By Emmalee Rice
Toy Storage Nation regularly provides content for RV and boat storage operators to share with tenants, promoting their facility’s brand as a site dedicated to customer service. The following guide offers helpful tips for RV storage owners tucking their vehicles away for the winter season.
As the changing colors signal autumn and the chill of winter creeps closer, RV owners face a prominent dilemma: What to do with their prized motorhomes, trailers, campers and other expensive outdoor investments during the off-season? For some this question is simply answered by traveling somewhere warmer to wait for the return of more pleasurable weather. For others who must remain, they must look into storage options. RV storage facilities play a critical role in ensuring that these vehicles are properly stored, maintained and protected against the elements during the colder (and in many places, wetter) months.
For RV storage facility owners and operators, preparing for autumn is more than just a seasonal change; it’s an opportunity to ensure the safety, loyalty and satisfaction of their clients. Here are several key factors an RV storage facility should consider for autumn.
1. Weatherproofing and Protection From the Elements
Autumn brings fluctuating temperatures, rain, and sometimes even early frosts or snow, depending on the region. To ensure a variety of clients RV storage facilities should offer a variety of storage solutions and should additionally ensure that their services offer effective weatherproofing options, such as:
- Coverings and Tarps: Providing customers with high-quality, breathable covers for their RVs is essential to shield them from fallen leaves, debris and different types of moisture if your spaces are not already protected by canopies or fully enclosed units. These covers should allow air circulation to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew.
- Indoor Storage Options: If possible, offering indoor or fully enclosed storage units will provide the highest level of protection against the elements. This helps protect RVs from snow, ice, the occasional autumn storm that might cause damage to a vehicle’s exterior, as well as the ever-present threat of the sun’s ultra-violet rays.
Drainage Systems: Autumn rains can lead to puddles and flooding in poorly maintained storage areas. Ensuring proper drainage and sloping of the storage lot can prevent water damage, rust and other moisture-related problems.
2. Preparing for Temperature Drops
As temperatures dip in autumn, RVs may be subjected to freezing conditions, which can cause damage to plumbing systems and other components. A storage facility should encourage RV owners to take specific precautions before storage, such as:
- Winterizing Services: Offering winterization services, like draining and flushing out water systems, antifreeze application to the plumbing, and ensuring proper tire pressure adjustments, will keep RVs in good working order. This could be an upsell service that the facility can offer to attract more clients. Or for their clients on a tighter budget offering to teach or coach them through the process themselves.
- Climate Control Options: If the storage facility has climate-controlled units, this could be a valuable service for owners of high-end RVs or those in areas with harsh winters. Climate control helps prevent cracking, warping, and other issues that come from extreme temperature fluctuations.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance
Autumn is a great time for owners to give their own RVs a deep clean, both inside and out, before storing them for the season. A facility could provide cleaning and maintenance services to help ensure that vehicles are properly cared for before storage. Services to consider offering include:
- Exterior Cleaning and Waxing: A thorough exterior wash and waxing will protect the RV’s paint job from falling leaves, sap, and other environmental debris. This will also help to minimize the impact of UV damage over the winter. An additional service could be to touch up the exterior of the RV just before the owner is ready to use their RV again.
- Interior Cleaning: Offering cleaning services for the interior—such as vacuuming, sanitizing, and removing any perishable items—can help prevent pests and odors from developing over the winter months.
- Battery Storage and Maintenance: RV batteries can be damaged by cold weather when not properly maintained. Offering to remove, store, or charge batteries for clients can be an added service that encourages clients to trust your facility.
4. Security Measures for Seasonal Storage
With many RVs being left for several months at a time, enhanced security is a must. RVs are often large and expensive, making them prime targets for theft or vandalism. A secure storage facility should incorporate several measures to keep vehicles safe:
- Surveillance Cameras and Lighting: Making sure that the storage lot is well-lit and equipped with 24/7 security cameras will provide the facility and RV owners with peace of mind. Well-lit areas help deter criminals and make it easier for staff to monitor.
- Access Control: Providing secure access, such as gated entrances, access codes, or RFID tags, can help keep unauthorized individuals out of the storage area. Additionally, tracking when vehicles enter or exit the facility can add a layer of accountability.
- Insurance Options: Some RV storage facilities offer insurance packages for items stored on-site. Autumn is a great time to remind clients about the availability of coverage to protect their vehicles from theft, vandalism or natural damage during storage.
5. Pricing and Storage Flexibility
As autumn begins, many RV owners will be deciding whether to store their vehicle for a few weeks, months, or for the entire winter season. Offering flexible pricing and storage plans can encourage clients to choose your facility, even if they are unsure about the exact duration of storage. Some options to consider include:
- Short-Term and Long-Term Rates: Offering both short-term and long-term storage plans, along with discounts for extended storage, could entice customers to lock in longer-term contracts. Seasonal discounts can also encourage business during the off-season.
- Tiered Storage Options: Providing different levels of storage, such as open-air, covered, and indoor storage, allows customers to choose a plan that fits their budget and their needs.
6. Leaf and Debris Management
In many regions, autumn means a thick layer of leaves, pine needles and other debris falling from trees. These can accumulate on RVs and around the storage lot, potentially causing damage or posing fire risks as well as potentially damaging the RVs as they decay.
- Regular Lot Maintenance: Making sure that the storage lot is cleared of leaves and other debris regularly will prevent it from becoming a hazard. It will also make the facility more attractive and easier to maintain.
- Leaf Blowers and Vacuum Services: Offering a service to clear leaves from the RVs themselves, especially from roof areas, will ensure that they remain free of dirt and moisture that could lead to mold or water damage.
7. Customer Communication and Preparation
Many RV owners are not familiar with all of the necessary steps to prepare their vehicle for autumn storage. This is an opportunity for RV storage facilities to provide helpful resources and proactive communication to ensure a smooth experience.
- Autumn Storage Checklist: Providing an autumn checklist or a detailed guide for clients on how to winterize their RV can be a valuable resource. This can include reminders about cleaning, draining water tanks, disconnecting batteries, and covering the vehicle.
- Email Updates and Reminders: Sending emails or SMS reminders as the autumn season approaches can help keep customers engaged and remind them of any necessary services, deadlines, or discounts.
Conclusion
Autumn is the best time for RV storage facilities to ramp up their services and ensure that clients’ vehicles are protected for the off-season. Whether it’s through winterization services, weatherproofing, enhanced security, or cleaning and maintenance options, facilities that are proactive and customer-focused will build loyalty and trust. The key to success is offering a range of services, keeping clients informed, and preparing both the facility and the RVs for the cold months ahead. By taking these factors into account, RV storage facilities can ensure that they meet the needs of their customers while protecting the vehicles they store.
Emmalee Rice is an aspiring traveler with a passion for helping others.
