Community Forums

Crasher · 01-28-2020, 03:22 PM

We keep our '13 Allegro Bus under an RV port when in WI from mid May to early Oct. It sits in the open of the backyard at our Lake Havasu City, AZ home from Nov till early May. I am considering building an RV port here. With footings, materials and labor it would cost $12-$14,000. The time frame that we are in AZ does not have the intense heat or length of sun exposure that AZ is known for from May to Oct. In a way, it is no different than the snowbird living in an RV resort for the winter. But still, I'm wondering if there is enough benefit to warrant the cost and space that a 15' X 50' steel Port would take up. We'll probably keep this coach for 8-10 years when we will finally give it up. Is it worth the expense??

DutchmenSport · 01-28-2020, 03:47 PM

RV's are made to be outside, same as a car. But that doesn't mean that the elements of nature will or will not take it's tool on them over time. The cost of anything and the value it returns is truly subjective and as unique as there are number of people on the planet. And, what is important to one person may be completely irrelevant to someone else.

Personally, I'd love to have an RV port. But I don't have the readily available finances or the space on my property to install one. We just spent $16,000 on a new roof on our house, so an RV port is way beyond reach for us at this point.

However, it sounds like you are a candidate to get one. Here's why.

First, you asked the question to begin with. So, you have already though this through and reached your decision. You are now needing validation that your decision is acceptable. You need class action approval. You want it. You've already made that decision. Go ahead and get it built. I'll be one of those jealous by-standers that wish I could have one too.

2. You invested a lot of money and time into your RV and you want to protect it, take care of it, and keep it for a long time. You are willing to invest even more. That's a no brainer. You've made your decision there. The money and effort to build IS worth it!

3. Your peace of mind is priceless. If you don't do it, you'll forever be kicking yourself and wishing you had. If you do build it, or if you do not build it, it doesn't matter to me, or anyone else. Your decision will not affect my life at all. But, yours will be forever impacted with either "I wish I had" or "I'm so happy I did!".

In the end, only you can make the final decision and make the determination if the cost is worth the end result. In my opinion???? Which doesn't amount to much anyway ... If I had the money and logistically could put one on my property ... yep! I'd do it in a heartbeat!

Covering the RV is always better for for it than leaving it exposed to Mother Nature.

Good luck! You'll REALLY enjoy the RV port! I'm sure!

Crasher · 01-28-2020, 04:54 PM

I was going to put up a 12 X 50 last year, but talked myself out of it. Just couldn't convince myself to spend the money. Now, the DW thinks that if it was 15' wide, we could extend all the slides and visiting company could have their separate living quarters. However, taking $14,000 out of a investment earning just 6% means $850/year of lost income. That times 8 years is close to $7000 which brings the RV cost up to $21,000. Will the coach be worth $20,000 more in 8 years if it's covered for six months each year???

jacwjames · 01-29-2020, 07:50 AM

Your coach is +10 years newer then mine and I am currently considering building a garage for it. My motivation is to keep it in as good of condition as possible, since at this point I don't intend to get a different one.

I am actually looking at building a larger garage that could also serve dual purpose for my wood working shop and storage. Will probably cost in excess of $60K but I've come to peace with that.

sbleiweiss · 01-29-2020, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Covering the RV is always better for for it than leaving it exposed to Mother Nature.

I agree with this. We built an actual garage for ours. The exterior will look much better for it in years to come.

Florida Rang · 01-29-2020, 08:33 AM

Will you spend an extra $ 10 k on roof and external maintenance if you do not park it under a roof ? Hard to say because you will have external maintenance no matter we’re you park it ..

paul65k · 01-29-2020, 08:51 AM

2 things.......first of all please make sure the place you plan on putting your RV cover is within the property set-backs here in LHC. Setbacks for shade structures are exactly the same as an RV garage and also subject to any utility easements

That being said I can tell you as a LHC resident who previously-stored outside and is now inside the difference is DRAMATIC, even during the winter months you mention. The long term wear and tear will definitely be payback and most importantly the increase in property value will be there when you go to sell........Havasu is all about the garage and the next best thing is a shelter that can accommodate at least a 13' high RV.

PS I'm an active Real Estate Broker and RV owner in LHC and know of which I speak

Feel free to send me a PM if you'd like more info.

Crasher · 01-29-2020, 09:44 AM

I guess I have to go with the consensus that it's worth the expense. My wife has been saying all along to just do it. I tend to over analyze expenditures more than she does, but she's probably right in this case. I checked last year with the city for the setbacks and easements required and we're good for the selected site. The only drawback will be the loss of battery charging from the solar panels on the MH, but I can extend the 50 amp outlet at our home to the Port. Might as well bite the bullet and make the call.

paul65k · 01-29-2020, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

I guess I have to go with the consensus that it's worth the expense. My wife has been saying all along to just do it. I tend to over analyze expenditures more than she does, but she's probably right in this case. I checked last year with the city for the setbacks and easements required and we're good for the selected site. The only drawback will be the loss of battery charging from the solar panels on the MH, but I can extend the 50 amp outlet at our home to the Port. Might as well bite the bullet and make the call.

Pretty sure you won't regret it in the long run!!

mlh2013 · 01-29-2020, 03:20 PM

I built the barn for it before I bought it 30X48. We live in Fla. hot and sunny well sunny most of the time

We knew we were in the market for a mh and I like to keep my stuff out of the weather when not in use. Go for it

**NLOVNIT** · 01-29-2020, 03:27 PM

Wow! Prices have sure gone up in 10 years. We had our 51x18 steel port built for $5k, all in. Took 3 guys just 6 hours to do it.

RV Port 2010 - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery

Best thing we ever did for our coach, with the exception of a PI power protector.

Lori-

Crasher · 01-29-2020, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

Wow! Prices have sure gone up in 10 years. We had our 51x18 steel port built for $5k, all in. Took 3 guys just 6 hours to do it.

RV Port 2010 - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery

Best thing we ever did for our coach, with the exception of a PI power protector.

Lori-

Yep, the prices always seem to go one direction. The steel kit is about $7,000 with three sides enclosed, but a concrete footing, shipping and installation adds another $6-7,000.

MRUSA14 · 01-29-2020, 04:43 PM

Do it. You will not regret it. While you are it it, design it so it can later be fully enclosed as a garage if you or the next owner so desires.

BigLar368 · 01-30-2020, 04:09 AM

My neighbor had one built for his 43 foot MH. It was 3500 bucks and they were done in a day. It's not a concrete drive or anything special. It's just a cover to keep the elements off it. It did have to meet wind storm ratings (hurricanes) as we live in the coast. I would imagine it would cost more to totally enclose it. If I had room on my property I would do the same.