Whether you’re opening a new RV storage facility, or adding an RV section to your existing facility, it’s important to understand how the RV market is demographically different from the traditional self-storage market. According to a 2011 University of Michigan study, the average RV owner is 48 years old, married, owns a home and takes three weeks of vacation every year. So it is safe to assume they spend a great deal of disposable income on RVs. Much like boat storage customers, RV owners have made big investments and want to ensure their big ticket item is kept in excellent care.
To be sure, some RV owners will only be concerned with the location and cost of storage, but many will be interested in heightened security and premium services. More and more RV storage facilities are starting to offer luxurious amenities, such as wash bays, propane and water access, electrical power, and climate control.
Some facilities take luxury even further, offering their tenants access to detailing services, onsite mechanics, an RV store on the premises, or even a concierge to facilitate taxi, grocery, and repair service requests. All of these features are potentially expensive to implement at your business, so it’s important to speak to your current RV tenants and determine what they would consider valuable.
Offering heightened security measures can also be an effective business strategy, as many RV owners are extremely concerned about the safety of their vehicles. Alarmed garages, 24-hour surveillance, and computer-controlled access gates are all potential options. Then brush up on marketing vehicle storage.
If RV storage is only an ancillary piece at your self-storage facility, basic outdoor storage or a canopy-only section may be sufficient. But if you have the funds and the local market indicates it makes sense, consider offering fleshed out amenities in this area. Note that when designing the layout of your RV storage spaces, it’s important to remember RVs have a large turning radius. As a general rule, the drive-up space to a unit should be at least 50 feet.
