Storage - Inside or Outside

[lionelc1]

We have 2012 27FC and have recently learned that our HOA doesn't allow us to store our AC in the driveway :-( We are now forced to pay for storage and are wondering if anyone had preferences for inside or outside storage? We live in the Pacific Northwest and are seriously considering indoor storage but wouldn't mind the cost savings of outdoor storage. Any feedback on this would be greatly appreciated.

[daveswenson]

I have the same issue. Even though I think the AS brightens up the neighborhood, the HOA disagrees. I currently have outdoor storage. Advantage is the cost savings. Disadvantages are: No access to power. Moss. UV exposure. Rain. Cold. Hot. I think there are a lot of good reasons to have indoor, or at least covered storage. If I could find any near where I live I would be glad to pay the difference.

[moosetags]

We are fortunate and are able to keep Lucy in our driveway which is in an alley behind our house. Some of our neighbors don't like it, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. Some of these neighbors, who arrived long after were were here, want to change the covenants to prohibit Lucy's presence. I don't think so.

Please excuse my digression. I would definitely go with at least covered, if not indoor, storage if available within a reasonable distance.

Brian

[whitsend]

I would think the worst weather condition to be concerned with "up north" would be snow - seems like a winter's total load of snow > ice > snow > ice would accumulate enough weight to "stress" the rivited seams & cause water leaks, even on newer units.

Would love to hear Colin Hyde's thoughts.

[Aage]

It would seem to me at least, that water and sunlight are the two enemies of any TT.

The water will freeze and work against the skin in most climates, or will help spread chemicals in the air over the surface. And we all know that few AS trailers have no leaks.

The sunlight will fade the clear coat on most if not all years of AS TTs, and work on the rubber fittings and gaskets, making them deteriorate.

Nothing fast or dramatic, but all this to say, I would certainly prefer to store even my '74 inside if it were practical.

[Stefrobrts]

We store under a cover, because ours has tiny leaks we can't find, and it makes me feel good to know it has not got the sun beating down on it, or birds pooping on it, or snow and rain setting on it. You will definitely have less maintenance issues, and a longer life on your exposed rubber parts (including tires) and seals, if you can get it under cover.

[lionelc1]

Thank you everyone for your great thoughts. It seems as though the overwhelming majority of people think that being covered is the best way to keep our Airstream safe. I appreciate all the help.

[Cannonball]

The other advantage of indoor storage is that you can store your other camping stuff, chairs, grill, etc, as well as the hitch and accessories.

[coastal]

We are in the same boat. Our HOA does not allow outdoor storage or hook ups but we could store inside if we had a garage big enough. The problem is you need a special exception to get a garage of that size and it has to match the arc of your house without hindering the neighbors etc..

I might try to see if I can get a garage approved but I do not think the 10+ foot door would be approved.

They do offer us boat and trailer storage for a very small yearly fee but it is a fenced gravel lot with no indoor available.

The local storage areas have indoor, outdoor and carport like storage. I would like indoor but its expensive

What does everyone pay to store their airstream?

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by coastal

What does everyone pay to store their airstream?

We pay $49/month for outdoor. The closest covered storage is 1.3 hours away and is about $95/month. There is an old limestone quarry 20 miles from here that offers covered storage in a cave for $65/month. Humidity is a problem in the summer but it stays fairly dry in the winter. Cave floor is, well, a cave floor. Temp is a constant 54 degrees. It's a steep, gravel hill to the entrance and is a problem when it snows.

Our HOA prohibits storage on site or even a garage/carport. We are allowed to bring it here and keep it for 48 hours to load/unload/wash etc.

The storage facilities won't reserve your parking unless you continue to pay the rental fee. If you take it out for a while and have not kept the payments up, you may not have a spot when you return. We bought ours just recently and couldn't find any storage because everyone had put theirs in storage last fall. On the second allowable day at the house I got a call that someone had picked up their boat. (whew! We were thinking about parking at Wal-Mart until something opened up.)

[Cannonball]

Rates in San Antonio, Texas, in the city: I was paying $60 per month for outside, fenced, no utilities. Was there for two weeks, and an indoor space opened up for $140 per month. Sliding door, huge space, lights, 110 outlet, fenced, security, dumpstation & water on site, and an air compressor. Feel much better with it inside. For two weeks I kept going back to check with the fear that some punk had jumped the fence & vandalized it. Of course, they probably thought it was 50 years old or something, and not a 2014 model. "Do they still make those?"

[aceflys]

I feel it is best to store your AS in a indoor dry place("They All Leak" Tim from thevap.com). Go to any small airports near you and see if you can find some space in a hanger. General aviation is dead so there are lots of empty hangars out there.

Ace in Pa.

[TBRich]

Foprtunatley, our neighborhood is old enough that we don't have HOA regulations. We built a "Bambi-port" at the end of our house with 30-amp service...and then installed a wrought iron gate. It's open on 3 sides but we have canvas "wall" opposite the house wall and a canvas that drapes from the roof to the gate. It's barely visible from the street and is protected form direct sun and rain, though it still does get a little wet when it rains hard enough. I believe it has been a tremedous benefit to have it covered.

[lionelc1]

Thanks for the idea Ace! I'll see if I can find an empty hangar.

[whitsend]

Originally Posted by lionelc1

Thanks for the idea Ace! I'll see if I can find an empty hangar.

A great idea from Ace!! But - the hanger doesn't have to be empty. There is usually a good bit of extra space in most hangers I've been in. I'd bet you could just rent a corner from the lease holder. Lowers his cost of upkeep and you get a great storage space. Just thinkin' . . . .

[AlamoRunner]

Cannonball... I think my 2012 23FC is a neighbor of your 22Sport. Like you, I like the security, extra indoor space and amenities. The 110 keeps the batteries fully charged and it is great to be able to go by a couple of days before a trip and start up the refrigerator as well as being able to check the tires when truly cold before leaving the lot and adjusting as necessary. A/Runner