Storage Yard

Look around like we did and you might find a good one. This is a small neighborhood storage yard - a combination of enclosed, covered and open storage of about 50 spaces. Everyone in it is local and known by the owner. Three of the tennats are local cops - it never hurts for people to see the cop cars going in and out. Good fencing, good cameras and good barb wire. In three years since he started it there hasn't been any problems at all. These places are hard to find, this one is hidden in a local neighborhood. It's a three minute walk from my brother's house.

Bill

id store it in your yard if at all possible. Not only will you save money, it will be under your watchful eye everyday.

if the thief's want it or anything inside, bad enough, they will find a way to get it no matter where its parked.

upstech76 wrote:
I recently upgraded from a popup to a 28' Puma. It is difficult but not impossible to store it at my home and am thinking about using mini storage place that allows outdoor storage for rv's.

1)Do you feel these are relatively secure?

2) Do you remove your battery or propane before storing them (to prevent theft)?

3) Do you lock your doors and passthrough while stored?

Sorry for all the questions but one of these storage places is 0.5 miles from the campground we usually camp and my house is about 30 miles away. So storing it here would be a great convienence but I don't want to deal with repairing and replacing things from theft.

#1 No, even if the lot is gated, has cameras, guards and even guard dogs 24/7, your property is subject to vandalism or loss. Storage lots present a "smorgasbord" of opportunity for thieves to hit big (10, 100 or more RVs lined up make it a one stop shop).

Generally your trailer will be less of a "target" when stored at YOUR own home. Typically you will have neighbors close to you which make it harder for a thief to "target" your property. So even when you are not home, there will be others around you which make it harder for someone to break in unnoticed..

Park it at home if possible or allowed (check your HOA agreement and or your local township for ordinances).

#2 In my case, my batteries are hidden behind a ventilated compartment door instead of the trailer tongue. Out of site out of mind.

My Propane tanks are also tucked behind a cover, basically when rebuilding my TT I was able to build in a pocket in the front of the trailer for the tanks, then made a door to hide the tanks.

Additionally I placed a tongue box in front of the tanks, the box is bolted from the inside into the tongue and locked. Thieves would have to cut the lock, then move all items out of the box then have the correct allen wrench to remove the bolts. It would take a long time for thieves to get to my tanks.

A bit of a pain for me to get to but in my case I don't use much propane since I have a residential fridge. Making only the furnace, water heater and the stove to be users of propane. Been using this setup for 6 yrs and have not had to switch to the second 30lb tank as of yet. :B

#3 I lock EVERYTHING even when it is sitting in my yard whether we are using it or not. It is best that way just to keep the "honest" thieves "honest".

RV locks however will not keep DETERMINED HARD CORE thieves out so it is in your best interest to EMPTY your trailer of ANYTHING of substantial value when you are not using it.

In my case, my TVs are not attached to walls or cabinets, I use a portable stereo (trailer didn't have a built in), computer, clothing, food and drinks is all removed.

We only leave basic supplies like paper plates, plastic ware, plastic cups, paper towels, extra bedding like sheets and blankets a few pots and pans, towels and washcloths.

Avoid the storage yard. Maybe look into a seasonal camp site?

A Coworker had his whole boat stolen from a secured yard....they just hooked up and drove away. I'd be nervous.

Storage yard......close to the CG and costs how much each month

At home....close to you AND you can pre-cool fridge and load it up before that long 30 mile drive :B

the only way you are going to protect your TT from thieves is to stand over it with shot gun 24/7. BUT, at home yo have a better chance of not losing any thing or having it damaged. I took out our veggie garden to store ours at home. I know guys who have had their MH's broken into right next to their homes. kids got down through the roof vents.

A lot of storage places are now fenced and have security cameras. I would ask them about whether they cover thefts, should be part of what you are paying for...in my mind anyways.

If there's any way possible keep it at home. Storage yards are notorious for theft and none of them will cover YOUR loss unless there's extenuating circumstances.

Check with the storeage place on their coverage. Some place will cover theft and/or damage, some will not. I'd also check with your insurance, also. The battery and LP tanks will always be at risk in a storeage yard, but can also be stolen at your house. Other things to consider: a) 1 or 2 days before going camping, we would turn on the fridge and then load groceries into it the day before while packing, b) we kept our camping clothes in the camper, when we returned, we'd do laundry then put the clothes right back in along with towels and such, c) we had things in the camper that we'd also use at home like lawn chairs, charcoal and other stuff. For these reasons, I've always liked having my camper at home plus being able to check inside from time to time for leaks and/or mice. It was easy for me, though as we live on 2 acres.