Why store your RV in a dedicated facility?
Maybe you’ve just purchased an RV and are busy planning summer and fall trips. Or maybe you’ve decided to take a job where you can work from home part of the year and spend the winter months in a warmer climate, living in your motorhome and traveling when you want.
But where will you keep your RV in the meantime?
If your answer is, “I’ll just keep it in the driveway until it’s time to go,” you might want to think again.
Here are three major reasons why you should store your RV, motorhome, or fifth wheel in a dedicated storage facility:
Security
RVs are attractive targets for theft (as well as vandalism), often because thieves can drive away not only with a vehicle, but an entire “home” full of belongings. According to Gitnux, an independent market research platform, RV theft is a growing problem in the United States, with a 30% increase nationwide between 2016 and 2020.
Thieves will also steal RV parts – especially catalytic converters, which are stolen for the precious metals inside. In 2020, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a total of 14,433 catalytic converter thefts reported in the U.S., with instances of RV catalytic converter theft having risen fourfold. RVs are especially attractive targets for “cat” thieves because the parts are larger and therefore worth more money.
And despite new laws in many states to fight catalytic converter theft and proposed federal legislation under review, this issue remains a problem for RV owners.
Dedicated storage facilities that offer 24-hour surveillance, gated access, and good lighting help protect your RV from theft and vandalism and reduce the chances of loss or damage.
2. Protection from the environment
Depending on size and amenities, most new RVs cost between $75,000 - $300,000. Used motorhomes or fifth wheels are generally much less, but they can still cost about as much as a house, even before insurance, maintenance, and gasoline.
But no matter if you paid $3,000 or $300,000 for yours, an RV is a major investment that you’ll want to take care of, whether you plan to keep it for decades or sell it in a few years. Maintaining the value means keeping everything in good shape, and that means protecting your RV from the elements.
A covered RV storage facility shields your vehicle from harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and other environmental factors that cause damage over time. A fully enclosed RV storage unit provides even better protection, keeping your investment safe from high winds, heavy rain or snow, and blowing dust.
3. HOA rules and city ordinances
If your neighborhood is part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), you may not be allowed to park an RV, camper, or trailer at your home in the first place. In most HOAs, RVs are not allowed to be stored within public view, which includes driveways, side yards and backyards.
Because of the amount of parking space required, many HOAs limit parking to a few days – and they generally prohibit anyone from living or staying in them even in the short term, except in cases of emergency or under special permission.
If you can fit your RV in your garage, you may be OK – but most standard-size garages just aren’t long or tall enough.
Even if you don’t have an HOA, RVs and boats can cause problems when parked in residential areas because they can hinder visibility for residents, motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. For example, here in New Mexico, there are only a few places that allow temporary RV parking in the driveway.
By keeping your RV in a dedicated, secured storage facility, you won’t have to worry about HOA fines or city violations, angry neighbors, or potential loss or damage to your investment. In fact, the peace of mind that comes from protecting your RV may be the biggest reason to store it in the first place!
Contact the team at Max RV Storage in Clovis today to find out more about storing your RV, boat, camper, or car at our secure facility.