Homeowners with RVs to store on their lots don’t want them subject to vandalism and theft. They also do not want the neighbors complaining about the large vehicle sitting in the driveway or backyard. One solution is to make a driveway along the side yard for the RV and then have a wall and gate built between it and the street view and the side view. Then the neighbors would not see the RV and it would be secure, yet accessible for the homeowner.
Securing The Family RV
People in Phoenix, Arizona, often own RVs for travel and recreation. These vehicles need to be safely stored between trips. Some people choose to keep them at storage facilities. Others prefer to keep their RVs close to home where they can keep an eye on them. Though a number of RV owners choose to park them in a driveway in the open, others want them out of site and more secure.
Hiring Professionals
Phoenix Block Wall Experts will build a secure walled area to store an RV. As part of this enclosure, they will install an RV gate for security and convenient entry and exit of the RV. This entry and exit points must be convenient, well-constructed, secure, long-lasting, and attractive. The RV gate must be perfectly installed so that it operates properly.
Homeowners concerned with the curb appeal of their homes like to have the family RV behind a wall and a functioning gate when it is not in use. The secure walls and gates can be constructed to match the style of the home. The best RV enclosure and gate builders have design professionals on their teams to help homeowners get a perfect style and look for their property.
There are also different operating models of RV Gates including:
- The automatic double gate
- The rolling RV gate
- A side-of-the-house gate
The gate providers help the homeowner pick the best gate design for their needs and the budget they have available. In addition to operational mode, gates can come in different materials such as wood or metal. The cost of RV gates depends on many factors but will most often fall between $1,000 and $9,000. This cost is in addition to the cost of the wall or fence it is attached to.
The costs for an installed gate include labor, posts, the gate itself, concrete, hardware, mechanical or electronic controls, and depend on the size of the gate. The wall or fence and gate company should be willing to discuss the homeowner’s needs and preferences and give a good-faith bid for the job before work begins. The contractor should also investigate community rules for this type of construction and obtain any permits needed for the project.
The Pros and Cons of Home RV Storage
In most cases, the RV will not be in constant use. Some owners will need to store the vehicle for months between uses. The question may be whether to store the RV off-site at a campground or a storage facility designed for that purpose. Off-season RV storage can be expensive at a low of $30 per month for outdoor storage up to as much as $500 for indoor storage.
RV owners may decide to save the storage money and the inconvenience of off-site storage and store the RV at home. The success of this depends on several factors including the following.
- The size of the RV and the space available to store it on your lot. RVs over 40 feet may be too big to store at home. It depends on whether a person lives on acreage or on a city lot.
- Where is there space to store the RV and will that inconvenience family members? If a family has several cars, and the RV is stored on the driveway, a problem could exist. If storage in the garage is considered, careful measurements must be taken to make sure the RV will fit. An ideal solution would be an added driveway and a fenced or walled area next to the garage that’s sized for the RV. The building lot needs to be large enough to allow this.
- Do state, homeowner’s association or local laws, regulations, or rules allow an RV to be stored on the property? If that is allowed, do they have requirements for the storage? Be sure to make a few calls before parking the RV.
- Will the RV be safe and protected when stored at home? The best solution is for there have some form of shelter to protect the RV from the weather.
- Does home storage save the owner money in the long run?
- Will home storage annoy family members or neighbors? Inquire before implementing home-storage plans to avoid extra expenses and hard feelings.
Things to Think About with Home RV Storage
Once the decision is made to store the RV at home, it should be done properly. The best walls and RV gates will not make much difference if other important steps are not taken to keep the RV safe during the time it is stored.
When the trip is done and the RV will be in storage for a while, give it a good cleaning, including getting rid of all food, dirty dishes, fabric, etc., and washing and waxing everything as needed. The wax is for the outside surfaces to protect from the sun. Repair any damage to seals, silicon seams, and caulking. Then, make sure there is enough ventilation to prevent the interior from developing mold or a musty smell. Make sure there is light coming into the RV to help the ventilation fight mold and mildew.
Make sure every effort is made to keep insects and pests out of the RV. This includes blocking all external openings and putting out bowls of mothballs to deter pests. Preventative measures also include making sure the RV is not parked on top of growing weeds or under trees that can drip sap on the roof or harbor pests. Investing in a concrete pad might be a good idea.
While the RV is being stored, service the batteries and tires as needed to keep them in tip-top shape for the next trip. Check the RV every couple of weeks to catch any problems and fix them.