A gate is the most basic security feature any vehicle storage facility should have, yet it's also one of the most misunderstood. A working gate with proper access control is fundamentally different from an open lot—but a broken or poorly managed gate provides false security. Here's what actually matters.

Physical barrier:

• Prevents casual entry by unauthorized people
• Forces criminals to make a more visible effort
• Defines a clear boundary

Psychological barrier:

• Signals "this is private property"
• Increases perceived risk for would-be thieves
• Distinguishes from public parking

Who can enter:

• Only people with codes/credentials
• Access can be revoked for former customers
• Visitors can be managed

When they can enter:

• Access hours can be enforced
• Off-hours access can be restricted
• Activity patterns can be monitored

Access logging:

• Who entered and when
• Pattern analysis for unusual activity
• Evidence if something happens

Most common for vehicle storage facilities.

How they work: Gate slides horizontally along a track

Advantages:

• Can span wide openings
• Durable for heavy use
• Relatively low maintenance

Disadvantages:

• Requires clear space along fence line
• Track can accumulate debris
• Motor/mechanism can fail

Less common but seen at some facilities.

How they work: Gate swings open like a door

Advantages:

• Simple mechanism
• No track to maintain

Disadvantages:

• Requires clear swing space
• Can be affected by wind
• Usually narrower openings

Typically combined with other gates.

How they work: Arm lifts to allow entry

Advantages:

• Fast operation
• Allows high throughput

Disadvantages:

• Easy to bypass (duck under)
• Not a true barrier
• Usually supplement to main gate

How it works: Enter personal code to open gate

Advantages:

• Individual codes for each customer
• Easy to change/revoke access
• No physical key to lose

Considerations:

• Codes can be shared
• Must be regularly updated for security
• Requires customer to remember code

How it works: Present card/fob to reader

Advantages:

• Harder to share than code
• Easy access tracking
• Can be deactivated immediately

Considerations:

• Cards can be lost
• Replacement cost
• Technology can fail

How it works: Smartphone opens gate via app

Advantages:

• Convenient (phone always with you)
• Easy tracking and management
• Can include additional features

Considerations:

• Requires smartphone
• Needs cell signal
• Technology dependent

Must work consistently:

• Opens when valid code entered
• Closes automatically after entry
• Doesn't get stuck open

Maintenance matters:

• Regular service
• Prompt repair of issues
• Clear management responsibility

Critical: A gate that stays open provides zero security.

Watch for:

• Gates propped open "for convenience"
• Gates that are frequently stuck
• Slow closing that allows tailgating

Good practices:

• Unique codes for each customer
• Codes changed when customers leave
• Access logs reviewed
• Issues addressed quickly

Bad practices:

• Shared codes
• Never-changed codes
• No tracking of access
• Ignored problems

Atlanta's metro area has:

• Higher property crime rates than national average
• Significant vehicle theft
• Catalytic converter theft epidemic
• RV and trailer break-ins

A properly secured gate isn't overkill—it's appropriate.

Inside Perimeter: Higher crime rates make gate security more important

Suburbs: Variable crime rates, but gates still matter

Outer suburbs/rural: Lower crime, but gates still provide baseline security

Test the gate:

• Enter your code—does it work smoothly?
• Does the gate close behind you?
• How long until it closes?

Observe:

• Is the gate in good repair?
• Is there damage or wear?
• Could you easily bypass it?

1. "How does gate access work?"
2. "Do I get my own code?"
3. "What happens if I forget my code?"
4. "When was the gate last serviced?"
5. "Has anyone bypassed the gate? What happened?"

• Gate frequently open when you visit
• Gate mechanism obviously damaged
• Shared codes among customers
• Staff dismissive about gate issues
• No clear process for access management

A gate is necessary but not sufficient. Good security includes:

Fencing: Complete perimeter with no gaps

Lighting: Adequate throughout facility

Cameras: Coverage of key areas

Management: Active oversight and responsiveness

Oxford RV Storage features gated access with:

• Individual access codes for each customer
• Automatic closing
• Integration with overall facility security

The gate is part of a security approach that includes perimeter fencing, lighting, and camera coverage.