The Ultimate Guide to RV and Boat Storage: Tips and Tricks for Safe and Easy Storage

If you’re a traveler who loves exploring the open road or sailing the high seas, you know the importance of having a reliable place to store your RV or boat when not in use. However, finding the right storage facility can be challenging, especially if you’re new to RV and boat storage. 

 

That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to RV and boat storage – a comprehensive resource that will help you choose the right storage facility, provide tips and tricks for safe and easy storage, and answer any questions about this important aspect of your travel experience. 

 

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to ensure your RV or boat is stored safely and securely until your next adventure.

1. Choose the Right Storage Option

When it comes to choosing the right storage option for your RV or boat, there are several factors to consider. The right storage option will depend on your individual needs, circumstances, and budget.

 

Indoor storage is often the most expensive option, but it protects your RV or boat the most. Indoor storage facilities are typically climate-controlled, so your vehicle or boat is protected from extreme temperatures and humidity. This is particularly important if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions or if you plan to store your vehicle or boat for an extended period of time. Indoor storage facilities offer added security measures, such as 24-hour surveillance, controlled access, and on-site security personnel.

 

Outdoor storage is usually the most affordable option but provides the least protection for your RV or boat. Outdoor storage facilities are often little more than parking lots, and your vehicle or boat is exposed to the elements, including sun, wind, rain, and snow. However, if you have a tight budget or if you only need to store your vehicle or boat for a short period of time, outdoor storage may be the best option.

 

Covered storage provides a middle ground between indoor and outdoor storage. Covered storage facilities offer a roof or canopy over your vehicle or boat, protecting it from the elements. This is a good option if you don’t have the budget for indoor storage but want more protection than outdoor storage provides.

 

When choosing a storage option, it’s important to consider your individual needs and circumstances. Ask yourself questions such as:

 

• How much can I afford to spend on storage?
• How long do I need to store my RV or boat?
• What kind of weather conditions will my vehicle or boat be exposed to?
• How important is security to me?

 

By considering these factors, you can decide which storage option is right for you. Remember, choosing the right storage option is an important step in protecting your investment and ensuring that your RV or boat remains in top condition.

2. Check the Storage Facility’s Security

Regarding storing your RV or boat, security should be a top priority. You want to ensure your vehicle or boat is safe from theft, vandalism, and other types of damage. Before choosing a storage facility, it’s important to check its security measures. Here are some things to look for:

 

• Secure fencing and gates: The storage facility should have a secure perimeter fence and a gate that can only be accessed by authorized personnel. The gate should also have a security code or keycard access to ensure that only those with permission can enter.

 

• Surveillance cameras: The storage facility should have a surveillance system with cameras placed strategically throughout the property. This helps deter theft and vandalism and provides evidence in case of an incident.

 

• On-site management and security patrols: A storage facility with on-site management and security patrols can provide an extra layer of protection. Managers can monitor the property and respond quickly to any issues, while security patrols can deter criminal activity and respond to emergencies.

 

• Lighting: Adequate lighting is important for security. Make sure the storage facility is well-lit, especially at night.

 

• Other security measures: Some storage facilities, like Titan Storage, may have additional security measures, such as biometric access, barbed wire fencing, or a custom mobile app to manage your unit securely.

 

It’s important to take the time to research storage facilities and ask about their security measures. Be bold and ask questions or visit the facility in person to better understand the security measures in place. A storage facility with strong security measures can give you peace of mind and help ensure your RV or boat is safe and secure.

3. Prepare Your Vehicle or Boat for Storage

Preparing your RV or boat for storage is an important step in protecting your investment and ensuring it remains in good condition while not in use. Here are some tips to help you prepare your vehicle or boat for storage:

 

• Remove all valuables: Before storing your RV or boat, make sure to remove all valuables, including electronics, clothing, and personal items. This will help protect against theft and prevent any items from getting damaged while in storage.

 

• Drain all fluids: Drain all fluids from your boat or RV, including fuel, oil, and coolant. This will prevent any fluids from leaking and causing damage while in storage.

 

• Disconnect the battery: Disconnect it from your RV or boat to prevent it from draining in storage. You can also remove the battery and store it separately, if necessary.

 

• Clean and dry: Clean your RV or boat thoroughly before storing it. This will help prevent mold, mildew, and other types of damage. Remove any debris or dirt from the exterior, and clean the interior.

 

• Cover your vehicle or boat: Covering your RV or boat with a protective cover can help prevent dust, debris, and other types of damage. Make sure to choose a cover specifically designed for your vehicle or boat, made from breathable material to prevent moisture buildup.

 

• Stabilize the tires: If you’re storing your RV or boat for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to stabilize the tires. This involves inflating the tires to the recommended pressure and using tire covers to protect against UV damage.

 

• Protect against rodents: Rodents can cause significant damage to your RV or boat while in storage. To protect against rodents, seal all entry points, including exhaust pipes and vents. You may also want to use rodent repellents and traps.

 

• Check and maintain: RVs and boats still require maintenance even when in storage. Regularly check your vehicle or boat for leaks, damage, and wear and tear. Check the tire pressure, and keep the battery charged. Regular maintenance ensures that your vehicle or boat is ready to go when you are.

 

By following these tips, you can prepare your RV or boat for storage and protect it from damage while not in use. Remember to take the time to properly prepare your vehicle or boat for storage to ensure that it remains in good condition and is ready to use when you’re ready to hit the road or water.

4. Consider Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage can be an excellent option for storing your RV or boat, particularly if you live in an area with extreme temperatures or high humidity. This storage unit or facility is designed to regulate temperature and humidity levels, providing a safe and stable environment for your vehicle or boat.

 

One of the primary benefits of climate-controlled storage is that it protects your RV or boat from extreme temperatures. Exposure to extreme heat or cold can cause damage to your vehicle or boat, particularly if it’s stored for an extended period of time. In a climate-controlled storage unit, the temperature is regulated to ensure it remains within a safe range, protecting your vehicle or boat from damage.

 

Climate-controlled storage also protects your RV or boat from humidity. High levels of humidity can lead to mold or mildew growth, which can cause significant damage to your vehicle or boat. By regulating humidity levels, climate-controlled storage units prevent moisture buildup and protect your investment.

5. Check Your Insurance Coverage

One important step many RV and boat owners overlook when preparing for storage is checking their insurance coverage. It’s essential to review your current policy and make any necessary updates to ensure that your RV or boat is protected while it’s in storage.

 

First, consider the level of liability coverage that you currently have in place. Liability coverage is a key component of any RV or boat insurance policy, and it’s important to ensure that you have adequate protection in case of an accident or damage caused by your vehicle or boat while it’s in storage.

 

In addition to liability coverage, it’s also important to review your comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect against non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage, while collision coverage provides protection for damage caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects. Ensure that your RV or boat is adequately covered under both types of insurance while it’s in storage.

 

It’s also important to consider the storage location when reviewing your insurance coverage. Some insurance policies may require storing your RV or boat in a secure, enclosed storage facility to maintain coverage. If you’re storing your vehicle or boat at home or in another location, you may need to take additional steps to ensure it’s adequately protected.

 

Finally, review your policy for any limits on the length of time that your RV or boat can be stored without affecting your coverage. Depending on the specific terms of your policy, there may be a limit on how long your vehicle or boat can be stored before coverage is affected.

 

Reviewing your insurance coverage before storing your RV or boat can help ensure that you’re adequately protected in case of any incidents that may occur while it’s in storage. Talk to your insurance agent to make any necessary updates to your policy and get peace of mind knowing that your vehicle or boat is fully protected while it’s in storage.

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