Options for protective storage for winter help
Hello,
We got a new 5th wheel this June and I do not want it to sit outside during the winter months here in south west Pennsylvania. My current storage location is great as it has 24 / 7 monitoring and is very close to my house. It just does not have covered storage nor can I erect a carport type myself there.
I have been looking for a place to safely store it over the winter and have not found a 100% suitable option. We have no plans to use the RV during the winter but things do happen.
Here is what I have found so far:
1. Purchase a high end cover and cover it leaving it in current location.
While it would still be close to home and receive some protection I am concerned about the cover rubbing and damaging the exterior of my RV. I believe that I would have to check on it frequently to insure that all straps are snug and cover is not blowing around. It would require that I have help to cover it as I am disabled and getting up on the roof would not work for me, The other negative is cost versus longevity of cover. From my research the covers seem only to last 3 to 5 years. I could be wrong on this.
2. Underground Limestone Mine
There are 3 separate facilities within an hours drive of me that store your RV underground in a closed limestone mine. The cost is actually the same or a few dollars less than what I pay now. The temperature remains at a constant 52 degrees so no need to winterize. I would still empty tanks and blow out my water lines. The drawback for these mines is the humidity levels. The humidity is at 65% give or take constantly. I worry about mold and mildew and any other issues the humidity level could cause. I would still have access to inspect my RV as long as I notify the site I am coming. I can even get RV out early if I needed to.
3. Local County Fairgrounds rent under roof space
Several of the county fairgrounds rent space in their buildings for winter storage. The cost for this is more money than the mine storage. Cost is aa factor somewhat as I am on a fixed income. Also once your RV is stored you have no access to it until April 1st. You cannot check on it and certainly can't get it out if you needed to. The RV would still need to be winterized which is no problem. I read mixed reviews about storing at these locations with the negatives being rodent infestation roof leaks onto RV and damage occurred while storing. From what I understand the RV's are packed into the buildings as tight as possible to make the most of the space.
4. Find a local garage, barn, or building to rent space from
I have been looking for a space to rent but so far have come up empty. I have been searching Craigslist, Google, local papers and riding around the area but have only found space for automobiles. If anyone knows of a website or another method for this approach please let me know.
5. Winterize and leave as is
I really do not want to do this as we get lots of snow and rain along with constant freezing and thawing all winter long. I did do this with my old 5th wheel and the weather took a toll on it.
What solution makes the most sense to you and why? Is there another solution that I have not thought about? I really want to make a decision soon as places like the mines require a reservation and they fill up every year.
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Dave
We got a new 5th wheel this June and I do not want it to sit outside during the winter months here in south west Pennsylvania. My current storage location is great as it has 24 / 7 monitoring and is very close to my house. It just does not have covered storage nor can I erect a carport type myself there.
I have been looking for a place to safely store it over the winter and have not found a 100% suitable option. We have no plans to use the RV during the winter but things do happen.
Here is what I have found so far:
1. Purchase a high end cover and cover it leaving it in current location.
While it would still be close to home and receive some protection I am concerned about the cover rubbing and damaging the exterior of my RV. I believe that I would have to check on it frequently to insure that all straps are snug and cover is not blowing around. It would require that I have help to cover it as I am disabled and getting up on the roof would not work for me, The other negative is cost versus longevity of cover. From my research the covers seem only to last 3 to 5 years. I could be wrong on this.
2. Underground Limestone Mine
There are 3 separate facilities within an hours drive of me that store your RV underground in a closed limestone mine. The cost is actually the same or a few dollars less than what I pay now. The temperature remains at a constant 52 degrees so no need to winterize. I would still empty tanks and blow out my water lines. The drawback for these mines is the humidity levels. The humidity is at 65% give or take constantly. I worry about mold and mildew and any other issues the humidity level could cause. I would still have access to inspect my RV as long as I notify the site I am coming. I can even get RV out early if I needed to.
3. Local County Fairgrounds rent under roof space
Several of the county fairgrounds rent space in their buildings for winter storage. The cost for this is more money than the mine storage. Cost is aa factor somewhat as I am on a fixed income. Also once your RV is stored you have no access to it until April 1st. You cannot check on it and certainly can't get it out if you needed to. The RV would still need to be winterized which is no problem. I read mixed reviews about storing at these locations with the negatives being rodent infestation roof leaks onto RV and damage occurred while storing. From what I understand the RV's are packed into the buildings as tight as possible to make the most of the space.
4. Find a local garage, barn, or building to rent space from
I have been looking for a space to rent but so far have come up empty. I have been searching Craigslist, Google, local papers and riding around the area but have only found space for automobiles. If anyone knows of a website or another method for this approach please let me know.
5. Winterize and leave as is
I really do not want to do this as we get lots of snow and rain along with constant freezing and thawing all winter long. I did do this with my old 5th wheel and the weather took a toll on it.
What solution makes the most sense to you and why? Is there another solution that I have not thought about? I really want to make a decision soon as places like the mines require a reservation and they fill up every year.
Thanks in advance for your assistance!
Dave
