Outdoor RV Storage vs. Indoor Storage: Which Is Right for You?

With 11.2 million RV-owning households, RV ownership has increased by 62% in the last twenty years. While many people store their RVs at home, others prefer to rent an indoor or outdoor storage unit instead. 

Outdoor and indoor RV storage can both be good options for RV owners, but they each have their pros and cons. It's important to consider the differences when moving your RV into a dedicated storage facility.

In this guide, we'll help you decide whether indoor or outdoor RV storage is right for you.

Why Use RV Self-Storage?

One of the main reasons why you may want to consider using self-storage for your RV is a lack of space at home. If you have little room available at home or if you don't want your RV to remain in your yard long-term, then a storage facility can serve as a good alternative.

Many people think that an RV in the driveway is an eyesore and it can take up a lot of room. The security at home may also be lacking compared to a self-storage facility. At home, your RV may be at a greater risk of theft and vandalism. A dedicated storage facility will offer better protection options such as covered outdoor or indoor RV storage.

It's also possible that there are local ordinances or neighborhood ordinances that don't allow you to keep an RV in the yard. If this is the case, using RV storage solutions can be a good option for protecting your RV instead.

Outdoor RV Storage vs. Indoor RV Storage

Although storage facilities offer several benefits over home storage, you'll want to carefully consider whether to store your RV indoors or outdoors. Here are the main differences that you should know about between these two options.

Weather Protection

When comparing indoor and outdoor RV storage units, you should note that indoor storage will provide your RV with a lot more protection. Indoor storage completely shields your RV from harsh weather conditions and prevents any contact with the sun, rain, or snow. 

UV rays and harsh weather can potentially harm your RV and it will be vulnerable if it's stored outside. Your RV will also be vulnerable to bird droppings and nearby animal activity. Various pests, such as rats and mice, could potentially find their way into your RV and make it their home.

Indoor storage provides a lot more protection, allows for steady temperatures, and prevents potential damage. Although covered outdoor storage will provide a good amount of protection, this won't be as significant as a fully enclosed, indoor RV storage unit.

Security

Some storage facilities will provide higher security for an indoor RV storage unit. They may have more surveillance cameras and security features in place.

With a great self-storage facility, you won't have to worry too much about whether you keep your RV indoors or outdoors. Either will be very secure. Hill's self-storage, for example, is very secure whether you choose indoor or outdoor RV storage.

However, if you want the highest level of security and peace of mind, then choosing an indoor storage unit may be the better choice. Outdoor RV storage security can be lacking. Indoor RV storage units provide an extra barrier to any criminals who want to reach your RV.

Cleaning 

Because of the extra wear and tear on your vehicle, it will also be necessary to put extra effort into cleaning and maintenance when you winterize your RV and store it outside.

The weather and the elements can cause your vehicle to get dirty when it remains outside for a long period of time. You'll need to wash and wax it regularly to prevent potential mold and mildew issues and ensure it keeps looking shiny and new. 

With indoor RV storage, on the other hand, you won't have to spend as much time cleaning your vehicle to ensure that it stays in great shape. It will be protected from the elements and be less likely to fade or develop mold. 

Accessibility

Keep in mind that some self-storage facilities will only allow you to retrieve your RV during certain hours, especially if the vehicle is located indoors. However, in the case of Hill's Self Storage, you can access your RV 24/7 whether you store it in an indoor or outdoor unit. 

However, an outdoor storage unit will be slightly more accessible since you won't need to open a unit door to get to it. If you plan to take your RV out often, then an outdoor unit might be a bit more convenient for you. If you plan to store your vehicle for a long period of time, then it's likely that indoor RV storage will be the ideal choice.

Costs

Although indoor RV storage provides more protection to your RV, it's more expensive than outdoor RV storage. The outdoor RV storage cost is ideal for RV owners who are on a budget. If you want to save as much money as possible, an outdoor unit might be better for your needs.

However, also make sure to consider the long-term costs. An RV that's stored outside will get worn more quickly from the elements, so it could be worth getting an indoor unit to maintain the value of your RV in the long term.

Keep in mind that your insurance rates may also be affected by whether you choose an indoor or outdoor RV storage unit. You'll want to check with your insurance company to find out how much of a discount you'll get based on the type of storage you use.

Choosing RV Storage

If you're trying to decide between indoor and outdoor RV storage, think about all of the factors listed here. Although outdoor storage can be cheaper, it doesn't provide the same level of protection as indoor RV storage. You'll need to clean and maintain your RV more often if you decide to store it outdoors. 

If you need an indoor or outdoor self-storage unit, consider Hill's Self Storage. We've been serving the community for over a decade and offer clean, well-maintained units that are accessible 24/7.

Need RV storage in Galena, OH? Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer.