For many people, storing their RV where they live is simply not an option. Either they don’t have enough space, their landlords won’t allow it, or it is against the HOA rules.
Whatever pretext brought you here, you’ll be glad to know that there are many different options and prices for any situation.
Interested in cheap RV storage with little frills? We got you. Want to purchase your own private climate-controlled RV port with all the services you could ever dream of? Yup, that exists!
Regardless of your preferences, one major factor to consider when deciding which type of storage facility is the cost.
So, you might wonder: How much does it actually cost to store an RV?
According to Storage.com, the average monthly cost to store an RV is around $130. However, prices range anywhere between $50 and $450 per month based on the perks you want, the area you are in, and the size of your RV. An outdoor storage spot with no covering can cost $30 to $100 a month, while a non-climate-controlled indoor storage unit may cost $50 to $125/month. Most indoor heated storage can cost anywhere from $100 to $450 a month.
Of course, with that broad spectrum of options, you are looking at a huge range of price points.
In this article, we cover everything there is to know about storing your camper including price, storage options, and how to properly prepare your rig for its well-deserved rest.
How much does it cost to store an RV?
As mentioned before, the average monthly cost to store an RV is around $130. However, this is just the median rate.
Prices range considerably based on the perks you want, the area you are in, and the size of your RV.
If you have a smaller camper and want a basic place to park it outdoors, you may be able to spend as low as $50/month.
However, if you have a motorhome or large travel trailer and want to park it in an enclosed area, you are looking at spending around $200-$300 a month.
Moreover, if you are looking for a climate-controlled facility, you may spend upwards of $400 or more.
For some people, paying $300 or more a month just to park an RV sounds crazy (yes, I have to admit, I am one of those people) but make no mistake, there are good reasons to invest in certain amenities.
Let’s talk about the true cost of storing an RV.
What is the true cost of RV storage?
First of all, what do we mean by the true cost? The true cost of storing an RV includes the price you pay for the storage AND the money you save in maintenance and repairs.
For example, if you opt for a heated, indoor storage facility, you won’t have to worry about your pipes freezing, rodents moving in, or even tire covers.
However, if you choose a cheaper option, you may find yourself doing more work (and purchasing more products) to ensure your RV has a good home for the season.
If your camper is going to sit outside and uncovered, you will want to invest in an RV cover, wheel covers, and possibly even chocks to keep the tires off the ground. In cold climates, antifreeze is also a must.
In short, taking care of your rig properly will save you money in the long run. Damage to your electrical system due to mice can be very costly.
Water damage and mold remediation can set you back thousands of dollars, or even destroy an RV altogether. And sadly, theft is another reality to keep in mind.
Thus, it is important to consider all of these factors when deciding how much to pay each month.
What factors impact the price you pay for RV storage?
Okay, I know $50 – $400+ is a huge price range, so let’s break things down. Several different components influence RV storage prices.
Namely, the location where your RV is parked, the amenities you want, and the type and size of your RV.
Location:
As you can imagine, the price of storing an RV varies from state to state. In popular areas such as Arizona, the cost will be higher due to increased demand.
According to Goldeagle.com, the average price in AZ for outdoor storage is $700 for 6 months.
However, in less-traveled areas such as Alaska, you’ll be able to find much cheaper rates ($600 for 8 months in a heated facility!).
So really, the best thing you can do is to search the rates in your specific area (or if deciding between two different areas, look up which one has cheaper rates!). You may be surprised by what you find.
Amenities:
Of course, when thinking about location you must also think about amenities.
In cold climates, such as New England and the Midwest, you may want to consider investing in a heated storage facility.
It will cost more monthly, but you won’t have to put the energy and money into winterizing your rig like you would if it was parked outside in the snow.
In more mild climates, an outdoor area may be just fine. Nevertheless, just because an RV is parked in southern Arizona over the winter (hello dry, sunny, 70 degree days!) doesn’t mean you can get away with the bare minimum.
The sun can do quite a bit of damage to paint jobs and decals alike; not to mention possible wear on your tires from the arid climate and harsh heat.
For this reason, a covered area may be essential, even in the warmest of climates.
So, what amenities are there to choose from? Let’s break it down into 4 categories:
1. Outdoor, uncovered
The price range for a basic spot to park your RV without any perks (except hopefully a locked gate) is around $50 – $80 monthly.
2. Outdoor, covered
Typically, this includes a carport-style cover outside and will probably cost you anywhere between $100 and $159 a month.
3. Enclosed
Basic enclosed storage means your RV will be inside a facility. You may have a private garage-like spot, or your rig may be within an indoor lot among other campers and boats.
Either way, it will be protected on all sides from the elements. This option will most likely cost you between $200-$300/month (depending on location, of course).
4. Enclosed, heated and/or climate-controlled
Are you looking for the ultimate place to store your RV that offers security, protection against weather, humidity, and pests, and maybe even a place to have your rig regularly serviced? Yes, that exists, but you will have to pay a pretty penny.
This option is typically around the $400 price range, but you can spend much more if you want ALL the perks.
For example, luxtorvip.com allows you to purchase your own RV storage instead of renting.
Their amenities include HVAC climate-controlled units, concierge services, coach delivery and setup, on-site repairs and maintenance, and so much more.
These luxury options start at $90,000 (but remember: you are buying, not renting).
Alright, now that we’ve all got price-whiplash, let’s move on to the last major factor.
The type and size of your RV:
Many RV storage facilities base their rates on the size of storage they have available.
Essentially, if your camper requires less room at their facility, you will end up paying less money.
For this reason, the size of your rig cannot be overlooked, especially if you’re looking for indoor storage options.
If you have a smaller rig, you may be able to get away with a traditional self-storage unit.
These units typically come in measurements of 10’ x 25’ and 10’ x 30’.
Some examples of rigs that would fit in this space include truck campers such as the 2012 Lance Camper 1050S, Class B’s such as the 2011 Roadtrek 190 Popular, and small travel trailers such as the popular fiberglass Scamps and Casitas.
Mid-size travel trailers and motorhomes will need more room than what a traditional storage unit offers.
If you are in a 30’ rig such as the 2012 Forest River Cherokee or 2011 Fleetwood Tioga, you will want a space 35’ long or more (with enough room for clearance, of course).
And lastly, if you are in a large travel trailer or motorhome of 35’ or more, a 40 – 50 foot space is essential.
Class A’s are the tallest of all the RVs and therefore will require a height clearance of around 14’ or more.
Rigs like the Winnebago Adventurer 35B and the Fleetwood Bounder 35K will require a 14’ x 40’ space, while 45’ Class A’s, such as the Holiday Rambler Navigator, will require a 14’ x 50’ space.
A basic rule of thumb is: if you are in a large rig, you are looking at the higher end of the price range, and if you are in a smaller rig, you are looking at the lower end of the price range. Makes sense, right?
Here is a basic price guide based on the size of storage that’s needed. Remember, these prices vary depending on where the storage facility is located.
Dimensions | Average Monthly Price for Basic Indoor Storage | Average Monthly Price for Climate Controlled Storage |
10’ x 25’ (small travel trailers, vans, truck campers under 25’ long) | $180 | $225 |
10’ x 30’(class B’s and travel trailers under 30’ long) | $250 | $300 |
14’ x 35’(class C’s, fifth wheels, travel trailers, and small class A’s under 35’ long) | $300+ | $400+ |
14’ x 40’(class A’s, fifth wheels, and travel trailers under 40’ long) | $350+ | $450+ |
14’ x 50’(Class A’s and Fifth wheels under 50’ long) | $400+ | $450+ |
Okay, now that you have all the tools to choose which RV storage facility is best for you, let’s discuss storage preparation.
How do you prepare for RV storage?
Preparing your RV for storage is one of the most important factors to consider when properly caring for your rig.
Whether you are parking your camper inside or outside, there are many useful recommendations that will make your next trip much more pleasant.
By taking the steps to weatherize (or simply clean out your rig), you will avoid a mess of problems.
I think we can all agree: having surprise repairs arise just when you’re itching to get out on the road is a major buzzkill.
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Completely empty (and flush out) your freshwater, greywater, and black tanks.
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Drain and add antifreeze to your water lines (and radiator, if you’re in a motorhome) if your rig will be in freezing temperatures.
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Unplug any electrical devices that may drain the battery. In cold temperatures, you may want to remove the battery altogether and store it somewhere warm.
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Leave the fridge door open (I think we’ve all experienced that moldy-fridge smell. Yuck.)
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Close the shades to prevent unnecessary sun exposure to your furnishings.
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Top off your propane tank, turn off all propane valves and appliances, and remove any portable propane tanks to store them upright in a safe, ventilated area.
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If you’re in a van or motorhome, make sure to take care of your engine, too. Change the oil, fill up your gas tank, and add in fuel stabilizer if your RV will be parked for a few months or more.
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Close the vents and windows to reduce the chances of moisture seeping in.
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Consider using chocks to stabilize your tires, or take the weight off of the tires altogether using your jacks. I also recommend investing in good tire covers if your RV is outside.
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Seal your roof and purchase a waterproof RV cover, especially if your camper will endure the elements. No one wants to return to water damage!
Well, there you have it. We’ve covered the typical costs of storing an RV, factors that will influence price, and how to prepare your rig for storage.
Is there anything we didn’t cover regarding RV storage? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
What are the average prices for RV storage near me?
The average prices for RV storage near you may vary depending on the type of storage, the location, the amenities, and the demand.
What are the average prices for covered RV storage near me?
Covered RV storage is a type of vehicle storage that provides a roof over your RV, but not walls. This can protect your RV from sun, rain, hail, and other weather elements while being more affordable than indoor storage.
Covered RV storage may not offer the same level of security and climate control as indoor storage.
The average prices for covered RV storage near you may vary depending on the size of your RV, the location of the storage facility, the amenities offered, and the demand for storage.
What are the average prices for motorhome storage near me?
Motorhome storage is a type of vehicle storage that allows you to park your motorhome in a secure and convenient location when you are not using it. Motorhome storage can be indoor, outdoor, or covered, depending on your preferences and budget.
The average prices for motorhome storage near you may vary depending on the size of your motorhome, the location of the storage facility, the amenities offered, and the demand for storage.
What are the average prices for indoor RV storage near me?
Indoor RV storage is a type of vehicle storage that allows you to park your RV in a fully enclosed and climate-controlled space. This can offer the highest level of protection, security, and convenience for your RV, but it can also be the most expensive option.
The average prices for indoor RV storage near you may vary depending on the size of your RV, the location of the storage facility, the amenities offered, and the demand for storage.
What are the average prices for outdoor RV storage near me?
Outdoor RV storage is a type of vehicle storage that allows you to park your RV in an open lot or a designated parking space. This can be the cheapest and most available option for RV storage, but it can also expose your RV to weather, dust, and vandalism.
The average prices for outdoor RV storage near you may vary depending on the size of your RV, the location of the storage facility, the amenities offered, and the demand for storage.
What are the average rates for RV storage near me?
The average rates for RV storage near you may vary depending on the size of your RV, the location of the storage facility, the amenities offered, and the demand for storage.
