Are you a proud RV owner? Then you know how important it is to safeguard your valuable investment. When choosing an RV storage cover, there are several key factors to consider that can make a difference in protecting your beloved wheels. First, it must be the correct size with enough space for easy access and maneuver.
Next, the construction material must be durable, all-weather-resistant, and low maintenance. It is also necessary to consider ventilation options and security features like alarms and locks. Here is what you must consider:
What You Need To Know: Factors to Consider in RV Storage Shelter Selection
Durability
It is quite a hassle to reinstall fabric covers multiple times, which can also lead to scratches and marks on the RV’s exterior. Moreover, they don’t protect tires and RVs from hail or other flying debris.
Choose RV storage carports made of sturdy material with robust structural support. They must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. Metal and wood are usually the popular choices.
Galvanized steel is dense, has more tensile strength, is resistant to pests, fire, and rust, and requires little upkeep. Wood has rustic charm and many customization options, but it isn’t as durable as steel and requires very high maintenance.
Size Requirement
Make sure the shelter fits the RV’s dimensions correctly, especially the height. If your RV roof has vent openings, antennas, shark fins, or ducts, they must slide in and out without bumping into the roof’s eave.
In addition, there should be some room for storing batteries, extra tires, and other RV parts. There must be at least 3 to 4 feet of space on either side of the parking lot to open and close doors comfortably. Here is a rough estimate of an RV’s size.
- Height: 7 ft. – 13 ft.
- Width: 8 ft. – 9 ft.
- Length: 12 ft. – 45 ft. [length depends on if the RV has any overhang]
Location
Select a shelter that can handle snow loads, wind speed, and UV exposure. The local climate zone will play a part in determining which R-value insulator you must pick for the RV shelter. An insulator helps reduce condensation and moisture buildup. It makes it easy to regular temperature inside.
Make sure your RV storage shelter complies with the local zoning laws and building regulations. To learn more, visit your city/ county website and search for building codes for residential dwelling units.
When installing a metal garage for an RV, make sure the area has good drainage. The vehicle must be accessible easily. Create a broader driveway to ensure the RV is easy to maneuver.
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Cost
When buying an RV garage, compare prices from various dealers before finalizing the deal. Factor in installation fees, shipping charges, and maintenance costs.
For instance, some metal builders only provide raw materials, while others may include shipping and installation in their final quote. Always check the quality of raw materials before buying.
Style & Type
- Wooden Shelter: These are classic shelters to protect your RV and have various design options. However, they are high maintenance & you will need to timely check for pest infestation and damage due to inevitable rotting.
- Metal Shelter: Choose structural steels for RV storage covers as they are durable and weather resistant. They are also rust, pest-proof, and non-combustible by nature. So, you don’t need to worry about rotting, decaying, bending, cracks, or wrapping panels. Quality metal garages and carports need less repair and replacement.
- Fabric Shelter: These are water-proof and UV-resistant. They are probably the cheapest on the list, but they don’t protect tires or the external RV body from hail or storms. Plus, the zipper may rub against the RV’s paint, leading to scratches and marks.
- Vertical Roof Design: These are made using structural steel panels of 22 to 26 gauge in thickness. Here, ridges run toward the ground, sliding off dirt, debris, and rainwater. They need less cleaning and last a long time. They are ideal for shedding snow and rain.
- Tarp Shelter: These are tent-like structures made using coated nylon, silnylon, or polyethylene. The base frame is made of steel tubing or rafters & leg spacing. These are simple and affordable but not durable.
- A-Frame Shelter: These are sturdy and give good coverage from elements. Metal A-frame garages and carports have a vertical or box eave/ horizontal roof style.
- Half-Deck-Half-Shelter Style: These are permanent structures made using galvanized steel or wood. They combine cover and open space. One side is a deck that allows you to use your RV even when it’s stored, while the other side is shelter for your RV. It is a clever and practical design.
- RV Shelter Canopy: It offers basic protection from the elements but is neither durable nor long-lasting. These are not permanent structures.
Color Preference
Of course, you want to protect your RV, but not at the cost of diminishing your home appeal. That’s why when you buy RV storage carports made of metal or fully enclosed RV metal garages, the builders have many color options for you.
Pick one that matches with your main home. You can choose blue-grey, which has gained popularity in recent decades, or stick to a classic like white/ off-white. Some households also have beige/ sandstone colors.
Matching the color of your RV storage cover with your main home will make it look like an integral part of the property. And any new homebuyer will appreciate a parking space. You must know that a light-colored roof reflects most of the sun’s rays, creating a cooler indoor environment, while a dark-colored roof absorbs light, making the indoor environment warmer.
Ease Of Setup
You won’t want to waste your time and energy installing RV covers for weeks or months. A wooden carport will take weeks to install. Fabric covers are easy, but you need to put them on and off every time. The zipper and fabric parts will also rub against the RV’s exterior color.
If that’s the case, opt for metal carports. They are sturdy, come with certification against wind and snow, are easy to install, are fast to assemble (a few hours to a day), and require less labor.
Security
Ensure your RV metal cover has a locking mechanism. You can install an alarm, a surveillance camera, and motion-sensor lights.
Maintenance
You don’t want to waste your time on frequent cleaning and upkeep. So, choose a material and design that is easy to clean and has a low upkeep cost for long-term use.
Ventilation
If you opt for a fully enclosed garage to park your RV, proper airflow is a must to avoid mold and mildew growth. The extra space will also create a comfortable environment for you to work in if you are considering using it to create a workshop for DIY projects.
Where Protection Meets Style & Durability
Find a reputable and reliable dealer with good customer reviews to ensure quality service and a secured & sturdy cover for your beloved motorhome. With these factors in mind, we hope you can confidently pick the right RV storage shelter and have peace of mind. So, what’s your take on RV storage? Share your thoughts in the comments below with our readers.
