Layout Considerations When Building An RV Storage Lot

The demand for more RV storage lots is on the increase. But what layout considerations are there for building an RV storage lot.

Maneuvering an RV in a storage lot can be a nightmare. The aisles are too narrow, the road signs lead you in the wrong directions, and signing in and out to access my property is time-consuming. I wish the owners would put more thought into their RV lot layouts.

An RV storage lot should have broad driveways to allow vehicles to maneuver easily. There are three common types of RV storage to consider: uncovered, covered, warehouse, and enclosed storage. Adding an RV wash-rack, dumping facility, and security to the lot will be beneficial.

The primary layout considerations for an RV storage lot are that the roads should be wide enough for easy maneuverability. The entrance and exit gates must be broad, and the storage lot should have different storage options. These layout options are explained, and a few extra facilities may also benefit the storage lot.

I have spent more time in RVs traveling coast to coast than I spent at home over the last two decades. So starting an RV storage lot was the right fit for me and my lifestyle. These are some of the ideas and considerations I made for my RV storage lot.

‍RV Storage Lot Site Location Considerations

The RV storage lot location will be vital to the business’s success. The first consideration will be “who is your target market.”  Is the site accessible, is it located near or on route to any vacation destinations, and is it situated near any housing or industrial developments? All these will be affected by the land ordinances in place at the location.

Due to the nature of how an RV storage lot is run, consider looking for odd land-shaped plots available in the area. These oddly shaped areas are not well suited for housing or commercial development. They will often come at a much lower price. Finding a location with easy access to major routes and highways will also be beneficial, which will assist with advertising.

Once a location has been established, contact the local authority and town planners to determine if the site has any restrictions or other constraints set up by the city. When all the checkboxes for the RV storage site are checked. It’s time for the layout consideration for the RV storage lot.

RV Storage Lot Layout Considerations

The RV storage lot layout is essential to the operation of the lot. The RVs must have enough room to turn around and maneuver to make the site attractive to clients. The following will aid in the layout design.

The RV Storage Lot Access Control

The storage lot's entry and exit points are essential to not cause any traffic congestion at the gate. The entrance and exit gate should be separate, and there should be at least 100 feet of stacking distance from the gate to the road to prevent traffic jams.

The same will be for the exit so as not to anger existing clients. The gate’s width would be a minimum of 14-feet to accommodate all types of RVs.

Having suitable parking for RVs and cars will be necessary for inquiring clients. Easy access to the RV storage lot offices will prevent clients from gaining access to the rest of the lot.

The RV Storage Lots Driving Aisles

The driveways inside the storage facility should be clearly marked with navigational aids. Name the driveways and indicate where they lead to. It would be advantageous if the driveways were designed to allow the RV driver to only make left-hand turns. This will aid drivers when they need to maneuver the vehicle.

The driveways and aisles should be a minimum of 32-feet wide to allow for duel traffic flow through the lot. If the facility has tight, 90° turns, allocate more space for the driveways. Ideally, 30° and 60° turns would be preferred by any RV driver.

Different Types Of RV Storage

The RV storage lot should accommodate the different client requirements. There are many different storage types, such as covered, open bays, warehouses, or closed individual storage. Each of the storage types will come with a different pricing option.

Uncovered RV Storage

The cheapest form of RV storage that brings in the least profit is uncovered storage. Many storage lots will have these areas on dirt with very little management. Ideally, many clients would prefer a cemented area with designated parking bays. The benefit of having an uncovered area on the storage lot will be that it can be developed with ease later.

Covered RV Storage

Covered RV storage is an option that falls between uncovered and enclosed storage, and the pricing should reflect this. The covered storage should be done with a “T” support stricture to allow the RVs some freedom in maneuverability. The minimum height should be 14-feet to accommodate all RV variants.

Covered storage should cost a quarter of the price of an enclosed storage unit. Still, an added benefit will be installing solar and using the panels as the coverage. This option is location specific but can provide some dividends over a short period.

Enclosed RV Storage

Enclosed RV storage is the most expensive storage option to construct, but it is also the priciest rental option. Enclosed storage will typically be a 12-foot wide by 14-16 foot high (roll-up door) with a depth of 40 to 60 feet. The storage unit should include electrical outlets in the price as an added feature.

Warehouse RV Storage

The warehouse storage option is cheaper than the enclosed storage but will attract more covered storage clientele. A large warehouse with rentable open storage bays inside gives the client the opportunity of keeping their RV out of the damaging sun. It will also keep the RV clean and out of the path of Mother Nature.

Additional Facilities At The RV Storage Lot

An RV storage lot that offers more than just a parking area will attract more clients and create alternate revenue possibilities. Having a wash rack in the storage facility will allow clients to clean their vehicles before and after use. Non-clients can use the facility for a fee which will generate extra income for the lot. Check the local council for any water and drainage requirements for the site.

It is ideal to have a self-service area where clients can do minor work on their RV, such as oil changes, tire pressure, and water fill-ups. A refuse dumping area and waste discharge facility will add value to the property. A mini supply shop on the premises that provides ice and refreshment will make the RV storage lot a one-stop destination.

RV Storage Lot Security

The storage lot will need to create a sense of safety and security, to put the clients at ease. They will be leaving their precious vehicle on the premises. An access control system at the front entrance gate will limit unwanted passers-by from entering.

Having a camera system to oversee the storage lot will hinder any troublemakers. It will back the owner up in the event of any liabilities that may occur on-site. A 24-hour security presence will be a great selling point to potential clients.