The question, “Where to store a travel trailer near me?” boils down to balancing cost, convenience, security, and your trailer’s specific needs. The ideal storage solution is one that protects your investment while remaining accessible and affordable.
Understanding Your Travel Trailer Storage Options
Choosing the right storage option for your travel trailer is crucial for its longevity and your peace of mind. Several factors influence this decision, including your budget, the trailer’s size, local climate conditions, and desired level of access. From simple outdoor lots to climate-controlled indoor facilities, understanding the spectrum of choices is the first step.
Outdoor Storage: The Economical Choice
Outdoor storage is generally the most affordable option. It involves parking your trailer in an open lot, similar to a parking lot for cars, but often with wider spaces to accommodate the larger size of RVs and trailers. This type of storage typically involves minimal amenities but can be perfectly suitable for budget-conscious owners, especially if the local climate is relatively mild.
- Pros: Cost-effective, widely available, often closest to residential areas.
- Cons: Exposure to weather elements (sun, rain, snow), potential for theft or vandalism, limited security.
Covered Storage: Shielding Your Investment
Covered storage provides a roof overhead, shielding your travel trailer from direct sunlight, rain, and snow. This can significantly reduce wear and tear on the trailer’s exterior, preventing fading, cracking, and water damage. These facilities are generally more expensive than outdoor lots but offer a worthwhile trade-off for those seeking enhanced protection.
- Pros: Protects against weather, reduces UV damage, often offers better security than outdoor lots.
- Cons: More expensive than outdoor storage, limited availability compared to outdoor options, might restrict access based on facility hours.
Indoor Storage: The Ultimate Protection
Indoor storage offers the highest level of protection. Your travel trailer is kept inside a building, shielded from all weather elements, dust, and pests. Some facilities even offer climate control, maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level to prevent mold growth and other environmental damage. This is the most expensive option, but it’s ideal for preserving the value and condition of your trailer, particularly in areas with harsh climates.
- Pros: Superior protection from weather, theft, and pests; often climate-controlled; maximum security.
- Cons: Most expensive option, typically the furthest from residential areas, limited availability, strict access policies.
Specialized RV Storage Facilities
Some facilities specialize in RV storage, offering amenities tailored to the needs of travel trailer owners. These might include:
- Dump stations: For emptying black and gray water tanks.
- Wash bays: For cleaning your trailer.
- Maintenance and repair services: On-site mechanics for repairs and maintenance.
- Battery charging stations: To keep your battery in top condition.
- Security features: Such as video surveillance, gated access, and on-site personnel.
Finding Storage Near You: Utilizing Online Resources
The easiest way to find travel trailer storage near you is to leverage online resources. Here are some effective strategies:
- Google Maps: Search for “RV storage near me” or “travel trailer storage near me” on Google Maps. This will provide a list of nearby facilities, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and reviews.
- Online directories: Websites like SpareFoot, Neighbor, and RV Storage USA specialize in connecting RV owners with storage facilities. These sites allow you to filter your search by location, storage type, amenities, and price.
- RV forums and communities: Online forums and social media groups dedicated to RVing can be a valuable source of information. Ask other RV owners in your area for recommendations.
- Local RV dealerships and repair shops: These businesses often have relationships with local storage facilities and can provide recommendations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Storage Location
Before committing to a storage location, carefully consider the following factors:
- Accessibility: How easy is it to get your trailer in and out of the storage location? Consider the turning radius required for your trailer and the width of the access roads.
- Security: What security measures are in place to protect your trailer from theft and vandalism? Look for features like gated access, video surveillance, and on-site personnel.
- Pricing: Compare the prices of different storage options and be aware of any hidden fees. Consider whether the price includes access to amenities like dump stations or wash bays.
- Contract terms: Read the storage contract carefully before signing. Pay attention to the length of the contract, payment terms, cancellation policies, and liability coverage.
- Reviews and reputation: Check online reviews of the storage facility to get a sense of its reputation. Pay attention to comments about security, cleanliness, and customer service.
- Insurance: Confirm with your insurance company that your travel trailer is covered while in storage. Some storage facilities may require you to maintain your own insurance policy.
- Climate: Consider the local climate and choose a storage option that will protect your trailer from extreme weather conditions. If you live in an area with harsh winters, indoor or covered storage is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Travel Trailer Storage
Here are some common questions about travel trailer storage, answered to provide further clarity.
FAQ 1: How much does travel trailer storage typically cost?
The cost varies widely based on location, storage type (outdoor, covered, indoor), and amenities offered. Outdoor storage can range from $50 to $150 per month, covered storage from $100 to $300 per month, and indoor storage from $200 to $500+ per month.
FAQ 2: What are the advantages of indoor RV storage?
Indoor storage provides superior protection from all weather elements, including sun, rain, snow, and wind. It also protects against dust, pests, and potential vandalism. Climate-controlled indoor storage further minimizes the risk of mold and mildew.
FAQ 3: What are the disadvantages of outdoor RV storage?
Outdoor storage exposes your travel trailer to the elements, which can lead to fading, cracking, and water damage. There’s also a higher risk of theft and vandalism compared to indoor options.
FAQ 4: How do I prepare my travel trailer for long-term storage?
Proper preparation is essential. This includes emptying and cleaning all tanks (fresh, gray, and black water), removing perishable food, disconnecting the battery, covering tires to prevent dry rot, and thoroughly cleaning the interior to prevent pests. Consider using RV antifreeze in plumbing to prevent freezing in colder climates.
FAQ 5: What should I look for in a secure travel trailer storage facility?
Look for gated access with keycard entry, video surveillance, adequate lighting, perimeter fencing, and on-site management or security personnel. Regularly check reviews and ask about their security protocols.
FAQ 6: Is it better to cover my travel trailer during outdoor storage?
Yes, using a properly fitted RV cover is highly recommended. A cover protects your trailer from UV damage, rain, snow, and debris. Choose a breathable cover to prevent moisture buildup underneath.
FAQ 7: Do I need to winterize my travel trailer before storing it?
Absolutely, especially in regions with freezing temperatures. Winterizing protects your plumbing system from damage caused by freezing water. This involves draining all water lines, adding RV antifreeze, and protecting vulnerable components.
FAQ 8: Can I store my travel trailer on my property?
This depends on local zoning regulations and homeowners association (HOA) rules. Many communities have restrictions on storing RVs and trailers in driveways or yards. Check with your local authorities before storing your trailer on your property.
FAQ 9: How often should I check on my travel trailer while it’s in storage?
Ideally, you should check on your travel trailer at least once a month, especially if it’s stored outdoors. This allows you to identify any potential problems, such as leaks, pest infestations, or security breaches.
FAQ 10: What insurance coverage do I need for my travel trailer while it’s in storage?
Consult with your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage for theft, vandalism, fire, and other potential damages while your travel trailer is in storage. You may need to adjust your policy based on the storage location and its security measures.
FAQ 11: Should I disconnect the battery when storing my travel trailer?
Yes, it’s best to disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining during storage. You can also use a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged. If storing for extended periods in freezing temperatures, it’s best to remove the battery and store it indoors.
FAQ 12: What should I do if I find pests in my travel trailer after it has been stored?
Immediately address the infestation. Set traps, use appropriate pest control products, and thoroughly clean the interior. Consider hiring a professional pest control service for severe infestations. Identify and seal any entry points to prevent future problems.