The Van Club Becomes the First...
Members enjoy 10 % of their first order at That Leisure Shop, quarterly prize draws, early-bird deals on new product...
When the last road trip ends and you pull into your driveway for the final time of the season, it might feel like your motorhome is officially “off duty.” But the truth is, the off-season is when long-term value is either preserved or lost. How and where you store your motorhome during these dormant months affects more than just maintenance; it can dictate resale value, buyer perception, and future repair bills.
In this guide, you’ll learn why smart storage is more than convenience. It’s strategy.
Off-season motorhome storage refers to the period—typically fall through early spring—when your RV isn’t in regular use and needs to be securely parked and protected. During this time, exposure to weather, temperature fluctuations, and even inactivity itself can cause significant wear if not handled properly.
This isn’t just downtime. It’s prep time for a higher resale payoff down the road.
You might think a covered tarp or a quiet corner of the backyard will suffice. But your storage decision can either preserve or sabotage thousands in resale value. Think of it like this: you’re not storing a vehicle, you’re storing an investment.
Poor off-season storage can accelerate:
When a buyer inspects your vehicle, the off-season will be written all over it—on the roof seams, the tires, the smell of the upholstery. Treat this period as your opportunity to protect what you’ve already paid for.
A motorhome that’s been stored properly doesn't just look better—it sells faster and for more. The resale value is shaped by factors like:
Poor storage habits can introduce long-term damage that’s hard to reverse. Common value-killing issues from improper storage include:
These aren’t just cosmetic problems—they’re negotiation points buyers will use to drop your price.
Not all storage options are created equal. Each one comes with a trade-off between cost, protection, and accessibility.
The most budget-friendly option is also the riskiest. Parking your motorhome outside exposes it to rain, UV rays, snow, pests, and more, not to mention potential theft. Even with a high-quality cover, moisture can seep into weak seals, and tires can flatten from cold or disuse.
This offers better protection than open air while keeping costs manageable. Carports and portable sheds shield your RV from direct sunlight and precipitation, but they can’t regulate temperature or humidity.
This is the sweet spot for many owners. Indoors, your motorhome avoids weather extremes, pest infestations, and theft. Indoor storage often comes with added security—but expect higher monthly fees.
If you want to keep your motorhome in showroom condition, this is your gold standard. These facilities maintain ideal temperature and humidity, reducing the risk of mold, frozen pipes, or cracked seals. The cost is higher, but so is the resale protection.
Choosing the right storage facility isn’t just about proximity—it’s about preservation. A great facility will offer features that go far beyond square footage.
Look for these essentials:
Theft and vandalism are rare but devastating. Choose a facility with CaSSOA accreditation, CCTV, access control, alarms, and on-site staff if possible. Motion detectors and license-plate tracking systems are a plus.
Close doesn’t always mean convenient. Think about road access, hours of operation, and how easy it is to navigate a large vehicle in and out. A well-lit, wide-turn facility is better than a cramped, remote compound.
Humidity is a silent destroyer. If storing inside, make sure the building is ventilated properly and insulated to prevent condensation. Look for facilities with moisture-absorbing features or allow the use of silica gel and dehumidifiers inside your unit.
Climate plays a powerful role in what your RV looks and drives like when it comes out of storage. Humid environments breed mold. Freezing temperatures can rupture plumbing. Coastal air accelerates corrosion.
Climate-specific threats to watch for include:
Even seasoned owners overlook details that lead to damage. Here are some of the most frequent missteps:
Avoid these mistakes with simple fixes: disconnect batteries, drain tanks, use tire covers, clear out all perishables, and inspect your roof twice a year.
Preparation protects your RV before you even close the door on it. Here’s a checklist of must-do actions before locking it up:
Keep a minimal stash inside, focused on preservation and readiness:
The condition of your motorhome at first glance says more than any ad listing. Buyers often walk away after seeing—or smelling—signs of neglect. These are some of the most common red flags:
What you did—or didn’t do—in the off-season shows up the moment they open the door.
Proof of care builds trust. Keep a digital folder or binder with:
Even a well-maintained motorhome benefits from documentation—it’s reassurance for the buyer and leverage for you.
Timing matters. Don’t wait until the day before listing to inspect and prep your motorhome. Here’s a quick reactivation checklist:
Yes. A short trip helps you identify issues you’d miss during a stationary inspection. It also ensures road-readiness—something serious buyers will test for during their inspection or test drive.
If you plan to sell your motorhome one day—and most owners eventually do—storage isn’t just a placeholder. It’s a performance plan. Buyers look for signs of care, and the off-season is when that care either shows or fails.
Investing in proper storage isn’t just protection. It’s profit preservation.
Including news updates, blog notifications and all information you need to know about insurance, caravans and equipment.
