RV & Boat Storage

$30.00 Storage Fee

ONE OF THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES IN THE STORAGE industry these days is due to the popularity of boats and recreational vehicles. In 1997, there were 9 million RVs on the road and an estimated 25 million RV enthusiasts. In 1999, 321,000 RV units were sold in the United States. Today, revenues in the RV market are at an all-time high.

Similarly, in 2000, more than 11 million boats were in use in the United States. Many states--particularly those on the coasts--have a large population of boat enthusiasts who enjoy water sports. Boats range in type and size as greatly as they do in price. A new market focus has been generated with the enthusiasm for such water sports as jet-skiing.

A contributing factor to the explosion in RV and boat sales includes increased marketing of such recreation, but industry leaders largely attribute this boost to the aging baby boomers, who comprise a large population of adventure-seekers. Most are not content to spend their golden years rocking away on their front porch. The RV and boating lifestyle provides the freedom they crave; but this lifestyle comes with a price tag. For example, basic RVs start at $10,000, with luxury models going for as much as $1.5 million. With an investment like this, storage of recreational vehicles is particularly important.

Increasingly restrictive city ordinances that ban the parking of large vehicles in residential areas have contributed to the popularity of boat and RV storage. Most cities restrict long-term parking of such vehicles, requiring them to be moved every 72 hours. Some ban all parking of RVs and boats in driveways, while others require a petition to be signed by neighbors to allow storage of vehicles over a certain size. Most new housing developments do not allow any overnight RV or boat parking, as houses being built generally have smaller yards than in the past. Finally, many baby boomers are opting to live in adult communities comprised of condominiums and townhouses, which means there is often no yard at all.

As recreational vehicles are a long-term financial investment, concerns about security and protection from the elements have also contributed to the storage need. Theft, burglary and vandalism are serious fears of RV owners, who recognize the value of a secure site. RV- and boat-storage facilities can provide 24-hour surveillance in the form of security cameras or personnel, while streets and yards leave vehicles vulnerable to vandals. There is also the issue of the elements--sun, wind, ice and snow--all of which can be extremely damaging. In the case of boats, marina storage is becoming more difficult to find and leaves the boat exposed to the elements.

Space becomes the final factor. Even when vehicles are permitted in yards or driveways, they are cumbersome and can block such areas for other uses. Facilities specifically designed for vehicle storage make it easier to maneuver in and out of spaces, as well as to perform routine cleaning and maintenance.

Making Sense 
The people who will profit in the RV-storage market are those who adjust to meet the demand. There are huge financial opportunities in the RV and boat market. Investors are choosing related storage projects for several reasons:

• There are very few dedicated boat and/or RV storage facilities in existence. Of those that exist, many are open storage facilities with very few amenities.
• This type of storage involves very simple construction. There are no moving parts except for roll-up doors on enclosed units. Unlike self-storage that must be built on a concrete slab, RV storage can use gravel.
• There is an untapped market. Very few facilities exist that offer more than open, uncovered parking. Covered RV parking protects from environmental exposure. Most damage to personal property is a direct result of prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Once the facility is operational, maintenance is limited to cleanup and repairs.
•  Rents for storing an RV or boat range from $45 per month for simple open parking storage with amenities such as detailing and winterizing services.

Contact our store in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to learn more about our RV Rentals and RV Service.

Around The World RV
555 Hathaway Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO  80915
719-596-0444
atwrv@aol.com

SEE RV RENTAL PAGE FOR PRICING