How to Find and Choose RV Storage

• Size: length and height set the stall or unit size, and most facilities price by the foot or by the space.
• Type: indoor and heated space costs more than a covered stall, which costs more than an open lot.
• Location: storage in or near a big city usually costs more than rural lots, so a longer drive can save money.
• Security and access: gated lots with cameras and 24-hour access cost more than basic lots with set hours.
• Extras: ask about deposits, admin fees, rate increases, electric hookups for a battery maintainer and any insurance requirement.

Prices vary widely by region and season, so get quotes in writing from two or three facilities rather than relying on an average.

• What is the maximum length and height, and do you allow slide-outs or awnings to be left out?
• How is the lot secured: fencing, gate, cameras, lighting, on-site staff?
• When can I get in? Are there set hours, and is winter access limited?
• Is the surface paved, gravel or dirt, and does it drain well?
• Can I plug in a battery maintainer, and are there rules about tanks, propane or working on the RV?
• Is there a lease, a deposit or a notice period, and how often do rates change?
• What insurance do you require, and what does your own coverage include?

• Long, snowy winters and a high-value RV: indoor storage, heated if you can afford it, is the safest choice.
• Mild winters or a budget: a fenced, gated outdoor lot with a good cover is usually enough.
• You use the RV in winter too: choose a facility with year-round access, not one that closes for the season.
• You only need storage for a few months: ask about seasonal rates and whether they bill month to month.

• Choosing on price alone without visiting the lot.
• Skipping the winterization steps because the RV will be "just sitting".
• Not measuring the RV with ladders, bike racks and hitch included.
• Assuming your insurance covers the RV in storage without asking.
• Leaving food, scented items or open vents that invite pests and moisture.

Start with our RV storage directory by state, then widen the search to nearby towns, since a facility 20 or 30 minutes outside a city is often cheaper. Ask local RV dealers, campgrounds and clubs where they store, and visit in person before you commit. Look at the gate, the lighting, how the other RVs are kept, and whether the lot floods in heavy rain.

Before you sign, confirm your coverage with your insurer. Our RV insurance directory lists providers if you need to compare policies.

1. Clean the inside and outside, including the roof, and remove all food so pests are not drawn in.
2. Drain and flush the water system, and use RV antifreeze in the plumbing if freezing is possible. See our plumbing guide.
3. Care for the batteries: charge them, then disconnect them or use a maintainer. See our battery guide.
4. Inspect the roof seams and sealant before the weather turns. See our roof sealant guide.
5. Inflate the tires and use UV-resistant covers, and seal gaps around pipes, vents and compartments against rodents.
6. Work through our maintenance checklist before you hand over the keys.

Canadian winters are long and cold, so storage choices matter more. Snow load on the roof, freezing temperatures and weeks of limited access are the main concerns. Some outdoor lots close or limit access in winter, so confirm gate access and season dates before you commit. A full winterization with RV antifreeze is essential wherever the temperature drops below freezing.

To find a facility, browse the Canadian RV storage directory, which lists storage by province and city. If you already know where you are, go straight to RV storage in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta or Quebec.