- January 30, 2025
Almost 11.2 million households in America own an RV. The RV market in North America is worth $20 billion and is forecast to grow to $29 billion by 2029. These home-on-wheels let people experience the outdoors, take a mini-vacation, spend quality family time, and pursue other leisure activities. Since motorhomes are expensive investments, having a robust & secure RV garage storage is a must to protect it from sun, rain, snow, hail, and theft.
Why You Need An RV Storage?
Here are the top 7 reasons you should invest in an RV parking garage:
- It will protect your motorhome from outdoor weather conditions.
- It will secure your vehicle against theft.
- A fully enclosed metal RV garage will help prevent pests from entering & causing damage.
- It will help maintain its shine & prolong the RV’s lifespan, thereby increasing its resale value.
- You might benefit from a low insurance premium if your RV has a dedicated parking space.
- Some areas have restrictions against parking RVs on streets or driveways for a long period.
- With a garage, you can organize RV supplies like spare parts & cleaning supplies.
Top Choices For RV Storage Long-Term Guide
There are many ways in which you can store RV until your next mini-vacation trip is planned. However, we suggest having a clear idea & a detailed guide on RV garage dimensions before you jump to choose the ‘type’ or the ‘design’ of RV parking space. Below, we have summarized 4 main types of parking for motorhomes, along with door size and multiple parking ideas.
1. Types Of RV Garage Storage
You can store/ park your RV in 4 ways, each having its own pros and cons. Let’s look closely at them to find out which one will work best for you.
1.1 Indoor Storage With An RV Metal Garage
These are fully enclosed steel garages with heights taller than car garages. Usually, people prefer a 12ga thickness steel frame with a concrete floor as it can bear more load. The most accurate size will depend on the RV ‘Class’ you own. Here’s the average size of an RV parking garage:
- Width: 12’ – 30’
- Length: 20’ – 60’
- Height: 12’ – 18’
You must first measure the size of your RV to choose the right RV metal garage size. When measuring RV, don’t forget to include a side awning, shark fin, antenna, AC duct, slide-out, etc. If you need additional storage space, include it along with buffer space for easy RV maneuver.
1.2 Outdoor Storage In An Open Lot
But why bother with a garage? Why not just leave it on your lot with a fabric cover over it? There are plenty of disadvantages to parking an RV in the open; apart from that, many local regulations & HOAs won’t allow you to park an RV in the driveway, street, or outside for an extended period.
A fabric cover won’t protect your motorhome from damp ground, hail storms, and flying debris during strong winds. So, it is best to have a sturdy shelter; after all, these are among some of the world’s premier & expensive RV vehicles that offer the comfort of home when traveling.
1.3 Covered Storage With A Steel RV Carport
You can choose a steel carport and customize it to fit your RV. A carport can be fully enclosed from two sides, and you can add gable ends for extra protection against direct sun & rain. Generally, an RV storage building costs between $15 to $25 per sq. ft. You can add custom features like –
- Enclosed lean-to to keep spare parts & cleaning supplies
- Open lean-to to access and use the RV while it is parked
- Vertical roof to avoid frequent cleaning & much more
1.4 RV Rental Storage Nearby
Some people prefer renting a storage unit to park an RV; however, if you miss one rental, you may risk a chance of losing your motorhome to an auction. Plus, the rent prices aren’t that cheap either. RV monthly rents can be between $50 and $400.
That’s an average of $225 a month and 2700 a year while you still don’t own the parking space. With a steel garage or carport, you get a permanent multi-functional shelter. It can be renovated for other uses, such as a living space, workshop, patio, etc.
2. What Size Garage Door For RV Storage?
Installing a correct-size RV garage door is crucial. After all, you don’t want your RV’s roof to bump into the door’s frame or get scratches on it when parking and exiting. Now, the size of the RV garage door will depend on the specific model of your motorhome. Here are common stats that can be helpful:
- Width of RV Door: 12 ft. at least.
- Height of RV Door: 12 ft. to 18 ft.
- Type of RV Door: Double door, Single door, Frame-out
What Style Of Garage Door Is Suitable For RV Parking?
The following styles of doors will be suitable:
- Traditional carriage-style door
- Roll-up door
- Sleek steel cum glass door
- Sliding door
- Side hinge door
- Bi-fold door
- Swing-out door
We won’t recommend a tilt-up door, over-roof retractable door, or canopy-style door as it will take up indoor roof space, and you will need to plan a taller garage. Increasing the height of a garage will increase its overall cost.
3. Building 2 Car Garage With RV Storage
Most homeowners have two cars, so it is natural to look for a parking garage that can shelter both cars and their motorhome. RV metal buildings are made using sturdy steel frames that can span wide and long without taking too much of the square footage.
We offer 12-gauge and 14-gauge thick steel frames so you can choose one that fits better to your local climatic conditions & your pocket. For example, a 38’x40’x14’ metal garage with a large 12’x12’ garage door, two 10’x10’ garage doors, one walk-in door, and two windows would be suitable for parking everyday cars and RV.
Tip: Don’t forget to plan for the driveway though. An RV will require a broader driveway path than regular cars.
Other Factors To Consider For RV Garage’s Long-Term Storage
- Flooring
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Gutter & Downspout
- Tech Security Features
- Permit
Case Studies & Examples: RV Storage Garage Ideas
Fully Enclosed RV Steel Garage: A 30’x31’x16’ vertical metal garage has a 12’x14’ roll-up garage door for easy RV parking and a separate walk-in door to access storage. Its vertical roof design lets all dust, debris, & water/ snow slide off quickly, thus making it easy to maintain and requiring less frequent cleaning.
RV Metal Cover With A Fully Enclosed Lean-To: An 18’x30’x12’ RV garage with an enclosed lean-to is an economical option with two sides, a covered carport & covered gable ends. It has an additional fully enclosed lean-to with a roll-up door & a walk-in door where you can store outdoor gear, tools & workshop equipment, garden supplies, and other seasonal items.
Don’t forget to match the RV garage’s color with your existing building for an atheistic appeal. We offer matching colored screws for a seamless look.
Invest In RV Metal Buildings To Prolong Its Life Today!
End your search for RV garage storage with Viking Metal Garages. With high-quality steel and excellent craftsmanship, you can rest assured your beloved motorhomes will remain protected from outdoor weather and prying eyes, and you will always be ready to accompany you for your next vacation trip.
Call now at (704)-741-1587 for a FREE quote on your custom-designed RV parking garage.
Alabama