Where should I store my RV for the winter?

By joanne lemna | January 26, 2017

When the leaves fall the temperatures drop and the clouds overhead threaten snow most of us pack up our RVs and head back home for the winter season. If it’s your first year with your RV you may be wondering what you do next. Or if you’re a more experienced RVer you may be wondering if what you’ve been doing has been the best option when it comes to cost and protection of your weekend getaway vehicle.

Local bylaws often make it impossible for RV owners to park their vehicles in their driveways or on the streets over winter. Besides unless you have a lot of parking real estate or a big garage for storage it’s not practical to park your RV in front of your house.

You have a few alternative options:

  • Spot at an RV park
  • Heated garage
  • Building or carport or outdoor storage 
  • Indoor or outdoor storage facility

There’s lots of variety in these options from the cheapest and most basic options to the more expensive highly secure and protective indoor facilities. Before you make any decisions there are four things for you to consider:

1. Winterizing 

You need to adequately prepare your RV for winter weather and disuse especially if you are storing it outdoors. This means protecting it from weather and pests. Here’s our guide to winterizing your RV  or a  step by step process compiled by KOA. You either need to do this before you deliver it to storage or at the facility (if it is permitted and equipped with what you need).

2. Security

Theft and vandalism can be concerns particularly if you can’t regularly check on your RV yourself. You’ll pay more for additional security but it’s definitely worth to keep your investment safe.

3. Access

Are you going to use the RV over the winter? Do you want to be able to check up on it? Do you need to perform maintenance in the off-season? How much access will you need to your RV? Different places will have different levels of access.

4. Insurance

Check to see what the RV park’s insurance includes and talk to your insurance broker to see what your own policy covers.  

Your main goal for winter storage is to protect your investment in the off-season so you can enjoy it next year. The best option for you will depend on your response to the four concerns above and your budget. It’s best if your RV is covered and parked on a solid surface. You can easily do this yourself by buying a breathable fabric cover and patio stones to put underneath your RV so a fancy covered facility isn’t a necessity. Make sure your RV won’t be parked under a tree or on dirt as this can cause excess wear and tear to the roof siding and tires.

Whatever method of storage you choose be sure to know what your own insurance policy covers when it comes to theft or damage in the off-season. There are many options when it comes to insuring trailers so be sure to talk to your insurance broker about the best choice for you.