A motorhome spends more time parked than travelling, so where you store it matters — a lot: it affects how well it's preserved, its security, and sometimes even whether you can own one at all (not everyone has room at home). Here we go through the storage options, their pros and cons, and tips to protect it while it rests.
The options
- At home (garage, plot, land): the most convenient and cheapest if you have the space and it's allowed. Watch out for planning regulations and whether it actually fits (height, length).
- A specialised outdoor car park: affordable, guarded, but exposed to sun and weather.
- Covered car park or warehouse: the best protection against the weather (sun, rain, cold), at a higher price.
- Self-storage facilities for vehicles: maximum protection and security, the most expensive.
On the street: watch the rules
Leaving the camper permanently parked on a public road can be regulated or banned in many towns, and it's always exposed to fines, penalties for extended parking, and greater risk. Check local rules; it's not a good long-term solution.
What to weigh up when choosing
- Protection from the weather: sun and exposure age the camper (awnings, seals, tyres). Covered is always better.
- Security: surveillance, cameras, controlled access against theft.
- Accessibility: being able to get it out easily whenever you want.
- Price: balance cost and protection to suit your situation.
Tips for storing it well
Wherever you leave it, prepare it properly: if it's going to sit for a long time, winterise it well (see winterising), look after the battery (lithium ones cope better with storage, and with the app you can monitor it remotely; see the app), protect it from the sun with a breathable cover if it's outdoors, and keep an eye on tyre pressure.
In summary
Where you store the camper affects how well it's preserved and its security: from home (the cheapest if you have room) to covered warehouses (the best protection), avoiding public roads long-term. The step you can take today: weigh up the options in your area balancing protection, security and price, and prepare it well (winterising, battery, tyres) for the periods it's parked up; looking after it while it rests extends its life. Combine it with winterising.