When you have completed your RV travels it is important to store your RV in a safe and secure location so as to protect your investment. As with any vehicle, proper storage helps maintain the look of your vehicle as well as meeting possible insurance requirements or qualifying for any insurance breaks. However, finding a good RV storage facility is not as simple as opening the phone book picking a place and taking it there. You need to take a few things into consideration and get yourself organized before you start shopping around. Here’s some helpful tips to get you prepared before you decide on your RV storage location.
How Long Do You Need Storage?
Almost every RV storage facility will require you to sign some sort of contract and so having a good idea of how long you want to store or RV is important. As with any contract you often times get a price break for signing a longer contract, but if you think you may be moving sometime, will take your RV for a long trip soon or want to do a trial run with the facility then you should try and sign a month to month contract. Usually they require a 30 day advanced notice prior to ending your contract with them and if you sign a long contract and terminate early they could hit you with some hefty fee’s.
Outdoor or Indoor – That Is The Question
This is important because if you choose an outside RV storage unit then your RV will be subject to all the elements in your area such as the sun, rain, hail, snow and wind. If you live in a nicer climate where the elements are not much of an issue then it may not be of a concern. You can always purchase a nice RV cover
Amenities
You will find that some RV storage facilities offer additional amenities such as battery charging, water, electricity, trash and a few others which are great if you want to just grab your RV and go! It is important to find out if these amenities are included in the price or can be purchased separately so you know exactly what you are paying for. If you do not want all these additional items and they are included then you may be able to find a better deal elsewhere. If they are additional then its nice to have the option to pick and choose what you want. You just want to make sure that you don’t have a padded price for amenities you will not use.
Location And Access Capabilities
Often times the location of the facility can play a big part in price. If the location is out of the way or in a lower traffic area then you may get a better deal. You also want to make sure that it is not in a bad area. It is also important to think about how often you will need to visit the storage place because if it is far it may not be worth the hassle. It may be better to store it closer for a little more money. You also want to ask if they have set hours as to when you can access the facility. If flexibility is important to you then this is a good question to ask. If you have friends or family that also have an RV you could ask them for personal references and be sure to take a tour of the facility as well.
Check With Your Insurance Company
Make sure to talk to your insurance company to verify that they will cover your RV while it is in storage. Ask them if they have any requirements such as indoor or outdoor and if they give an price breaks for either. It is important that you communicate with your insurance agent so that you do not break any terms of policy.
Security
Obviously the security of your RV is of high importance so be sure to ask each facility what kind of security they offer. Is it just a simple high wall or fence? Do they offer 24 hour surveillance? Do they have a guard on-site at all times? Where you store your RV is an important decision and you want to make sure that it stays in the same condition as when you brought it there.
That’s pretty much a run down of what you should ask each storage company before making your final decision. Make a list of what is high on your priority list and compare prices and make sure to ask the same questions to each facility. To help keep you organized, get a sheet of paper and write all of your priorities down the side of the paper and the companies you’ve called along the top and put an X next to each priority each facility provides. This way you know you’re comparing apples to apples.
Don’t forget that the internet makes it even easier. Take a look around online at the various storage places and get some quotes online right now!
