Top Options for Protecting Your RV

Bugs, leaves, and rodents, hail, snow, and sun damage—leaving your RV exposed to all the elements of nature when you aren't using it can quickly contribute to its early decline. Damage from the cold, damp, or critters can wreak havoc on your walls, wiring, and upholstery where sunlight and hail or sleet will contribute to problems with the fiberglass, paint, roof, and window seals. Unless you live in your RV full-time, you're probably going to store your home-away-from-home at least part of the year, and preventing these problems is much easier—and less expensive—than fixing them after they occur. Fortunately, there are several options.

Before you choose the method of protection that will work best for your lifestyle and needs, make sure to correctly measure your motorhome or camper. The last thing you want to discover is that whatever source of protection you picked doesn't fit your rig. Start with the height and then measure front to back. Make sure to include the dimensions of anything attached, such as air conditioning units and any satellite dishes, bumpers, ladders, bike racks, and spare tires, etc. You want to make sure that the cover, carport or storage unit easily accommodates your RV. After all, you want to make sure it's in the same great shape you left it in when next you use it.

Related Read: Selecting the Right RV Storage Facility

RV Covers


An important accessory, an RV cover protects your rig from the cold and damp, as well as UV damage caused by direct sunlight. Plus, it keeps it cleaner for when you're ready to use it again. Although it's a bit of an investment, even if you park your motorhome or trailer under a carport or in an enclosed RV storage facility, it's a good idea to use a good-quality cover, as well.

What Should You Get?

Generally made from several layers of polypropylene or polyester fabric, RV covers are treated with UV protection and are water repellant. Those made with a variety of different materials are typically more "breathable," which prevents moisture from accumulating on your RV's exterior.

Choose a cover that protects against both sun and water damage. Consider options that feature vents in them. This prevents the cover from billowing or ripping. Some styles include zippers to provide access to the front door and cargo compartments. Although you could get a custom-made cover, many commercially-manufactured selections are just as good and are much less expensive.

Carport or Garage


If you have the space on your property, having a garage or "carport" for your RV is a great way to keep it protected from the elements. It's less expensive than parking your motorhome in a storage facility, and keeps your RV easily accessible. This allows you to monitor it and even use it as a guest house when needed. Additionally, since there is no monthly rental payment, it may be a less expensive option for protection.

What Should You Get?

Models come with open or closed-sides, with doors and windows or without, with electricity or without, and made from steel or wood. Mostly, this is dependent on how much you want to spend. An enclosed wooden garage looks much more upscale and allows for ultimate versatility in color and appearance. Since it's easy to insulate and install electricity, an enclosed wooden structure is perfect if you live in an area that experiences a lot of cold weather and snow. You can even renovate and build on at a later time, if you so choose.

A closed steel structure is less attractive with an industrial appearance, and although it's less versatile as far as remodeling, it's also far less expensive. It doesn't require any of the upkeep that a wooden garage does. Enclosed garages are more secure than an open-sided carport. Open shelters, however, are less expensive and can be placed over concrete or gravel. They are also more forgiving if the length of the motorhome exceeds the length of the carport.

RV Storage Facility or Storage Lot
Some cities don't allow residents to store their motorhomes, or trailers on private property within city limits. If you live in an area like that, if you don't own property to store your RV, or don't have the space or the inclination to install a carport or garage, using an RV storage facility may be your only option. They're simple to use; you drive it to the lot or facility, pay for the space monthly or seasonally, and retrieve it when you want to use it again.
What Should You Get?

There are several options in a range of price-points. Generally, they are divided into open lots and closed storage units. An open lot is the less expensive choice. It does, however, leave your RV more vulnerable to break-ins. You should use due diligence to pick the safest, most secure lot. Visit several, examine the fences and gates, look for surveillance cameras. Ask what the protection policies are. Optimally, the lot should only be open for clients to enter by a gate that is accessed by code during regular business hours. It should be monitored by a security patrol, possibly trained guard dogs, and a 24-hour recorded video cameras with motion sensors after hours to ensure your RV's safety.

Closed storage units are much more expensive, but they are more secure and climate controlled for the ultimate in protection. The individual units are lockable from the outside, securing them from vandals and burglars, as well as the weather. Choose the smallest space that is large enough to accommodate your RV to keep costs lower.

Whichever type of facility you opt for, make sure it is close, in a convenient location, that is in a safe neighborhood. Then contact the Better Business Bureau to verify that they have a good record, free from reports of break-ins or vandalism.

In Conclusion

An RV is an investment, and the last thing you want to find before your next adventure is damage or debris. The right choice of protection for one owner, however, is not the right choice for all. The conditions of the area, as well as your personal needs and preferences factor into the decision. Whether you choose to utilize an RV cover, a garage, or a storage facility, protecting your motorhome or trailer is a good idea, and with so many options, you're sure to find one that fits your needs, as well as your budget. It's better to be safe than sorry, so happy hunting!