We are going to be flying to family events in late February (probably from the Los Angeles area, not sure which airport yet) and late April (from Seattle-Tacoma). Each trip will be about 10 days long.
What kind of options should we be looking at to park or store our 41' fifth wheel trailer while we're gone? Outdoor storage is OK, because it's outside the rest of the time anyway. :) Do airports usually have at least one regular parking lot (either on or off airport) that can accommodate big rigs, or do you have to go to a place that's specifically for RVs?
And if anyone knows of a specific location in either place that you like, recommendations would be welcome!
-- Edited by David and Cheryl on Thursday 22nd of December 2016 02:24:40 PM
Bill and Linda said
04:45 PM Dec 22, 2016
IMO, the last place I would leave (short term store) an RV is at an airport or other such public parking area even if you could, which I doubt at LAX. I would call the RV a "target rich" item there. I would recommend, having faced the same issue, to store it at a CG or perhaps a friendly dealer for few dollars. The RV won't "stand out" at a CG in storage. At a CG its just another rig. You might be able, depending on occupancy, to work out a reduced rate at a less-desirable site and leave it powered up. If this is in the winter months in the northern area, even April, one must also consider colder, freezing temperatures. Are you going to winterize it? If not, heat really needs to really be on to protect the lines. Just blowing them out, IMO, is not totally effective and full weatherization, just for 10 days, is somewhat of a project to undo when you return. Naturally this situation is a "it depends" as to temperatures. Leaving it powered also means having a cold fridge when you return ready for food and living.
Thoughts for your consideration.
jrzygrl64 said
08:31 PM Dec 22, 2016
I agree with Bill above - I wouldn't even consider leaving it (even if possible) at an airport or similar place. Seems to me you'd be inviting a break-in. Even a self-storage place with a gate and security would be better. Expected cold temps is a consideration for sure, and if have food in your frig. A CG would prob be the safest.
nomorsno said
12:04 PM Dec 23, 2016
Only needed storage once and an rv dealer was happy to help. Made a deal to get it washed at the same time. Came back to a shiny rig! Cost $50 but I felt okay with that because it was safe.
NWescapee said
05:24 PM Dec 23, 2016
I agree that I wouldn't store it near the airport and as a former Seattle area resident, near SeaTac is NOT somewhere I would even think of parking an RV, price would be prohibitive and it's not the best part of town. In the Seattle area one of the cheapest places to park when it's not during the state fair time (September) is the Puyallup Fairgrounds. Shuttle Express should be available for transport to and from the airport.
There are also lots of storage lots around Seattle, we've just never gone that option for a 10 day trip. We have a storage room at one of the Public Storage lots and their rules do not allow propane to be left on while an RV is in storage. In April, in Seattle you can't count on enough solar energy to keep your batteries charged and we never wanted to take a chance that our food would be spoiled.
We are going to be flying to family events in late February (probably from the Los Angeles area, not sure which airport yet) and late April (from Seattle-Tacoma). Each trip will be about 10 days long.
What kind of options should we be looking at to park or store our 41' fifth wheel trailer while we're gone? Outdoor storage is OK, because it's outside the rest of the time anyway. :) Do airports usually have at least one regular parking lot (either on or off airport) that can accommodate big rigs, or do you have to go to a place that's specifically for RVs?
And if anyone knows of a specific location in either place that you like, recommendations would be welcome!
-- Edited by David and Cheryl on Thursday 22nd of December 2016 02:24:40 PM
IMO, the last place I would leave (short term store) an RV is at an airport or other such public parking area even if you could, which I doubt at LAX. I would call the RV a "target rich" item there. I would recommend, having faced the same issue, to store it at a CG or perhaps a friendly dealer for few dollars. The RV won't "stand out" at a CG in storage. At a CG its just another rig. You might be able, depending on occupancy, to work out a reduced rate at a less-desirable site and leave it powered up. If this is in the winter months in the northern area, even April, one must also consider colder, freezing temperatures. Are you going to winterize it? If not, heat really needs to really be on to protect the lines. Just blowing them out, IMO, is not totally effective and full weatherization, just for 10 days, is somewhat of a project to undo when you return. Naturally this situation is a "it depends" as to temperatures. Leaving it powered also means having a cold fridge when you return ready for food and living.
Thoughts for your consideration.
There are also lots of storage lots around Seattle, we've just never gone that option for a 10 day trip. We have a storage room at one of the Public Storage lots and their rules do not allow propane to be left on while an RV is in storage. In April, in Seattle you can't count on enough solar energy to keep your batteries charged and we never wanted to take a chance that our food would be spoiled.