Motorhome storage costs UK: complete pricing guide

When you’re not out in your motorhome, you need somewhere to store it - especially if there are long lags between adventures! But how much does it cost to store a motorhome, what other factors do you need to consider, and how do you find storage facilities in the UK?

If you choose to keep your motorhome in storage, we have all the answers for you below – plus how to completely bypass this expense and actually make money from your motorhome instead!

How much does it cost to store a motorhome?

Expect to pay around £250 for winter motorhome storage and £400-500 for storage all year round – this works out between £1-1.50 per day as a rough guide. Storage in London and the South East will usually be higher, as will indoor storage. Most companies charge by the year, although seasonal and six-month storage is available with many.

There are of course variables in yearly or seasonal motorhome storage costs depending on certain factors – whether you pay upfront, for example, what size motorhome bay you need, or what security features are available at your chosen facility. It might be tempting to look for a storage facility costing less, but don’t skimp on this! Look for one that’s a member of CaSSOA, the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association.

Check with your motorhome insurer too, as some policies are only valid if particular security measures are taken. The good news is that your insurance premium might be lower if your motorhome is properly stored.

Motorhome storage costs explained

Using £1-1.50 a day as a general guide, here’s what else to take into account when calculating motorhome storage costs:

1. Indoor vs outdoor

Some motorhome storage yards offer the option of keeping vehicles indoors, such as in a warehouse or converted building. Indoor storage for motorhomes and caravans will generally cost more than outdoor, but you get the advantages of protection for your motorhome from storm damage/extreme weather, and an extra level of security against theft.

Check with your insurer to see if they offer discounts on your policy if you store your motorhome indoors.

2. Levels of security

From farmyards to Fort Knox-style compounds, motorhome storage facilities vary widely in the levels of security offered. 24-hour security, CCTV, alarms, fences and gates are all factors that will help your peace of mind in leaving your motorhome, but this will cost more overall.

Again, check with your insurer: you might be able to get a discount on your policy if you can show your chosen facility is theft proof.

3. Facilities

As well as security, you might want to look for storage sites that offer specific motorhome maintenance and services facilities. Motorhome cleaning (access to mains water and a hose), or a platformed area for repairs or roof washing could both be on your list, alongside amenities like wastewater disposal or access to electricity.

Some yards, if based next to a service centre, can also offer annual motorhome habitation checks (eg, brakes, tyres, gas and electrics), or winterise the vehicle to keep it in excellent condition over low season.

4. Location

We’ve said that storage facilities in London and the southeast may cost more, but location is important for other reasons too. You’ll probably pay a higher storage fee for a facility that has good access from a motorway or main road; and might opt to pay a little more to store your motorhome at a local facility you can get to easily – perfect for spur of the moment trips!

If you’re parked a couple of hundred miles away, remember to factor fuel costs (and time off work to travel) into your motorhome holiday annual budget.

5. Size of bay

Not all motorhomes are created equal! Larger motorhomes will of course take up more space than compact ones, and need a larger bay. Most storage facilities can accommodate most sizes of motorhomes, but some might charge a higher rate for a bay of over seven metres.

6. Insurance

Depending on your insurance policy, any facility you store your motorhome at might have to have a particular level of CaSSOA rating: Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze.

A Bronze award is “entry level accreditation”, meeting the association’s minimum security requirements, including perimeter protection and lockable gates. A site with Gold rating will have extra security levels including alarm systems, while a Platinum site has “superior levels of security” including full CCTV coverage. Gold and Platinum will usually cost more than Bronze and Silver, so check your policy carefully.

6. Visiting storage yards

Luckily, this final factor is a one-off cost, unless you want to switch your storage every year. Never book or pay for motorhome storage without visiting the facility first. This is absolutely essential, not only for your peace of mind but for the validity of your insurance policy – you’ll want to check that the storage place is as secure as advertised. Allow fuel money and time off work for this.

Finding motorhome storage in the UK

As above, look for a storage facility that’s a member of CaSSOA, the Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association: its register has over 500 secure sites specifically for motorhome and caravan storage. Find aCaSSOA site here.

That said, bear in mind that CaSSOA ratings are only awarded/reassessed every five years. A lot could happen at a storage facility in that time, such as change of ownership or lack of maintenance, so again, make sure you visit before handing over any money.

Another way to find motorhome storage in the UK is with the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Around 40 of its campsites offer motorhome and caravan storage, which you can book for as little as a week (£40). Alternatively, look for a seasonal pitch at one of the many campsites which offer long term rental, or simply ask around on motorhome message boards or next time you’re on the road.

When you find a site you like the look of, visit it to check:

• Security – does the facility have everything as advertised, eg CCTV, 24-hour monitoring?

• Access – is it convenient to get there and can you easily get your motorhome in and out? Can you access your motorhome at any time day or night?

• Design and maintenance – does the facility look modern and well maintained? How’s the lighting?

• Services – are there any extra services offered? How do you access them – do you need to book?

• Emergencies – what are the plans/policies if there’s an emergency, theft or other problem?

• Staff – are they friendly and helpful?

There’s also the option of storing your caravan or motorhome on your driveway! Our‘Can I park my motorhome outside my house?’ guide has full details.

Make money from your motorhome instead

Now that you know how much it costs to store a motorhome, you might want to consider some other options! Why not bypass storage costs completely and make some money into the bargain, by renting your motorhome out? Keep your vehicle accessible for road trips all year round, and make a chunk of cash to put towards your own holidays – that sounds like a win.

Motorhome owners are making up to £10,000 a year listing their vehicles with Camplify. We connect our hundreds of UK owners with holidaymakers from the UK and all over the world, all looking for a vehicle to rent. Even better, listing is completely free! See ourhow to rent out my motorhome guide to get started.

Why Camplify?

Camplify connects owners like you with local and international holidaymakers - all of whom are verified to maximise the safety when you hire out your motorhome. Discover more of our advantages for owners below:

• It's free to list your motorhome.

• If you don’t have all-risk insurance, we can provide you with it when you sign up.

• We give your van a 24/7 RAC breakdown cover.

• You have complete freedom to approve or reject guests interested in renting your motorhome. Your wheels, your rules.

• We provide you with tips and step-by-step guides on how to improve your service and your vehicle to get more and more bookings!

See how much you could earn if you rent out your motorhome with our**free income calculator** or sign up now to start enjoying the above advantages today.

If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your vehicle, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!