You know what we love about RV storage at our Smart Self Storage locations? They are multi purpose. Not only can you store your RV when you aren't on the road, but you can store your extra car or that vintage car your dad passed down to you. Have a car collection? Car collections are probably the coolest kind of collection. Vintage cars, exotic cars, movie cars, whatever kind of cars you like to collect, you want to ensure that they are well kept in a great storage location.
How does RV/car storage work? Well, you start by finding a location that offers RV storage at a great price. Generally, RV storage consists of an extra large parking space for your vehicle. Some places offer covered parking while others offer uncovered and then there are places that'll offer both or even indoor parking for RV’s and other vehicles.
Most of the time the vehicle needs to be in good, working condition, and you'll need to show the registration or title for it as well
If you decide that it’s time to get your car or RV out your driveway or garage into a self storage facility that offers the space needed for it, then we have some great tips for you:
Cover Your Car
Whether you're storing your vehicle in a covered or uncovered parking location we recommend draping your car with the right materials to avoid damage from the elements. While covered parking does over some level of protection, it can't protect all sides of your vehicle like a car cover can.
Plumbing
Depending on the temperatures you'll want to take the proper steps to ensuring your plumbing is adequately maintained while being stored. If there's water in the tank it could freeze if the weather drops too low. Make sure to flush out waste and clean out all pipes before storing. You also want to make sure to add back water to your tanks to keep them from drying out.
Clean Your RV and Other Vehicles and Check all Seals
Before taking your vehicle to its new home we suggest giving it a good wash and wax. Both cars and RVs can benefit from this. The wax adds an extra layer of protection to your RV or car from sun damage and makes cleanup when you're ready to use the vehicle again much easier. Once it's clean, be sure to check all the seals, silicon seams, and caulking around the RV. If you notice any damage we recommend repairing it before storing your vehicle in order to get ahead and prevent further damage that can happen in the rain or extreme weather elements.
Ventilate
One thing you don't want happening while your RV is stored is moisture getting into your vehicle. Not only can moisture cause mold to develop but it can lead to an unpleasant smell when you're finally ready to retrieve your vehicle. We suggest leaving the vents on the top of your RV open, but don't forget to buy vent covers as well. Vent covers allow you to keep your vents open in order to ventilate without getting extra moisture inside your vehicle.
Pests
Depending on where you live and your storage location, there could be a pest control issue. Make sure you keep all of your external openings screened off to prevent larger animals and pests from entering your vehicle. Bugs also love to hang out in vents, which is another reason you need vent covers or a screening that'll prevent bugs from getting in. You also need to remove all food and nesting materials that'll attract rodents and insects.
Tires
If your tires aren't well maintained before storage or properly stored then you could be at risk for a blowout when you take it out on the road. This is especially true if you leave your vehicle parked for an extended amount of time. So in order to give your tires some help we recommend unloading your RV so it's as light as possible, moving your vehicle every couple of months, and/or using blocks to remove all the weight of your vehicle from your tires.
Slide Outs
If your RV has a slide out section make sure to check all of the mechanical parts, rubber seals, slide toppers and the roof have been properly inspected and are covered. These parts need to be protected from weather elements and damage that could leave to leaks. You'll also want to clean all of the seals, the roof, and other parts of the slide out.
Now that we've covered how to keep your vehicle in the best possible condition during storage, why don't we tell you about the Smart Self Storage locations that offer this kind of storage space.
Chino Hills Self Storage
Chino Hills Self Storage has been offering RV parking to Chino Hills residents since its arrival and is proud to provide a variety of sizes of RV parking space to accommodate a wider variety of sized vehicles. Chino Hills is also proud of the 40% of its existing customers that have been with them for over three years.
Harbour Point Self Storage
Harbour Point is one of the only covered RV parking storages in Elk Grove. It also offers both covered and uncovered parking for RVs, boats, and cars. Along with our signature First Year Price Guarantee, Harbour Point offers 24-hour digital records, and on-site resident manager, and 7-day access.
Green Valley Road Self Storage
Located in El Dorado Hills, Green Valley Road Self Storage is home to a variety of extra large storage space for RV’s, boats, and other vehicles. It prides itself on its well-maintained facility and an on-site resident manager that is dedicated to making your time at the facility a great one.
Each of these facilities is primely located within the city limits making for easy access. They also offer a friendly and dedicated staff that is proud to make your storage experience an easy, hassle-free one. Please give us a call when you're ready to get your RV, car collection, or vintage vehicle a new home.
About the Author: Lark Begin is the president of Profit Parrot Marketing; an SEO marketing, content and social media company in the Ottawa area. Lark is well established in the realm of digital marketing and is dedicated to helping multiple professional local and international websites and brands grow an online presence and succeed.