Long-term RV storage—months to years—demands features that protect your investment over extended periods. Covered storage shields from weather damage that accumulates over time. Electrical hookups keep systems healthy. Video surveillance provides security monitoring throughout your absence. Here's how to find and evaluate facilities offering all three.

Short-term storage (weeks): Most damage is recoverable

Long-term storage (months-years):

• UV damage compounds
• Battery issues become failures
• Security incidents have more time to occur
• Small problems become big problems

Covered: UV damage is cumulative—a year of sun exposure significantly degrades roofs, seals, and exteriors

Electrical: Without maintenance charging, batteries sulfate and fail—a $300-600+ replacement

Video surveillance: Extended absence means extended opportunity for incidents—documentation matters

Short-term outdoor: Minor impact—you'll be using the RV soon anyway

Long-term outdoor:

• Roof membrane degradation
• Seal failure from UV exposure
• Graphics fading and cracking
• Interior damage from heat accumulation
• Accelerated aging of all exterior components

Example: 12 months storage

| Option | Monthly | Annual | Cumulative Damage Risk | |--------|---------|--------|------------------------| | Outdoor | $100 | $1,200 | High | | Covered | $150 | $1,800 | Low | | Difference | $50 | $600 | Prevents $1,000+ in damage |

Long-term: Covered almost always pays for itself in prevented damage.

Without electrical:

• Batteries self-discharge
• Parasitic draw accelerates discharge
• 3-6 months = likely dead batteries
• Extended discharge = sulfation = permanent damage

With electrical:

• Maintainer keeps batteries healthy
• Systems stay operational
• Return to ready-to-go RV

Beyond batteries, shore power allows:

• Periodic AC operation (prevents mold in Georgia humidity)
• Refrigerator seal maintenance
• Dehumidifier operation
• System monitoring

Battery replacement avoided: $300-600+ per occurrence

Mold remediation avoided: $500-2,000+

Monthly electrical cost: $30-75

Break-even: A few months of electrical pays for itself in preserved batteries alone.

While RV theft is rare, long-term storage faces:

• More time for opportunistic theft
• More exposure to vandalism
• More chance of incident during extended period

Deterrence: Cameras discourage criminal activity

Documentation: Evidence if something happens

Pattern detection: Activity records over time

Peace of mind: Know your RV is being watched

Cameras don't:

• Physically prevent theft
• Guarantee footage is useful
• Replace other security measures

Cameras are one layer —not a complete security solution.

Covered + surveillance: Commonly available together

Electrical + surveillance: Sometimes available

Covered + electrical + surveillance: Less common, often premium facilities

1. Start with covered facilities:

• Most important for long-term
• Ask about electrical and cameras

1. Prioritize electrical next:

• Critical for battery and system health
• Worth premium

1. Verify surveillance:

• Should be standard at quality facilities
• Confirm coverage includes your area

1. "Do you have covered spaces with electrical hookups?"
2. "What amperage electrical service?"
3. "Do you have camera surveillance?"
4. "Does camera coverage include the covered spaces?"
5. "How long is footage retained?"
6. "What's the monthly rate for all these features?"

Your preparation matters:

Before storing:

• Full winterization (if applicable)
• Battery maintainer connected
• Tires properly inflated
• Pest prevention measures
• Documentation (photos, inventory)

During storage:

• Periodic checks if possible
• Trusted contact with access if needed
• Monitor for facility notifications

Insurance:

• Verify coverage during extended storage
• Document RV condition
• Keep records accessible

Covered + electrical + surveillance:

• Close suburbs: $200-325/month
• Outer suburbs: $150-250/month

12 months at mid-range: $2,400-3,000

What you're protecting:

• RV value: $50,000-500,000+
• Battery replacement: $300-600
• Roof/seal repairs: $1,000-5,000
• Interior damage: $500-3,000
• Theft loss: Potentially total value

Annual premium storage cost vs. potential losses: Easy math.

Oxford RV Storage provides the features long-term customers need:

Covered storage:

• Roof protection for extended periods
• UV and hail protection
• Various sizes available

Electrical hookups:

• 30A service at select spaces
• Battery and system maintenance
• Critical for long-term health

Video surveillance:

• Camera coverage throughout facility
• Recording for documentation
• Part of comprehensive security

Additional security:

• Gated access
• Individual codes
• Perimeter fencing
• Lighting

Long-term friendly:

• Month-to-month flexibility
• Stable pricing
• East-Metro location

For RV owners storing for extended periods, Oxford provides the covered/electrical/surveillance combination at competitive pricing.