Selecting the Right RV Garage
10-02-2017
Author: in The Road Less Traveled
Unless you're a full-time RVer, there's a good chance that you'll be storing your pride and joy at least part of the year. Although there's a chance your neighbors wouldn't mind you leaving it parked under a fabric cover in the driveway, and there are definitely an assortment of commercially operated storage facilities that house motorhomes, perhaps you want to keep it in a covered structure on your own property. That's where RV storage garages come in.
What Is the Benefit?
Although it is quite a bit of an investment, an RV garage—often also referred to as an RV carport—is an important out-building. It protects your RV from the elements, such as hail or snow, and UV damage from direct sunlight when your RV isn't in use. Leaving your RV exposed can result in deterioration in the fiberglass, paint, roof, or window seals. This can lead to more substantial—and expensive—problems as moisture enters the interior causing additional damage. Plus, it keeps it cleaner, as well.
What Should You Get?
The options are as varied as the owners themselves. Generally, they range from wood to steel, open-sided to closed, closed with doors and windows or without, etc. They're available in a range of colors, and can be placed on pavement or gravel. They can even have electricity and be kept climate controlled. Consider the following:
Wood or Steel: Much of this depends on how much you want to spend, as well as how much maintenance you want to attend to. Wood—to many—looks more upscale. It's easier to match it to your home and other out-buildings. Plus, you can change its appearance and even build onto it later. It does, however, require periodic treatment, painting, or varnishing.
Steel is less versatile and more industrial looking. It is, however, a less expensive option that has no real upkeep.
Open-sided or Closed: Basically, if you live in a region that experiences a lot of snow and ice, you're likely to require a closed garage rather than a carport to provide adequate protection from the elements. Additionally, if security is one of your concerns, you would need to have a closed structure to lock your motorhome away and deter theft or vandalism.
Related Read: Camping Safe and Sound
Other Features: Whether you put a floor under it, a door on it, or lights in it depends on what your intended uses for your RV garage are. If you plan to work on the RV itself—or other projects—inside, it's a good idea to have it as established as possible.
Properly Measure Your Motorhome
It may sound obvious, but before actually purchasing and installing a garage you should take complete measurements of your RV. This is especially important if you're planning to have an enclosed structure. The last thing you want is to discover that you can't fit your rig in your new carport.
Start with the height. Make sure to include air conditioning units and any satellite dishes. Measure from front to back including things like the bumpers, bike racks, ladders, etc. Then measure side to side. Open the door and bay doors; include those measurements.
The building you choose should provide plenty of space over the vehicle. There should also be enough room to get your RV in and out of the entrance, as well as to move around the interior. Make sure to have a sufficient area to walk around the vehicle, as well as open all the doors and maybe even extend the slide-outs.
The right choice of RV garage for one person isn't the right one for all. It's determined—in part—by the needs and preferences of the owner, as well as the conditions inherent to the region. What is necessary in Minnesota might be considered overkill in Arizona. Whatever type you choose, an RV garage is a responsible investment that adds value to your property and helps to ensure your rig is in top condition the next time you're ready to use it. Happy hunting!
Related Read: Winterizing Your RV for Storage
What Is the Benefit?
Although it is quite a bit of an investment, an RV garage—often also referred to as an RV carport—is an important out-building. It protects your RV from the elements, such as hail or snow, and UV damage from direct sunlight when your RV isn't in use. Leaving your RV exposed can result in deterioration in the fiberglass, paint, roof, or window seals. This can lead to more substantial—and expensive—problems as moisture enters the interior causing additional damage. Plus, it keeps it cleaner, as well.
Related Read: Three Ways to Clean your RV’s Exterior
Parking your motorhome in a covered, secured RV storage facility is an option, however, storing it on your own property has its perks. It keeps your RV easily accessible, so you can keep an eye on it and even use it as guest accommodations. Plus, without the monthly rental payment to RV storage, it might even be the less expensive option over time.What Should You Get?
The options are as varied as the owners themselves. Generally, they range from wood to steel, open-sided to closed, closed with doors and windows or without, etc. They're available in a range of colors, and can be placed on pavement or gravel. They can even have electricity and be kept climate controlled. Consider the following:
Wood or Steel: Much of this depends on how much you want to spend, as well as how much maintenance you want to attend to. Wood—to many—looks more upscale. It's easier to match it to your home and other out-buildings. Plus, you can change its appearance and even build onto it later. It does, however, require periodic treatment, painting, or varnishing.
Steel is less versatile and more industrial looking. It is, however, a less expensive option that has no real upkeep.
Open-sided or Closed: Basically, if you live in a region that experiences a lot of snow and ice, you're likely to require a closed garage rather than a carport to provide adequate protection from the elements. Additionally, if security is one of your concerns, you would need to have a closed structure to lock your motorhome away and deter theft or vandalism.
Related Read: Camping Safe and Sound
Other Features: Whether you put a floor under it, a door on it, or lights in it depends on what your intended uses for your RV garage are. If you plan to work on the RV itself—or other projects—inside, it's a good idea to have it as established as possible.
Properly Measure Your Motorhome
It may sound obvious, but before actually purchasing and installing a garage you should take complete measurements of your RV. This is especially important if you're planning to have an enclosed structure. The last thing you want is to discover that you can't fit your rig in your new carport.
Start with the height. Make sure to include air conditioning units and any satellite dishes. Measure from front to back including things like the bumpers, bike racks, ladders, etc. Then measure side to side. Open the door and bay doors; include those measurements.
The building you choose should provide plenty of space over the vehicle. There should also be enough room to get your RV in and out of the entrance, as well as to move around the interior. Make sure to have a sufficient area to walk around the vehicle, as well as open all the doors and maybe even extend the slide-outs.
Related Read: Understand the Differences between Class A, B and C Motorhomes
In ConclusionThe right choice of RV garage for one person isn't the right one for all. It's determined—in part—by the needs and preferences of the owner, as well as the conditions inherent to the region. What is necessary in Minnesota might be considered overkill in Arizona. Whatever type you choose, an RV garage is a responsible investment that adds value to your property and helps to ensure your rig is in top condition the next time you're ready to use it. Happy hunting!
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Author: Carrie Todd
