Storing Your Camper: Garage Options Explored

If you're looking to store your camper in a garage, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the size of your garage and the dimensions of your camper are crucial. Standard garages may not accommodate larger campers, so it's important to measure both the garage and the camper to ensure a proper fit. The clearance height, especially for garage doors, is also something to keep in mind. Most garage doors are between 7 and 8 feet tall, so you'll need to choose a camper that can comfortably fit through the opening. Additionally, the weight and maneuverability of the camper are important considerations. Lighter campers are generally easier to handle and more suitable for garage storage. Another option is to use a dolly to move the camper into the garage, which can be a convenient solution if your camper doesn't fit through the door.

Camper storage in HOAs

Camper storage can be a challenge, especially for those living in areas with Homeowners' Associations (HOAs). These associations often have rules prohibiting the parking of RVs, trailers, or campers on driveways or streets for extended periods. This can result in costly fines or towing fees for residents.

There are several options for camper storage in HOAs:

Driveway or Street Parking

While this option may be convenient and free, it comes with the risk of violating HOA restrictions. Before choosing this option, be sure to check with your HOA to avoid any penalties.

Garage Storage

If you have a garage, storing your camper there can protect it from the elements and provide added security. However, not all garages can accommodate the height and width of an RV, so measurements should be taken to ensure a proper fit. Garage storage also requires considering the weight of the camper and ensuring the garage floor can support it.

Backyard Storage

Storing your camper in your backyard can be convenient, but it may violate HOA rules. HOAs often have regulations prohibiting vehicles from being kept in yards. Additionally, campers left in yards are susceptible to weather damage and vandalism.

Self-Storage Facilities

Self-storage facilities offer indoor, outdoor, and covered parking options for campers. These facilities typically have security features such as gated access and video surveillance. While this option may incur monthly or yearly fees, it ensures rule compliance and provides peace of mind.

Building an RV Garage

Constructing a custom RV garage is an option for those building a new home or adding onto an existing property. This ensures the garage can accommodate the size of the camper and provides protection from the elements. However, this option can be costly and may not be feasible for all homeowners.

Storing a camper in an HOA-regulated area requires careful consideration of the rules and regulations in place. By choosing the most suitable option, you can ensure the safety and accessibility of your camper while complying with HOA guidelines.

Pros and cons of driveway storage

Pros of Driveway Storage

Storing your camper in your driveway can be a convenient and cost-effective option. Firstly, it is easily accessible, allowing you to take off on a trip whenever you want without the hassle of picking up or dropping off your camper from a storage facility. It is also a free option, saving you from monthly storage fees.

Cons of Driveway Storage

However, driveway storage does come with several drawbacks. Firstly, your camper will be susceptible to damage from weather conditions such as sun, wind, rain, and snow. This exposure to the elements can result in costly repairs. Secondly, security is a concern as your camper is more likely to be vandalised or stolen when left in the open. Additionally, if you own multiple vehicles, driveway storage can limit your parking space. Finally, depending on where you live, your homeowners association may have rules against keeping a camper in your driveway, which could result in fines.

Preparing your camper for garage storage

Storing your camper in a garage is a great way to protect it from the elements and keep it secure. Here are some essential steps to prepare your camper for garage storage:

Clear the garage

First, ensure your garage is ready to accommodate the camper. Clear out any clutter and make space by removing unnecessary items. Check that the garage door is in good working condition and measure the dimensions of the garage to ensure the camper will fit. Look out for any potential hazards, such as low-hanging objects or uneven flooring, and address them.

Prepare the camper

Give your camper a thorough cleaning, both inside and out, to prevent issues like rust, mould, and mildew. Pay special attention to the tires, keeping them inflated to the recommended pressure, and inspect them for any damage. Clean the interior thoroughly, including the ceiling, walls, upholstery, and surface areas. Don't forget to empty the kitchen of any food or crumbs, and clean out the waste tanks.

Secure the camper

Use a level to confirm that the camper is properly aligned and level within the garage. Put wheel chocks in place to prevent the camper from rolling, and use straps or tie-downs to secure it to the floor or walls of the garage.

Regular maintenance

Even when your camper is in storage, it requires periodic check-ins to ensure it stays in good condition. Regularly inspect the tires to ensure they are properly inflated, and keep the camper clean and free of debris. Check for any damage and make necessary repairs to keep your camper in top shape.

Camper storage when it's attached to a truck

When storing a camper that's attached to a truck, it's important to consider the weight of the camper and how stable it is. One option is to invest in a support system, like the Torklift International Camper Packer, which consists of specially treated lumber and is rated up to 12 times the weight capacity of a typical sawhorse. This can help to extend the life of your camper jacks by redistributing the weight.

Another option is to create a custom-built support system. For example, one person created a rolling camper rest using car skates and reinforced sawhorse-like frames, while another person used concrete blocks and wooden boards to support their camper. You can also use jack stands to support the camper, and some people choose to leave the camper on the jacks without any additional support.

When storing your camper, it's also important to consider the conditions it will be stored in. If storing outdoors, you may want to invest in a cover to protect it from the elements. Additionally, it's recommended to clean out all food and trash to avoid attracting pests.

Camper height and garage clearance

When choosing a camper to store in your garage, it's important to consider the size and weight of the camper, as well as the dimensions of your garage. The average size of a two-car garage in the United States is approximately 20 feet wide by 20 feet long, with a door height of 7 or 8 feet.

To ensure your garage is large enough to accommodate your camper, you should measure the length, width, and height of the space to determine the maximum size of the camper that will fit. It's also important to keep the weight of the camper in mind and ensure that your garage floor and supporting structures can handle the load.

When considering the height of your camper, it's crucial to know its true height, including any additions or appliances such as roof racks or air conditioning units. The owner's manual may not always provide an accurate height, so it's best to measure the camper yourself.

• Opt for a lightweight and manoeuvrable camper, such as a teardrop camper or a pop-up camper, as they are easier to fit into smaller spaces.
• Choose a camper with a collapsible design, like a pop-up camper, which can be collapsed to a smaller height when stored.
• Consider the clearance height of your garage door and allow for enough space between the top of the door and the eave of the garage.
• Ensure there are no low-hanging objects or other height restrictions inside your garage that may hinder the camper's entry or exit.

By carefully considering the height and clearance of your garage and choosing an appropriately sized and designed camper, you can safely and effectively store your camper when it's not in use.

Frequently asked questions