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If you’re shopping for an RV cover, chances are you already know where you’d like to place it. But before you commit, there’s actually quite a bit you need to think about. Your recreation vehicle’s long-term parking spot can actually have a negative impact on the performance and longevity of your RV and its components. So before you set the location in stone, we have a few tips that will help you be happy with your site choice.

Pick the best access

So you have a nice spot picked out in the back of your house, but it requires a little finesse to pull into. That might be okay for one winter, but are you going to be happy with the tough maneuver year after year? If the site is one that causes stress or limits which drivers can pull into it, you might wish later that you’d chosen a different location. While one of the best parts about a VersaTube structure is that it’s easy to take down and reassemble at another location, if you’ve prepared a certain spot on your property with gravel or concrete, it’s unlikely you’ll want to have to change your site in the next few years.

A level spot is best

If your location is on an incline or angle, you’ll need wheel blocks to keep your vehicle from rolling down the slope. More importantly, parking your RV at an angle for an extended time can actually cause damage to certain components, like your axles. It’s also hard on your refrigerator as the angle can displace liquid in your cooling unit and permanently damage your fridge. If at all possible you’ll want a level spot, or one that can be leveled, to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

Zoning and regulations

While most local building codes will only require a permit if you’re going to widen the public access part of your driveway, it’s a good idea to check with your building and zoning office about your plans. Also, be mindful of any neighborhood requirements. Do you have any HOA regulations that prohibit where you can keep your RV? Another thing you may need to consider is how close you plan to be parked to the sidewalk. In some locations, you could incur fines or other penalties just for being close to the sidewalk, even if you aren’t blocking it.

Consider the surrounding area

Many people like to park their RV on or at the side of their driveway. That location, as well as others, can bring a few challenges you may not have thought of. If you’ll be widening your driveway or placing your RV cover beside it, don’t forget to account for the height of your VersaTube cover as you plan. Do you have enough clearance under or beside the roof? Are there any trees that will need to be cut or moved? Also, don’t forget to account for how the view will change when your RV is parked in that spot. Make sure your vehicle and cover won’t be blocking your neighbors view as he backs out of his drive, or the view of anyone who is walking down the sidewalk or pulling up to a corner. We suggest staking out the area of your planned location; doing that will help you notice any pitfalls that might cause you an issue. Click here for a tutorial on staking.

When you’re confident you’re covered on all those points, it’s time to move forward with picking your design. When you bring home an American-made VersaTube RV Cover, you can be confident you’re providing the best protection for your RV during the off-season. And in the long-term, parking it at home will be a lot easier on your wallet! As you pick the RV shelter that works best for you, we’re here to help with any questions you might have. Contact us to speak to a specialist if you’d like some help!