Last Updated on February 15, 2023

Hitting the open road in an RV is an unbeatable experience, combining the thrill of adventure with the comfort of home. However, during the year when you’re not using your RV, storage can be a challenge, especially in urban areas where space is limited and expensive.

When searching for RV storage, it’s important to do your research and avoid settling for the first option that comes your way. Some storage facilities charge exorbitant prices and offer inadequate security, so you need to be discerning.

To find cheap and secure RV storage, it’s crucial to consider all of your options and compare them based on factors like price and security. Don’t just jump into a contract without first doing your due diligence. With a bit of effort, you can find the perfect storage solution for your RV.

Here are great ways to find cheap RV storage near you:

• Ask for referrals: Word of mouth is a powerful tool. Ask friends, family, or fellow RV owners for recommendations on affordable storage facilities.
• Check online listings: There are many websites that specialize in listing storage facilities, including those that cater to RVs. Compare prices and read reviews to find the best option for you.
• Look for discounts: Some storage facilities offer discounts for long-term contracts, so consider renting a space for several months or even a year. Some facilities may also offer discounts for referrals, so be sure to ask about that as well.
• The Neighbor App: the app is trying to match people’s empty space with other people’s extra stuff. There is a menu for RV storage.
• Consider alternative storage solutions: While traditional storage facilities may be expensive, you may be able to find more affordable options elsewhere. For example, you could consider storing your RV on a friend’s property, or on a rented parking spot.
• Local Facebook groups: I found a space for my RV through a local mommy group that my friend used. Join some active local Facebook groups and ask members if they have space available in their backyard. It worked for me!
• Check for special offers: Some facilities may offer promotions or special deals from time to time, so keep an eye out for these opportunities to save.
• Negotiate with storage providers: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with storage providers to get the best deal possible. You may be able to negotiate a lower price or better terms if you’re a long-term customer or if you’re renting a large space.
• Storage.com is a self-storage aggregation website. As a network partner of US Storage Search, Storage.com provides information on the largest available variety of self-storage facilities and allows for online reservations through the website.

Inside or Outside?

When it comes to storing your RV, you have the choice between indoor and outdoor storage facilities. Outdoor storage is typically less expensive, but it offers less protection for your vehicle. To minimize the impact of the weather, keep an eye on weather forecasts and take your RV inside before a storm hits. Additionally, make sure that the outside storage facility has adequate security measures in place.

However, constant exposure to the elements can cause the exterior of your RV to deteriorate more quickly, leading to additional maintenance costs. In the long run, indoor storage, despite being more expensive upfront, may save you money in the long run by keeping your RV in better condition. Consider all the costs involved and the conditions you want your RV to be in before making a decision. Take the time to weigh your options and make an informed choice.

Pros and Cons of Choosing Indoor Storage Facilities

There are many benefits to keeping your RV in an indoor storage facility. They are primarily places with more security, so it will be harder for thieves to break in and steal the contents of your RV. They also typically have climate-controlled storage, so you don’t need to worry about the heat or cold during the summer or winter months.

Indoor RV storage facilities are excellent for people who live near where they parked their RV because it saves them the hassle of having to store it at home once they park it at their vacation destination. It’s also a good choice for those who want to have a place to store their RV where they can always have it on hand in case they ever need to pull out the recreational vehicle again.

Indoor storage facilities are more expensive than outdoor storage facilities, but you can typically find monthly rates that work for your budget. They also provide security cameras and on-site security so you can feel safe knowing your RV is in good hands while it’s being stored.

Pros:

• Climate control: Indoor storage facilities are often temperature-controlled, which can help protect your RV from extreme temperatures and humidity, preventing damage to the interior and exterior of your vehicle.
• Protection from the elements: Indoor storage facilities protect your RV from rain, snow, hail, and other weather-related hazards, keeping your vehicle in better condition for longer.
• Improved security: Many indoor storage facilities have enhanced security measures, such as gated access, security cameras, and on-site staff, which can provide peace of mind that your RV is safe and secure.
• Convenience: Indoor storage facilities are typically located in central locations, making it easier to access your RV when you need it.

Cons:

• Higher cost: Indoor storage facilities tend to be more expensive than outdoor storage options, so you need to weigh the cost against the benefits.
• Limited space: Indoor storage facilities can be more cramped than outdoor storage lots, making it harder to maneuver your RV in and out of the space.
• Potential for damage: Despite the improved protection from the elements, indoor storage facilities can still pose risks to your RV. For example, other vehicles or equipment in the facility could collide with or scratch your RV.

Pros and Cons of Outdoor Storage Facilities

The main benefit of choosing an outdoor storage facility is that these places are generally cheaper than indoor storage facilities. However, this makes them more susceptible to weather, break-ins and theft. You will want to take extra precautions to ensure your RV is locked down and cannot be moved from the facility.

Outdoor storage facilities are perfect for people who don’t want their RV in their own backyard while it’s not being used, or who only plan to use their RV during the summer months when it’s nice outside. Outdoor storage is also great for those who live near where they plan to park their RV because it saves them the hassle of having to drive or tow it after it’s parked.

Outdoor storage facilities typically provide on-site security and security cameras, but no climate control. However, you will still want to remember to bring along anti-freeze and any other items you may need to help keep your RV from freezing over the winter months.

Pros:

• Lower cost: Outdoor storage facilities are generally less expensive than indoor storage options, making it a budget-friendly option for RV owners.
• More space: Outdoor storage facilities offer more room for maneuvering and storing your RV, allowing for more space to park and store your vehicle.
• Natural ventilation: Outdoor storage facilities allow for natural ventilation and air flow, which can help reduce moisture buildup and prevent mold and mildew from forming inside your RV.

Cons:

• Exposure to the elements: Your RV will be exposed to the weather and elements when stored outdoors, which can lead to damage to the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
• Lack of climate control: Outdoor storage facilities may not offer temperature-controlled environments, which can cause damage to your RV during extreme temperature changes.
• Security concerns: Outdoor storage facilities may have limited security measures, increasing the risk of theft or damage to your RV.
• Inconvenience: Outdoor storage facilities are often located on the outskirts of towns and cities, making it less convenient to access your RV when needed.

Pros and Cons of Self-Storage Units

Aside from the typical RV storage units, self-storage units are an option you may want to consider. They are not explicitly designed for RVs, but some provide enough space so you can park your RV in the unit without worrying about it being damaged by other items or weather conditions.

One of the drawbacks to self-storage units is that they are typically more expensive than both traditional storage unit facilities and outdoor storage facilities.

Self-storage units typically provide less security than outdoor or indoor storage units because they are not climate controlled and don’t have on-site security like traditional storage facilities do. You will want to make sure your RV is properly locked up so it cannot be moved by someone other than yourself.

Aside from deciding whether you’ll be storing your RV indoors or outdoors, you also need to ensure that your RV is safe. Keep an eye out for fire hazards, flooding possibilities, and more to ensure that the storage facility you choose has taken steps to protect your investment.

Here are other factors to take into account.

Insurance:

Look into your RV policy to see if the RV is covered while in storage. Not all policies include this, but the facility itself may have insurance coverage of its own. Compare the terms of your insurance with the insurance offered by the storage facility before deciding on the best coverage for your RV while it is in storage.

If you have a personal liability policy, you will need to check if it applies to damages incurred while your RV is in storage. Some people choose to purchase additional insurance for their RV when it is in storage, but this can increase the overall cost. Do not worry, though, because most of the time, the extra fees are minimal and preventative measures are worth the extra cost.

Storage Facility Employees:

Ensure that there will be someone caring for your RV while it is in storage. If you choose a large storage facility, there should always be someone around to help if needed. There may be times when your RV needs maintenance, and you do not want to worry about booking appointments for this.

Besides having staff on-site, make sure they are trained and experienced in working with RVs and boats. This is a critical part of choosing the best storage facility for your lifestyle choices. Many RV owners will complain that their storage facility does not have enough staff working to support their RV storage needs during certain months of the year.

Inspections:

There is no better way to find out if your RV will be safe in a storage facility than by inspecting it yourself. Look at the security, make sure there are no fire hazards, and investigate what happens when they need access to your RV. The more information you have, the better equipped you will be to make a final decision.

Amenities:

Take the time to research the amenities each facility has, as these will influence the price and your choice. Commonly offered amenities include electricity, keeping your batteries charged, access to water, sewage disposal, trash services, and heating or cooling. The more amenities a facility has, the higher you should expect the rate to be. If you are on a budget, you will need to search for a place that does not have amenities that are not important to you. This way, you can reduce the cost as much as possible without sacrificing your lifestyle.

Storage Facility Location:

Always look for a storage facility near your home and not in an isolated area. If you choose to drive to work every day, make sure there is a location near you that you can drop off or pick up your RV each day (even if it means deviating from your normal route).

The facility should not be too far to discourage you from visiting often or taking your RV out for short trips once in a while to keep it in good condition. Storage facilities that are too far away also increase the possibility of damage occurring and theft, both of which can run up your expenses if they are not covered by the facility.

Space:

Make sure you find a place that has adequate space for your RV unit as you want to maneuver in and out of it comfortably. You also want to consider if there is enough space for you to wash the RV to save you time and hassle while you are traveling. Not all storage spaces are the same, so take the time to look around before making your decision.

If you are not sure if a space is big enough for your RV, ask the facility manager to take you on a tour. If you can go inside and move around or drive-in, check how low it dips when entering the storage space. There should be enough space for you to do this easily, even if your RV is parked on uneven ground.

Storage Facility Flooring:

When choosing an RV storage facility, the type of flooring used can also be an important factor to consider. While it may not be the most crucial consideration, it can still impact the overall condition of your RV.

Asphalt and gravel are commonly used as flooring in RV storage facilities and are considered to be the best options for storing recreational vehicles. Asphalt provides a solid and level surface that can protect the undercarriage of your RV from damage caused by uneven terrain. Gravel is also a good option as it allows for proper drainage, reducing the risk of water damage to your RV.

On the other hand, dirt flooring is not recommended for RV storage, especially in areas with frequent rain. Dirt can quickly turn into mud and cause significant damage to the tires and underside of your RV. This can also increase the risk of water seeping into the electrical and mechanical systems, causing further damage and requiring costly repairs.

Security:

Ideally, you want a facility that is located close to your home so that you can easily access your recreational vehicle when needed. Having easy access to your RV is important, especially if you need to make any last-minute trips or arrangements.

Another important consideration is the level of security offered by the storage facility. Some facilities have minimal security measures, such as a chain-link fence and a basic lock, while others have advanced, hi-tech security systems, such as surveillance cameras, gated access, and 24-hour security personnel. The more secure a facility is, the higher your storage costs will likely be.

When evaluating the security of a storage facility, consider the location of the facility and whether it is in a high-crime area. If you are storing your RV in an area with a high crime rate, it is important to choose a facility with advanced security measures to protect your investment. You may also want to consider obtaining insurance coverage for your RV to provide added peace of mind.

In addition to security and location, there are other factors to consider when choosing an RV storage facility, such as the cost of storage, the availability of electricity and water hookups, and the convenience of the facility’s hours of operation. Take the time to do your research and compare your options to find a facility that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Pricing:

After you consider all this and you know what you want, it is time to look at pricing. A storage unit indoors for an RV can cost anywhere from $150 or $400 per month. One with fewer amenities, less space, and lower security may only be around $150. Outdoor facilities will be even cheaper, but you should opt for a canopy, in this case, to protect your RV from the elements.

You need to consider how often you will visit the storage facility and how much it costs for a daily fee. If you only make a trip every other week, an expensive daily rate can quickly take out your savings. Some facilities also charge extra fees if they have to move your RV from one spot to another or if there is any damage that occurs to your RV or storage facility.

Additionally, you may also want to compare prices, or even ask friends or online communities for recommendations. Sometimes, a recommendation from a friend will lead you to a great deal.

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