Hey guys. I’m looking to purchase my first travel trailer and I’m between a few different ones. I’ve narrowed it down to either an egg fiberglass camper, like a scamp or an alto safari, either the model with the retractable roof or a fixed roof. But something that I can’t seem to get enough info for is how important is storing a camper in a garage because with the retractable roof option of the alto, it could easily fit inside our garage whenever we’re not using it, so this would be helpful against protecting it from the elements, but I don’t know if it’s worth the extra worry that the retractable roof will bring since more moving parts usually equals more repairs / maintaining. Is a outside storage with a cover sufficient to prolong the life of the trailer or should I opt for the model I can store in my garage?? I would really appreciate any advice!

IMHO it is how important it is to YOU!! Yes, it would be easier to keep it clean and protected, but outside storage is the by far most common storage method.If it was MY decision if two choices were equal in other desires, and it was down to a "flip of a coin" then the one that would fit in the garage would win.

I'm outside but tarp covered. To each his/her own. With adequate roof maintenance and waxing/UV protection of the sides and tires, outside is fine.

Despite what many think, these things are not going to hold up for many years outdoors. The roof will deteriorate, caulking will harden and crack, plastic will yellow, skylights will crack, tires will crack, frames will rust, paint will fade, water leaks will appear, awnings will rot and decals will curl. There is a reason that they are traded frequently at a considerable cost.

Had a long reply, but in your location Anchorage, I’d say outdoors and covered vs indoors is about 90% as good. Outdoors and uncovered (in the off season) maybe 50% as good as indoors. Most important part is getting the most enjoyment out of your investment. Secondary is protecting your investment. The other consideration is, unless you have adequate garage space for vehicles AND camper, I’d garage the vehicles before leaving one outside in the winter, to house the camper.

It's up to you. Do you want to keep it for a long time?Our trailer is a 1990 - always stored inside and it is still like new.Our class B is a 2004 - always stored inside and it is still like new. We did have to build a garage that it would fit in - storing inside is that important to us.

How Important is Garage Storage? | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Feb 26, 2021
Had a long reply, but in your location Anchorage, I’d say outdoors and covered vs indoors is about 90% as good.
Outdoors and uncovered (in the off season) maybe 50% as good as indoors.

Most important part is getting the most enjoyment out of your investment. Secondary is protecting your investment.

The other consideration is, unless you have adequate garage space for vehicles AND camper, I’d garage the vehicles before leaving one outside in the winter, to house the camper.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Feb 26, 2021
Despite what many think, these things are not going to hold up for many years outdoors. The roof will deteriorate, caulking will harden and crack, plastic will yellow, skylights will crack, tires will crack, frames will rust, paint will fade, water leaks will appear, awnings will rot and decals will curl. There is a reason that they are traded frequently at a considerable cost.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2021
I'm outside but tarp covered. To each his/her own. With adequate roof maintenance and waxing/UV protection of the sides and tires, outside is fine.
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Feb 26, 2021
IMHO it is how important it is to YOU!! Yes, it would be easier to keep it clean and protected, but outside storage is the by far most common storage method.

If it was MY decision if two choices were equal in other desires, and it was down to a "flip of a coin" then the one that would fit in the garage would win.

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