Portable garages are an affordable option for storing either of these seasonal vehicles. The shelter should have dimensions of the vehicle – measure the vehicle before you purchase anything – and should be installed in concrete into the ground. These shelters consist of a galvanized steel frame and an enclosed polyethylene canopy. To protect the vehicle inside, the canopy has been treated to be UV resistant, waterproof, and mold, mildew, and rot resistant. The strength of the frame, additionally, keeps the shelter from collapsing from wind or snow.

After the structure has been installed fully, the vehicle can go inside. For the six or more months the vehicle is in storage, however, it should be checked on occasion for mildew, mold, or dry rot build up – not likely, but it can happen – or animals living inside the shelter.

Tarps are another option for storing a vehicle. Many manufacturers carry tarps large enough to cover seasonal vehicles. Like purchasing a canopy, you should also know the dimensions of the vehicle before you buy. Tarps are draped around the vehicle and secured at the bottom by bungee cords or tie-downs.

In all cases, a tarp or a canopy protects the vehicle from exposure to water and UV rays, both of which can damage the surface of the vehicle. Water, additionally, builds up and attracts mildew and rot. As an option for storing, a canopy or a tarp gives protection and breathability to a boat or RV.

As mentioned in past posts on this blog, two ways to protect an RV from the elements during the months not in use include a canopy shelter, much like a large carport or portable garage, is an option for protecting an RV and so is a large polyethylene tarp. Both methods allow for breathability and will prevent mildew and rot from forming and damaging the surface of an RV and will keep out UV rays which also have such damaging effects on an RV like fading the outer paint coating and damaging indoor plastic parts. Another option to increase breathability inside an RV is with an RV vent, which can be seen in the following YouTube video:

When purchasing an RV cover, be it an RV tarp or an RV canopy, the vent also needs to be taken into account when choosing the size of the shelter. All appendages to the RV need to be added into the dimensions of the shelter for appropriate protection. One example can be seen in a video for the Shelters of America website:

The point showing enough space for the RV in the shelter, including any space for a vent cover, is approximately at 1:45. In the case of this video, the protecting shelter is a curved roof portable garage, with heavy duty polyethylene sides extending from one side to the other. In addition, the curved roof is beneficial in winter for preventing snow from accumulating on top. When choosing an RV canopy, make sure that the shelter is large enough for the RV to have space inside and has side and back walls and a zipper door in front. For additional breathability for the vehicle, an RV vent cover would allow air inside the vehicle while the overall vehicle is being protected from the elements.