Part 4 - Readers' suggestions for Editor Chuck's RV storage dilemma

In the RV Travel Newsletter Issue 619, Editor Chuck asked for help with his RV storage dilemma. Below are suggestions from our readers (some of whom are looking for ideas for their own storage dilemmas):

Some miscellaneous RV storage suggestions

Lee Brandt suggests maybe a “dealership nearby you could do some horse trading with.”

Charles (Chuck) Maurice says to “look around for a small, defunct auto dealership. Perhaps the new owner or lessor does not use the old service bays … Bingo … Instant warehouse space! Problem solved!”

Ed Monkemeier says they store their rig “at a local moving and storage company. It has under-cover storage and full security. We can access it seven days a week through our own access code.”

Wendy Wolter suggests a “mom-and-pop” car lot. That’s what they use for their 36-foot Tiffin. They have worked it out with the owner “so that we can come and go as we please, it’s super close to home, and he lets us park right next to his big building so it’s kind of hidden from the open road. He also is kind enough to let us plug in whenever needed.”

Richard Forlani has a good deal with his local RV dealer (Alpin Haus): “We bought the RV from them and they run a winter storage (Nov.-Apr.) deal for $99 and a summer (May-Oct) deal for $99. They do our winterize/summerize, so it is very convenient.”

Paul M. Fahey, from Mass., says to try a local trucking company. “They often have large buildings that might have a corner just for you. Similarly, I would check with your local towing or taxi companies. Thirdly, I would peruse Craigslist. You might find somebody looking to rent a spot in their garage.” He goes on to state, “I am probably preaching to the choir, but avoid parking it on dirt for any length of time. The moisture from the ground will rust everything.”

Jim White, from Ga., is thinking about putting his Monaco into a campground on a monthly basis while he tries to sell his home (his realtor has told him his RV must be gone while the house is on the market). He is looking for a more permanent solution. I’m sure he’ll find some good suggestions from our other readers!

Doug Spencer, who travels throughout the U.S. with his bride, suggests posting an ad on Craigslist and list your requirements (area, height of door, width, etc.). He says he has “used Craigslist for all kinds of stuff and it has never disappointed me.” He adds that he is always looking at alternatives for storage because of all their traveling.

Brian suggests that Chuck ask the broker at the warehouse he is currently using to see if he can re-rent a smaller portion just for the Winnebago. If not, he suggests checking with a Winnebago dealership or repair shop nearby.

Glenda Alexander suggests some new real estate, such as a garage apartment, and the apartment could be Chuck’s new office; or how about a small vacation house with attached RV port. She was kind enough to send along some links for examples of these suggestions.

George Daunis, in Ariz., is looking for “a property with a large lot that either has an existing garage and a small house or duplex, or room to build a garage. The idea is to rent out the house to pay for the property and thus have a free place to store your RV.”

Bob Hoffman, from Fla., has always been able to get “free” storage by doing a website for a campground. He had previously had a similar deal with a mini-storage place. He thinks maybe Chuck can work out a similar deal by giving someone free advertising in a newsletter.

Ric Newton, in Texas, formerly from Whidbey Island, Wash., suggests a nearby park such as Encore Corp., Thousand Trails, etc., that might rent spaces as storage when they are not heavily in demand, or spaces that have problems such as electrical, sewage, mud, etc., that they would be happy to rent out. Then you could put a semi-portable garage (temporary) on a storage lot and you would have “pretty good storage at a modest outlay.”

David Johnson has a philosophical observation (since they are “only RV renters, so have no suggestions about your storage problem.”) He suggests Chuck “make lemonade out of this lemon. … Here’s a real-life dilemma for you to solve and then tell us about.” Well, David, that’s exactly what Chuck is doing—thanks for that suggestion. 

We hope that by passing along all these great suggestions from our readers, others who are in Chuck’s situation can also get useful ideas.