Why safely store your RV?
The RV is fast becoming the most popular mode of transportation for vacation, and rightly so. A camper offers everything a home has but in a compact form; chairs, a table, beds, a kitchen, a shower and toilet. A motorhome also rides very comfortably. This ensures that the motorhome gives a tremendous sense of freedom. You can tour the most beautiful roads throughout Europe and have absolutely no worries about where you will spend the night. RV owners do not have to limit themselves to camping sites. You can park your RV at special RV parks, which are also being built more and more. There are even countries that offer even more freedom, where you can park your camper anywhere in the countryside. This combination of luxury and freedom can only be found with an RV.
Unfortunately, you probably won't be able to vacation all year. You will need to store your RV somewhere during the months you are not using it. It's best to do this as safely as possible at a dedicated RV and caravan storage facility.
Reasons why you want to safely store your RV
You would do well to cherish your RV by proper protection and care, especially when you are not using it. Due to the influence of weather, your RV can be affected. Rust, dirt and moisture can affect the outside of your RV as well as the inside. If you have your RV stored in a proper storage facility, you will ensure that the RV will stay good and last for a long time. So the first reason for storing your RV is to extend its life.
The second reason why it is best to properly store your RV is about security. Of course, you can leave your RV next to your house if you have room for it, but RVs are popular, even with thieves. You don't want your prized possession to be stolen. By placing your RV in a storage facility, you reduce this risk; a storage facility is usually guarded. This also reduces the risk of burglary and vandalism.
When choosing a storage facility, pay close attention to how much space you get for your RV and who moves the RVs. Adequate space, and movement by the manager, ensure that there is less chance of damage when your RV is in storage.
The last reason to have your RV parked is because of municipal regulations. This is because in most municipalities, you are not allowed to leave your RV along the public road for more than three days. These three days are used so that you can prepare your RV for travel or storage. Even parking your camper next to your own home is not always allowed, there are separate rules for this. These rules are the APV (General Local Bye-Law) of your municipality. It is best to check with your own municipality when you want to put your motorhome in your driveway.
Having your motorhome properly and safely stored is an investment that will pay off handsomely. In a storage facility, your motorhome is clean, safe and also according to legal regulations.
Tips for storing your motorhome
When looking for a storage facility for your RV, it is wise to pay attention to several things. Is it indoor or outdoor storage? Will the premises be guarded? Who is responsible? What is the contact with the owner? What about insurance? It's also best to check your RV carefully for damage before having it stored.
These are some tips for making a choice of storage. Before having your RV stored, it is desirable to take some precautions. Below we give you some tips:
- Before storing your RV, clean it well, both outside and inside. This will ensure that the RV stays in good condition and is less likely to attract pests.
- Check the RV's tire pressure. Bring the tire pressure up to max 2 Bar above the prescribed value. This will prevent flat pieces the tire. It is best to put your camper on blocks, or on as flat a part of the terrain as possible.
- It is best not to use the handbrake, it could freeze in frost or rust in moisture. Put the gear in neutral and lock the wheels using wheel chocks.
- To avoid condensation in the fuel tank, it is best to fill it up completely.
- Make sure that antifreeze and windshield washer fluid tanks are adequately filled.
- Empty the fresh and holding tanks completely and leave the valves open.
- Drain the hot water heater completely and make sure the water pump is empty.
- Disconnect the gas cylinders. This is mandatory for storage and insurance purposes.
- Flush the toilet and water tanks with specially appropriate agents.
- Proper ventilation ensures that there is no nasty air in the camper after winter storage. Open ventilation hatches, leave the refrigerator door open. Open cabinet doors and leave space between cushions by laying them separately on the side.
- To keep the smell in the RV pleasant, you can place or hang an air freshener. You can also place a moisture eliminator against dampness.
- Valuables are best stored properly at home, think of navigation, radio, TV, etc. Leave as little as possible in the motorhome.
- For the camper's battery, it is important to run the camper's engine once in a while. If this is not possible ask if there is a power supply through which the battery could be charged.
What does RV storage cost on average per year?
Most owners use their motorhome during the summer months, after this they have the motorhome stored during the winter. There are many RV storage facilities, the average price charged for storing a motorhome is between €300 and €700 per year. This price depends on many factors. What are the facilities? For example, is there electricity? Is it an indoor or outdoor storage? What is the location? Is the stall heated?
In addition, the terms are different at many storage facilities. Some charge a fee on top of the storage fee when you pick up your RV. When looking for a storage facility for your RV, be sure to inform yourself about all the amenities and costs. Get a quote of all costs before you sign agreement for storage.
What about insurance when storing an RV?
The owner of a camper storage facility is often not liable for damage to your camper while it is in storage. It is advisable to inquire with the storage facility in advance about any insurance coverage. It is therefore important to insure your motorhome in the right way before you bring your motorhome to the storage facility. In addition, RV insurance should not be missing, of course.
At Alpina, we can help you get the right insurance so that your precious RV is insured even while it is being stored.
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