Owning a motorhome, fifth-wheel RV, or camper trailer unlocks a new world of adventure. However, without proper storage, you are likely to witness deterioration in its condition as well as its lifespan. With unpredictable weather conditions and limited outdoor parking options, the need for a reliable storage solution is of paramount importance. Metal RV storage garages are increasingly gaining popularity as they offer unmatched durability, high weather resistance, versatile use, and a wide range of customizations to suit your needs.
With proper storage of your vehicles, you can easily rely on your RVs for future endeavors for years to come. With metal buildings, you can prevent your recreational vehicles from suffering any damage while providing ample space for your accessories.
Top 10 Tips to Optimize Your RV Storage
Assess Your Needs Properly
One of the most crucial aspects to consider when investing in an RV metal garage unit is knowing your needs. You should begin by assessing your vehicle’s size as well as your additional requirements.
- Do you want your RV parking structure to house additional storage space or extra room for setting up a workshop?
- Which accessories and tools do you plan to store?
- How much space do you have to work with?
- How many vehicles do you wish to park?
Understanding these is essential, as they will help you organize your RV shed to house all necessary items, turning it into a one-stop solution for all your needs.
Choose the Right Size
It is imperative to opt for the right width, length, and height of your structure. Otherwise, it is likely that your RV would suffer damages in parking or maneuvering. To avoid going too small or too large, here are a few tips:
- Measure your RV properly using a measuring tape.
- Consider leaving at least 2 feet of gap on all sides.
- In case of multiple parking, leave adequate space between vehicles, too.
When deciding on the size of your RV garage, you should encompass all attached or unattached accessories that will be stored along with the vehicle.
An average RV garage is 12 feet to 30 feet wide, with the height ranging from 12 feet to 16 feet. Depending on the type of your RV, here are some standard dimensions:
| Type of RV | Width | Length | Height |
| Class A Motorhomes | 12 feet to 16 feet | 25 feet to 50 feet | 14 feet to 16 feet |
| Class B Motorhomes | 10 feet to 12 feet | 25 feet to 30 feet | 12 feet to 14 feet |
| Class C Motorhomes | 12 feet to 14 feet | 35 feet to 40 feet | 14 feet to 16 feet |
| Travel Trailers | 12 feet to 14 feet | 40 feet | 14 feet to 16 feet |
| Fifth-Wheel Trailers | 14 feet to 16 feet | 40 feet to 50 feet | 16 feet to 18 feet |
The length, width, and height of the structure can be further enhanced depending on the accessories attached to it.
Opt for Accurate Roof Designs
Based on your local weather conditions as well as the size of your prefab RV garage, you can choose among — regular roofs, boxed-eave roofs, and vertical roofs — for optimum results.
| Regular roofs | Boxed-eave roofs | Vertical roofs | |
| → Feature curved edges.
→ Do not require additional components.
→ Are ideal for smaller structures.
→ Best of mild weather conditions.
→ Can accumulate external elements.
→ Most economical. |
→ Feature horizontal roof panels running from front to end.
→ Do not have any extra metal components for support.
→ Perfect for standard structures.
→ Best for moderate climates.
→ Horizontal panels can lead to accumulation of rainwater, snowfall, and debris.
→ More expensive than regular roofs.
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→ Comprise of vertical panels running from ridge to the eave sides.
→ Come with extra hat channels, braces, and ridge caps for support.
→ Best for metal buildings of all dimensions.
→ Can withstand the harshest of weather conditions.
→ Vertical panels allow for easy shedding of water, snow, dust, and other elements.
→ Come with a deep and full eve side trim.
→ Costlier than the other two roofs but offers high durability and resilience. |
|
Invest in Customized Doors
To avoid any issues while parking or taking your RV out for a ride, it is critical to give proper thought to your RV garage doors. Instead of opting for a standard door for all RVs, you should opt for a garage door suitable for your specific vehicles.
You can choose among roll-up doors, sliding doors, walk-in doors, overhead doors, or automated doors as per your budgetary and aesthetic requirements.
A common door dimension guide is:
- Class A Motorhomes: 10 feet to 16 feet wide and 12 feet to 14 feet high
- Class B Motorhomes: 8 feet to 9 feet wide and 8 feet to 10 feet high
- Class C Motorhomes: 9 feet to 12 feet wide and 10 feet to 12 feet high
- Travel Trailers: 8 feet to 12 feet wide and 8 feet to 9 feet high
- Fifth-Wheel Trailers: 8 feet to 12 feet wide and 12 feet to 13 feet high
Make sure that the doors are designed in a way that allows you to have at least 1 foot of gap on all ends between your vehicle and the door.
Integrate Proper Insulation and Ventilation
With adequate insulation and ventilation, you can ensure metal RV storage buildings reduce moisture buildup and humidity.
High R-value insulation can significantly help in lowering heat transfer and maintaining the temperature within the structure. This will prevent your RVs from suffering any corrosion-related damages.
By strategically employing artificial and natural ventilation such as windows, cupolas, ridge vents, and ceiling fans, you can ensure that your garage is a comfortable and dry space. Proper ventilation will also reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Utilize Overhead and Vertical Storage
To maximize the use of your RV metal buildings, you can optimally utilize overhead and vertical storage spaces to house outdoor gear, sports equipment, gardening tools, holiday decor, and other personal belongings. You can mount:
- Shelves
- Bike racks
- Cabinets
- Hooks
- Heavy-duty peg boards
- Slatter walls
Incorporate Durable Flooring
RVs are heavy vehicles, and hence, it is important to opt for durable flooring that cannot only handle the vehicle’s weight but also resist general wear and tear. You can choose among asphalt, gravel, concrete, and level flooring.
The most popular choice is concrete slabs because of their high durability and long-term benefits. Consider adding epoxy flooring for an additional protective layer that prevents stains and improves slip resistance. A durable flooring will not just enhance the overall safety but will also reduce maintenance costs.
Add Lighting and Electricity
Illuminating the interiors of your metal prefab RV garage is critical for safety as well as aesthetics. To make the structure brighter, you can opt for LED lights, hanging lights, or string lights, along with windows and skylights. This will not just help in navigating tasks but also enhance performance within the structure, especially if you integrate a workshop space. Also, consider setting up charging stations to power your RVs.
Enhance Energy Efficiency
Metal buildings allow you to easily merge energy-efficient elements such as solar panels and rainwater collection tanks. You can set up solar panels over the roof and use the electricity generated to power the RV garage.
Moreover, with a proper gutter and downspout system, you can direct rainwater toward collection tanks and use it to wash the vehicle and the metal building.
Prioritize Security
Your RVs are a significant investment, and protecting them from theft and vandalism is one of the most essential aspects to consider when investing in RV metal buildings. You can set up the following:
- CCTV cameras
- Motion sensors
- Alarm systems
- Remote monitoring
- Smart access control
How to Prepare Your RV for Storage?
For your RV storage to truly protect your campers, it is important to prepare your vehicles for long-term storage. A few things to do include:
- Clean the RV inside out thoroughly.
- Empty water tanks and drain the plumbing systems.
- Disconnect the battery to prevent power drainage.
- Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure.
- Inspect and seal any openings to prevent moisture from seeping in.
- Fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent condensation.
Future-Proof Your Metal RV Storage Buildings With a Reliable Solution
Choosing the right RV storage facility, along with preparing your vehicle for long-term storage, can ensure its longevity. With a prefab RV garage protecting your vehicle against the scorching sun, heavy snowfall, intense spells of rain, and debris, you can make sure that your campers are ready for the next adventure whenever the road calls!
