If you’ve never considered indoor RV storage, you may want to. Indoor storage can minimize the risk that your RV gets damaged in the off-season. It may seem like an unnecessary expense. But the couple hundred dollars a month you’ll spend on an indoor RV storage rental space now may save you several thousand dollars worth of repairs later. Besides price, here are four reasons you’ll want to consider indoor storage for your RV.

1.   The weather in your region

According to Camper Report, the first thing to consider is whether you’ll need indoor storage during the off-season, which starts with what the weather looks like. While, depending on where you live, security may be a consideration, chances are you’re far more likely to experience weather-related damage than someone ripping off your RV.

Start by considering how much snow you get each fall and winter. Repeated freezing and thawing can wreak havoc on any vehicle, especially one you’re not regularly operating and having serviced. And heavy snow can damage an RV roof, given its weight. But outdoor RV storage is risky even in areas not prone to regular or heavy snowfall.

Moisture in the air, whether from warm, humid climates in Southern states or snowfall everywhere else, can lead to rust, mold, and other water-related issues. So indoor RV storage is recommended if you’re in a state prone to rain or humid weather in the winter months.

2.   The size of your RV

You may be balking at the storage price if you’ve got a larger RV. After all, the larger the RV, the more expensive your storage fee. However, while that may be true, it’s also likely that the larger your RV is, the more expensive weather-related damage may be to prepare.

For example, if moisture is the culprit, you’ll likely need to remove more mold from a larger RV than from a teardrop camper. Extensive moisture-related damage repair costs could easily eclipse your monthly rental fee, whether you have a tiny trailer or a Class A-size rig.  

Now, it may be worth risking keeping your RV outside if you’re in an environment without heavy snowfalls, freezing weather, rain, or humidity during the winter. But it is a risk you should only undertake after careful thought. Don’t fall into the habit of parking your RV in your driveway year after year without looking at the projected weather forecasts at the start of each winter season. Otherwise, you could easily wind up scrambling to find storage space in advance of a bad weather patch you didn’t think possible.

3.   The length of storage time

You’ll also want to consider the time you’ll need to store your RV. Not only can projecting the length of time you need to store it help you budget appropriately for a rental storage unit, but it can also help you pick a suitable storage facility.

Different storage facilities use different billing models. You may be asked to pay a weekly, monthly, or annual rate. Understanding how long you’ll need to store your RV can help you select the facility with the billing terms that align with your budget.

If you’re only likely to need a storage facility for a month or less, you may want to park it at home or find another solution. Most facilities only make financial sense if you need them for at least a couple of months. But indoor is the way to go if you anticipate bad weather, a long trip, or another reason you may want to secure your RV inside.

4.   The additional services that may be available

Many indoor RV storage facilities offer optional services which may help convince you that storage is to your advantage. It’s common to find facilities whose staff provide routine maintenance, like emptying your tanks, replacing your tires, and detailing your vehicle. Availing yourself of these services can help ensure that your RV is ready to go out of storage during the traveling season.

These services give you an extra point of comparison when comparing different facilities. Consider how many of these services are built into the base price or what options are offered at inexpensive rates compared to others.

All-in-all, indoor RV storage can be an excellent option for owners looking for peace of mind during the off-season. They can help you keep your RV safe and in tip-top shape for a relatively low price.