Designing a successful RV storage facility requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. From layout and security to amenities and accessibility, every aspect plays a crucial role in attracting customers and ensuring maximum profitability. In this article, we will explore key design considerations for an RV storage facility that can help you optimize your operations and create a thriving business.

Before getting into the design considerations it is worth noting that the location of the RV facility is fundamental to its success. The ideal site is easily accessible, preferably near major highways or popular RV destinations. I’ve heard someone say that easily accessible facilities are within 3 turns from a major highway or artery.

And as you probably know by now, you must check for local zoning requirements and regulations to ensure you can develop the type of facility you envision. In many cases this means the property should be zoned for light industrial or for commercial use.

As we explore the key elements of RV storage design, let’s keep in mind that a well-designed layout should maximize the available space, allowing for efficient storage and easy maneuverability of large RVs.

RV Storage Facility Design

Select The Right Facility Type (Outdoor, Covered, Enclosed)

Selecting right type of RV storage that is to be offered is obviously a major consideration. This will be dictated by your business model, feasibility study, market demand and competition, etc. In many cases, it makes sense to have a mix of RV storage types and parking sizes.

I prefer outdoor storage facilities with a reasonably high number of spaces per acre. That could mean somewhere in the vicinity of 160 spaces per acre, but that’s not always feasible. The reason why I prefer outdoor storage is that I am more of a land play type of investor. See also Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS): A Growing Investment Opportunity

RV Storage Site Layout

As discussed in previous articles, the shape of the lot will greatly impact site layout. A rectangular lot will result in a more efficient use of space than say a triangular lot or even a square lot. With this in mind, it is also important to maximize the number of rows of parking spaces without compromising drive isle widths to the detriment of the facility. Often this can be accomplished by adjusting the length and the angle of the parking spots.

For example, if you have a lot that is 240′ wide you may be able to design the facility to have four rows of straight parking spaces for 40′ long RVs, while providing two 40′ drive isles. That is you’ll have a row of parking spaces, then a driving aisle, then two rows of back to back parking spaces, then a driving aisle, and one more rows of parking spaces.

If your lot is only 180′ wide you may consider designing your facility to provide four rows of mixed space sizes and angled spaces. See example below from an RV Storage facility in Williamsburg, VA.

That may be a better design than that of a facility with only three rows of 40′ long straight parking spaces and tight driving aisles. In short, the first image below is more efficient than the second image.

Having said that, the design below is extremely efficient as it doesn’t have corner issues. It does require two gates though.

Angled Parking Spaces vs Straight Parking Spaces

Angled parking spaces vary generally from 45 degrees to 60 degrees. These are preferred by users as they are easier for ingress and egress. For this reason, angled parking spaces don’t require driving aisles that are as wide as when designing facilities for straight parking spaces.

However, keep in mind that you’ll be able to fit more parking spaces in a given row if you use straight parking design than if you use angled parking design. That’s because straight parking spaces generally fit better at the corners of the lot than angled spaces. For this reason, angled spaces make more sense when designing the facility with long rows of parking spaces rather than with short rows. In either case, it is important to design the parking rows so that these lay in a longitudinal direction.

Additionally, when designing a facility for angled spaces it is important to consider how drivers prefer to back into a spot. In general, drivers prefer to use the driver side mirror rather than the passenger side mirror to back into a spot. Consequently, it is best for angled spaces to be angled accordingly. In most cases this will mean that the driving isles should accommodate traffic in both directions.

The use of angle spaces can create some challenges when the design calls for steel canopies or steel buildings. The good news is that experienced self-storage steel suppliers know how to handle these challenges.

Ultimately the number of parking rows, the layout and size of the spaces combined with the quality of the facility will contribute in some way the revenue calculation. All of these elements must be considered when developing the feasibility study.

Grading Design

Ideally RV Storage facilities should be flat, but with sufficient slope for rainwater to drain. If the selected site is not flat, then earthwork will be required. When this happens, it is important to try to balance the earthwork design so that everything that is excavated can be used to provide fill in the low spots. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to import or export dirt, which is of significant cost.

Balancing earthwork may require adjusting the overall grade of the facility. This could result in the site being too low or too high compared to the city street. Such elevation discrepancies could be solved by sloping the driveway up or down from the street to the facility.

Parking Surfacing

Another key consideration to RV storage facility design is the type of surfacing design. This may be dictated by the permitting entities as these sometimes require asphalt or by the market and competition. The most cost effective surfacing will at a minimum require removal of topsoil and a layer of aggregate or crushed base. Even something this simple can be expensive when developing a large site. For this reason, it is recommended consulting with a geotechnical engineer. A geotech engineer should be able to suggest the most cost effective design.

Higher end and more durable surfacing options include the use of asphalt or concrete paving. Both of these options will at a minimum require removal of topsoil, placement of an aggregate subbase, and a layer of asphalt or concrete.

In certain soil types it may make sense to consider a form of soil cementing to strengthen native soils and reduce the thickness of the pavement cross section. This can easily translate to significant cost savings.

Usable Land Vs Gross Land

Inevitably the plot of land to be developed will result in a reduced usable area. The total usable space for the RV storage facility will be affected by how much land you’ll need to use to address drainage pond requirements, buffer requirements, right of way dedications, etc.

Below is an actual situation that required addressing all of those items in addition to addressing certain wetland requirements. Out of 5.24 gross acres, only 2.82 acres are actually used for driving and parking. Let’s also remember that only about 50% of those 2.82 acres will be used for actual parking (revenue producing space).

Drainage Design Considerations

Most permitting agencies will require the site to handle storm water in some fashion. This may require installing a drainage pond or similar and the means to carry the water to said pond. These ponds can be quite large. As such, these will result in a reduction of usable space.

Landscaping and Landscaping Buffers

Certain permitting agencies may require landscaping buffers or some other form of landscaping, especially when the property borders residential areas. Landscaping buffers will inevitably reduce the useable space of the facility and can impact operations from a maintenance perspective. On the positive side, landscaping can make RV storage facilities a little more pleasant to the eye.

When it comes to landscaping it is important to consider the use of ground cover plantings, mulch, and irrigation.

Right of Way Dedications and Frontage Improvements

Cities and counties may require right of way (ROW) dedications and frontage improvements. These could include widening the street, constructing new sidewalks and gutter, re-locating light poles, etc.

When developing a site, make sure to check with the city/county on things like frontage improvement requirements.

Here we must dedicate ROW, widen the street, install drain, construct new curb and gutter, etc.

Fortunately we don't have to pave the entire width of the street. pic.twitter.com/h4Jwigjbfz

— JC Keen (@AssetKeen) July 7, 2023

Security Measures

RV owners prioritize the safety and security of their valuable recreational vehicles. Implementing robust security measures is crucial to attract customers and build trust. Some key security features to consider include high-quality fencing, controlled access gates, surveillance cameras, and adequate lighting. Additionally, investing in an advanced security system can provide an extra layer of protection for your customers’ peace of mind.

It is also important to consider implementing good gate access control. This will not only enhance security, but can also help in streamlining operations. This is especially true when access controlled is integrated with a good facility management software.

In addition to fencing and access control, it is important to consider the installation sufficient lighting as well as surveillance equipment.

Wheel Stops and Curbs

Wheel Stops and/or Curbs may also be something required by the permitting agencies. Curbs in particular are often a requirement for purposes of managing storm water.

One important consideration worth noting is that a number of RVs have a long tail overhang behind the rear wheels. When using wheel stops and curbs these need to be placed sufficiently far away from fencing. This will keep drivers from running into the fence before they touch the wheel stop or the curb.

Climate Control Options

Offering climate-controlled storage options can be a significant advantage for your RV storage facility. Many RV owners are willing to pay a premium for indoor storage that provides higher protection from the environment. Including climate-controlled units in your facility can help attract a wider range of customers and increase profitability.

Amenities and Services

Providing additional amenities and services can differentiate your RV storage facility from competitors and enhance customer satisfaction. Consider including amenities such as an RV wash station, dump station, and propane refill services. Offering services like battery charging, tire pressure checks, and maintenance assistance can also attract more customers and create additional revenue streams.

Conclusion – 12 RV Storage Facility Design Tips

Designing an RV storage facility with profitability in mind requires careful consideration of various factors, from location and layout to security measures and amenities. By creating a well-designed facility that meets the needs of RV owners, you can attract more customers, build a strong reputation, and maximize your profitability. Remember to continuously assess and adapt your facility design to stay competitive in the ever-growing RV storage industry.

Incorporating these design considerations throughout your RV storage facility can position your business for success and ensure a steady stream of satisfied customers.

See also Designing and Maximizing Space for a 1-Acre RV Storage Lot