If you like to enjoy camping, camper storage units can make your experience even better. Why, may you ask?
If you’re among the lucky few who own an RV or camper, then you know how difficult it can be to find affordable and secure storage units for travel trailers. Most people have to settle for extended driveways, outbuildings, or trailer pads with their houses or rental properties.
Learn a few quick tips on storing your camper, then use the store finder tool to locate the one closest to you!
Trailer Storage Units vs. RV Storage Units: What’s the Difference?
There is a big difference between campers and RVs! RVs are generally larger, more expensive, and have many more features than campers. For example, campers can tow behind a car or truck, while RVs usually require engines.
The terms “RV” and “camper” often confuse one another, but they have one fundamental distinction. Campers are generally pulled, towed, or attached to another vehicle, whereas RVs can be driven independently. As far as storage space is concerned, however, they tend to be comparable.
Class A RVs are the most oversized recreational vehicles; they can be up to 45 ft. long and sleep up to eight people. Class B motorhomes are the smallest class of RV, and Class C motorhomes fall between the two extremes.
If you’ve recently purchased a camper, are in the market for one, or need efficient storage units for your current collection, read on. Below we outline the four primary campers types and provide tips and tricks for storing your trailer (s)!
4 Main Types of Campers
You may park this lovely yellow truck camper in a parking lot next to the barbecue after it has been stored in a trailer.
Travel trailers:
This type of home on wheels can be up to 30 feet long and usually contains a kitchen, sitting area, bed, and bathroom. To tow one of these homes, you’ll need a hitch on a sturdy vehicle.
Popups:
This category embraces everything from tiny designed-for-day excursions to heavy-duty cabover trailers. Although these campers are smaller and less expensive than travel trailers, they provide the same basic features, including a bed, an area for cooking and eating, and sometimes a bathroom. They may be towed by anything with six cylinders or fewer.
Truck campers:
A truck with a specific attachment type, such as an extension ladder, can be more expensive than some alternatives. They are frequently less costly and include a bed, kitchen, and bathroom. Size varies
Fifth wheel trailers:
These campers are some of the largest on the market, split-level style. They include multiple bunkrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. They must be towed by a capable truck with the correct horsepower and suspension. In addition, a unique mount is required to pull them safely.
Types of Camper Storage Units
Before you jump to a conclusion, it’s essential to explore all your options. Whether you’re planning on returning out on the road in a month or so or are just looking for short-term s storage units for travel trailers until next season, our month-to-month rentals give you easy and convenient access whenever you need it.
For more detailed information about RV storage, check out our RV Storage Guide.
Outdoor parking spaces
Parking your RV outdoors is a great storage option. With spaces ranging from 20 feet to 35 feet long, they can accommodate Class A, B, or C motorhomes, camper trailers; travel trailers; and even fifth-wheel trailers. These spaces are located behind facility gates and are surrounded by fencing for security.
Pro tip: Check whether the storage units facility has covered or uncovered spaces, as this will affect your choice. If you choose an uncovered area, don’t forget to bring a cover for your camper so it doesn’t face damage by weather conditions.
Indoor drive-up storage units
Camper storage units are available in various places, including garages and drive-up containers. These are more convenient and safe than parking your RV outside. You can drive your camper to the storage unit, as the name implies.
Indoor storage facilities are frequently available in industrial warehouse-style buildings or have a larger dedicated entrance for taller vehicles.
Traditional drive-up trucks have a door that is only 7 feet tall. As a result, your teardrop trailer would fit, but an Airstream or larger travel trailer would need a taller door or outdoor storage.
To give you an idea of storage unit size, the smallest ones that can be of use for campers are 10 ft. by 15 ft. (for popups and some truck campers), followed by 10 ft. by 20 ft. units which are large enough for most Class B motorhomes and travel trailer storage.
If a facility offers drive-up units, they will usually be as long as 35 ft., which is necessary for larger Class A motorhomes and RV camper storage needs.
Pro tip: When measuring the length of your camper, remember to include the tongue as well.
Climate-controlled storage units
Many storage facilities provide drive-up units with climate control to protect against humid damage. As a result, they’re often put on rent quickly by collectors, contractors, and others who appreciate the convenience.
Camper Storage Units Tips
If you’re trying to store your camper for a short time, there are some things you can do to get it ready. However, in the long run, the more diligent you are between trips, the better your camper will be in shape.
You have some items to cross off your to-do list as soon as you park the trailer in storage (no matter how long it stays there).
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Where’d all the food go?
Remove all food from it no matter how long you’ll be away or where you’re storing your camper. This includes any outdoor parking, like drive-up units. To keep bugs and animals away, take care of wrappers, trash, and anything else that would rot while you’re away.
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Don’t forget about the tires.
Correctly storing your tires will maintain their durability. Inflate them to the proper PSI, and if you have stabilizer jacks for your camper, use them to take the weight off the tires and help prevent flat spots.
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Make sure you’re up to date.
Always check that your camper’s documents are up-to-date before storing them for the season, including registration and insurance.
Long-term camper storage
A few extra steps are involved when planning to store the trailer for an extended period. For those keeping their vehicles in colder climates, it’s also advisable to winterize the trailer.
Pro tip: Before storing your camper for the winter, double-check your owner’s manual for any specific suggestions.
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Clean, clean, clean everywhere (like Cinderella)
Cleaning your camper is crucial whenever you’re not using it, but this becomes even more important the longer you plan on storing it.
Before putting your trailer away, leave it in good condition by cleaning out all food (just like you would for short-term storage) and removing any wrappers or crumbs hidden between cushions. Additionally, clean out the fridge, cabinets, and other areas to keep things.
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Give it a good once-over
A comprehensive inspection of your camper’s exterior is essential to determine any holes or cracks. (Bugs and critters not only want food, but they also want a way inside!) Then reseal or recalk as necessary.
It would be wise to go through your manual or dealership to ascertain you’re using the appropriate sealant.
It’s critical to clean and wax the outside of your RV before it is put in storage. Even if no one is looking at it (or under a canopy), you want to ensure that it is its finest for more important reasons than simply appearance.
Pro tip: Don’t be cheap on the cover. Camper covers are a valuable thing to have, especially if you intend on storing your camper outside.
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Don’t forget about the tires, again
Place your camper on blocks to avoid flattening as you would with short-term storage units. You can also use jacks for extra support for your tires.
Pro tip: To prevent buying new tires before your next big trip, drive your RV around town once a month.
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Fluids are a big deal
Before you keep your trailer in storage for the winter, drain all freshwater fluids from the waterlines, holding tanks, plumbing, and heating tanks. You can also pour RV antifreeze down the pipes to protect them from freezing during the colder months.
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Defrost the fridge/freezer
Once you’ve eaten all the food in your fridge and freezer, it’s a good idea to clean them out. This will help prevent mold or mildew from building up while they’re in storage units.
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Lock it up
It’s better to protect your belongings with multiple layers of security, especially something as valuable as a camper. First, the property is covered by 24-hour video surveillance and is fully fenced and gated. But having a lock on your trailer is always a good call!
Pro tip: If you’re not sure how to winterize your RV or if you don’t want to deal with the hassle, many RV dealerships offer winterization packages.
