Community Forums

NonnieDub · 04-14-2025, 06:21 AM

New owner of a class B here. We live in Northern FL (Apalachicola…come see us!)

We bought the Grech Ion, so all we have is the Lithium Ion battery….and I love that. When we aren’t traveling I do have a concrete pad to park it on in the yard, but I also have an option for covered storage within a 10 minute drive.

Just curious as to the views of some of the more experienced owners as to whether the $250 a month to have a covered storage spot is worth it? I could also build an awning type set up where I have it now.

If left outside, solar panels keep the battery in good shape…if I store it I can plug in and use 20 amp to regular the battery also.

I think avoiding hail and ugly weather is the primary issue…but again…interested in hearing other views.

boiledowl · 04-14-2025, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NonnieDub

New owner of a class B here. We live in Northern FL (Apalachicola…come see us!)

We bought the Grech Ion, so all we have is the Lithium Ion battery….and I love that. When we aren’t traveling I do have a concrete pad to park it on in the yard, but I also have an option for covered storage within a 10 minute drive.

Just curious as to the views of some of the more experienced owners as to whether the $250 a month to have a covered storage spot is worth it? I could also build an awning type set up where I have it now.

If left outside, solar panels keep the battery in good shape…if I store it I can plug in and use 20 amp to regular the battery also.

I think avoiding hail and ugly weather is the primary issue…but again…interested in hearing other views.

I dont know where you live but I think 250.00$ for a storage spot that is not inside a building is expensive especially for a smaller rv.

NonnieDub · 04-15-2025, 07:50 AM

It is inside…sorry.

d23haynes57 · 04-15-2025, 08:06 AM

Even in Florida, outside storage ages any RV. The sun heats things and ages the paint and interior materials. Rain at some point will get inside somehow. Rain and salt air will cause corrosion. If the storage is close, easily accessible, and you can afford I would say go for it. Having just looked at and buying an older coach the value of indoor storage is obvious. Unfortunately for most the cost of the storage probably well exceeded the value of the coach after 10 or 15 years. Still, I have only had me rig a bit over a year and the effects of outside storage on Long Island is obvious.

NRR · 04-16-2025, 06:34 AM

Inside is better. Inside next to the house is the best for bug out reasons. Just me, but an awning enclosed on three sides could be paid for in two years by offsite storage cost. I think it would also add value to the property.

I just love the area around where you live. Never could find the right mainland property there.

Mr.Mark · 04-18-2025, 06:27 AM

I rent an indoor storage space with 30 amp service so that I can keep my motorhome plugged in. I like it protected from the elements. My warehouse storage facility has security and an indoor wash-bay so I can keep my ‘B’ clean all year long if needed.

3pedal · 04-18-2025, 07:51 AM

The best option is covered at your place. I wish mine was covered, but it currently sits outside at my house. If there was affordable, indoor storage I only had to pay for in the winter, I might consider it if it wasn't too far away. The convenience of having it here great though. If developers hadn't recently bought the land surrounding me, I would be looking at building an enclosed space for it.

DutchmenSport · 04-18-2025, 08:11 AM

You sound like you are able to park the RV on your own property or at your location.

You sound like you can afford the storage fee.

You sound like you can install a cover (at home) without any reprisal from neighbors or zoning.

You are concerned about the Florida environment if parked outside, even under a cover.

With all these options, in the end, you have to do what works best for you.

-- Inside storage is always the optimal option.
-- It's even more optimal if that inside storage is at home.
-- Next, is a cover at home.
-- After that, the options degrade.
-- Any time the camper is parked away from your home, it's an inconvenience and a cost involved. There is always the concern for theft, and what happens if something happens and you are not there?
-- Having access to the camper, total control of the camper, monitoring the camper when in not use AT HOME is more optimal in my opinion than the threat of environmental decay on the camper, especially IF you can provide a cover.

From past experience of (probably) 75% or more of folks who are into RVing with any type of RV, they owned their FIRST camper for a period of 1 to 3 years and then traded for their second.

(Ok Forum members... chime in on that comment ... did you keep your first RV / camper and that is the ONLY one you have ever owned?)

With the possibility, within 3 years you will have a different camper, I would not be concerned about covering or the extra expense of storage (IF) you can store at your own home!

Mr.Mark · 04-19-2025, 04:54 AM

From DutchmenSport “ (Ok Forum members... chime in on that comment ... did you keep your first RV / camper and that is the ONLY one you have ever owned?)”

I rented 3 times before I decided to purchase, 1 class C and 2 class A’s. I found that I liked the class A and ordered a 2008 Monaco Dynasty, 4 slide, 42 ft. After 7.5 years I was ready to upgrade. So, I ordered a 2015 Prevost Liberty coach, 4 slide,45 ft. and kept it for 6.5 yrs.

After 15 yrs of enjoying two large coaches I felt it was time to downsize and bought my ‘B’ in 2021. It’s perfect for me now at this time in my life.

wildtoad · 04-19-2025, 05:10 AM

Highly suggest you get a roof over the RV to protect from sun damage, a three sided carport will be better, fully enclosed even better still. Hopefully you can do this in your yard. Have an electrician run at least a 20 amp line to the new carport to allow charging and perhaps more while not in use. If it were me, I’d wash the unit from time to time.

NonnieDub · 04-19-2025, 05:58 AM

Thanks!

scenic route · 04-19-2025, 09:16 PM

$250 doesn't sound too obnoxious with access to power.

Our 40'er was $420 for inside storage, access to 50A service 2 day parking for trip prep, 20 A inside power, dump station and wash rack. Also, could do some preventive maintenance which saved us a bunch...boy, do I miss the joint. They sold the place a couple months ago and we are now at a secure, covered facility, but no power, no nothing...$153 mo. Still, I sure miss the last place?

Florida...supply & demand.

Unplanned Tourist · 04-19-2025, 10:32 PM

I built an enclosed MH shed on our property. It cost me $30,000 plus doing the work myself. Best investment ever. So yes, go for the enclosed storage IMHO.

chs · 04-20-2025, 07:07 AM

Yes. Lived in South Florida for 36 years. The sun destroys EVERYTHING.
After spending roughly 250,000.00 for an RV. Though 250.00 is expensive for storage. But in the long run, a good investment. RV's depreciate fast enough. If you sell and tell the buyer it was in covered storage will go a long way.
We live in Tennessee and have RV garage. Would never buy an RV without covered storage..even in Tennessee.