The Pacific Northwest's outdoor recreation culture means more families than ever own recreational vehicles, from travel trailers and motorhomes to boats and ATVs. However, storing these valuable investments safely and affordably presents ongoing challenges for property owners throughout Western Washington.
Custom post-frame RV storage buildings offer an increasingly popular solution that combines protection, convenience, and long-term value. Unlike traditional storage facilities, these purpose-built structures provide complete control over your storage environment while offering significant cost advantages over time.
Our region's climate creates unique storage challenges for recreational vehicles. Constant moisture, UV exposure during summer months, and occasional winter weather can cause significant damage to unprotected RVs:
Professional storage facilities in Pierce County typically charge $75-200 per month for covered RV storage, with waiting lists common during peak season. Over a 10-year period, these costs can easily exceed $15,000-25,000 while providing no equity or additional benefits.
Modern RVs come in various sizes, and your storage building should accommodate both current and future needs:
Class A Motorhomes: Require 14-16' height clearance and 45-50' length
Class C Motorhomes: Need 12-14' height and 30-35' length
Travel Trailers: Typically require 12-13' height and 25-40' length
Fifth Wheels: Need 13-14' height and 35-45' length
We recommend adding 4-6 feet to your RV's actual dimensions in each direction to allow for comfortable maneuvering and additional storage space around the vehicle.
The single most critical element of RV storage building design is the door system. Options include:
Sliding Doors: Most cost-effective option, typically 14-16' wide, manually operated
Overhead Doors: Convenient operation but require adequate overhead clearance
Bi-fold Doors: Maximum opening width with reduced overhead requirements
End-wall Doors: Allow drive-through access for easier maneuvering
For buildings storing multiple vehicles or requiring frequent access, drive-through design with doors on both ends eliminates backing and maneuvering challenges.
The most valuable RV storage buildings serve multiple functions beyond vehicle protection:
Combine RV storage with workshop space for maintenance and repairs. A 40' x 60' building can accommodate a large motorhome while providing 1,200+ square feet of workshop area for:
Many families own multiple recreational vehicles. Design your building to accommodate:
When your RV is traveling during peak season, the storage space can serve other purposes:
Modern RV storage buildings benefit from comprehensive electrical systems:
30/50 Amp RV Service: Maintain battery systems and run dehumidifiers
LED Lighting: Energy-efficient illumination for maintenance and access
120V Outlets: Power tools, battery chargers, and cleaning equipment
Security Systems: Cameras, alarms, and access controls
Proper air circulation prevents moisture buildup and maintains stable conditions:
While not always necessary, plumbing additions enhance functionality:
The financial case for custom RV storage buildings becomes compelling when analyzed over time:
A typical 30' x 50' RV storage building costs $35,000-45,000 installed, depending on features and finishes. This provides 1,500 square feet of covered storage space.
Commercial Storage Facility: $100-150/month = $1,200-1,800 annually
Personal Storage Building: $200-400 annually (insurance, utilities, maintenance)
Most property owners reach break-even within 3-5 years, after which the building provides:
Well-designed RV storage buildings typically add 60-80% of their construction cost to property values. The improvement becomes even more valuable in areas where RV ownership is common and commercial storage is limited or expensive.
Most Pierce County residential zones allow accessory storage buildings with proper permits. Key considerations include:
Custom buildings allow implementation of comprehensive security measures:
Post-frame construction provides superior protection from environmental threats:
Post-frame RV storage buildings require minimal maintenance when properly constructed:
Quality post-frame construction using galvanized steel and pressure-treated lumber provides decades of reliable service with minimal maintenance requirements. The investment protects valuable recreational vehicles while providing operational benefits that commercial storage cannot match.
Planning your custom RV storage building begins with assessing your specific needs:
The combination of Western Washington's climate challenges and the high cost of commercial storage makes custom post-frame RV storage buildings an increasingly attractive investment. These purpose-built structures provide superior protection, complete control, and long-term value that commercial storage simply cannot match.
Ready to protect your recreational vehicle investment with a custom storage solution? Contact our team to discuss your specific requirements and learn how post-frame construction can deliver the perfect RV storage building for your Pierce County property.