to rural locations. Getting quotes from two or three facilities and comparing what is included in the price, such as gated access and security features, is the best way to find fair market value.
The most important factors are security, accessibility, and the physical fit for your vehicle. Look for gated entry with individual access codes, 24/7 video surveillance, and on-site management or regular staff presence. Make sure the facility has drive aisles wide enough to accommodate your RV's length and turning radius without difficulty. Flexible lease terms, easy online payment options, and a clean, well-maintained property are also strong indicators that a facility is professionally operated.
In most markets, yes. Demand for RV and boat storage is growing alongside recreational vehicle ownership, and purpose-built RV storage spaces can generate strong per-square-foot revenue compared to traditional self storage units. Facilities that offer a mix of outdoor, covered, and enclosed vehicle storage tend to attract long-term tenants who stay through seasonal cycles, which improves occupancy stability. Before investing in RV storage expansion, operators should evaluate local zoning requirements, the competitive landscape, and whether their site can accommodate the longer drive aisles and turning radii these vehicles require.
Before placing your RV in storage, you should drain and flush the fresh water system to prevent mold and freezing damage, remove all perishable food items, and disconnect or remove the battery if it will not be on a trickle charger. Cover the tires to slow UV degradation and consider a breathable vehicle cover if your space is not fully enclosed. A quick inspection of the roof seals and slide-out seals before storage can catch small issues before they become expensive repairs when you bring it back out.
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