Tag: RV Storage

Is Your RV Ready For Your Annual Summer Road Trip?

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Amanda Chambers - Lifestyle, Parking

You’ve just taken your RV out of our Springfield RV Storage facility, and you’re gearing up for your summer road trip. It can be tempting to hit the road as soon as possible, however, you’ll want to make sure your RV is in working order so you can avoid any mishaps on the road.

Taking the time now can reduce a lot of heartache in the future. We’re going to highlight the top things you’ll need to do to make sure your RV is in the best shape possible.

1. Under The Hood Inspection

You’ll need to make sure your engine is running smoothly for any cross the country trip you may be imagining. I’m sure you’ve been in a situation in the past when your RV failed to get you from point A to point B.

Some of the most important elements of your design you’ll want to cover are:

• Checking your fluid levels. This includes oil, transmission, hydraulic and coolant fluids.
• Check your belts, hoses, wiring and engine fans.
• Thoroughly inspect the engine compartment.
• Check the battery charge, and ensure it’s holding a charge.
• Ensure your gauges are running effectively.
• Take a quick five minute run to make sure everything is running smoothly.
• Check your engine for any moisture build up or leaks.
• Make sure all of your lights are operating correctly.

The above steps will help you to get started, however, if anything is beyond your realm of expertise feel free to take your RV to a mechanic.

2. Getting The Outside Nailed Down

You’d hate for their to be any peeling paint, rust or a malfunctioning awning that’s trying to ruin your perfect road trip. Do a thorough inspection of the outside of your vehicle and make note of anything that’s outside of the usual.

If something looks like it may become a problem it’s better to simply invest in taking care of the problem now, rather than having it blow up later.

3. Make Sure The Interior Is Complete

The interior of your RV is going to be your home for your entire trip. You’ll want to make sure it’s not only comfortable, but that everything is also in working order. For instance, you’ll want to check all of your batteries, and bring any extra just in case.

You’ll also want to double-check all of the cabinets and appliances to make sure everything is in working order. You’d hate to take off on your road trip and hear the sounds of things falling of the shelves and cabinets clanging.

I hope you’re now well-versed in the steps you need to take to make sure your RV is literally, ready to roll. When you return from your trip and need a place to store your RV, consider our Springfield RV Storage facility, we serve the Alexandria, Woodbridge or Springfield counties and most other counties within Northern Virginia.

How to Prepare Your RV for Winter Storage

Posted on November 4, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Parking, Storage

Sigh…though we really don’t like this topic because it means that it’s going to start getting colder out, it is important to be prepared when Winter comes. Unless you’re headed to Orlando or Gulf Shores Alabama this Winter, you’ll need to “winterize” your RV so it’s ready when Spring comes around. Here’s a quick checklist of how to prepare your RV for Winter storage:

Turn off everything – turn off the LP gas tank and the thermostat. You’ll also want to empty out your water heater, water tank, and holding tank
Inspect the exterior – check the outside of your RV for any cracks, seals or seam leaks, and repair those. Close all windows and roof vents. Wash and wax your RV, then protect it from the elements with an RV cover
Clean the interior – clean the carpets, counters, and surfaces. Essentially wipe down everything. You don’t want to open your RV after the Winter and find a funky sell. Close the blinds to protect the interior from sunlight
Clean out the fridge – a must-do. Throw out anything perishable in the fridge and cabinets. Defrost your fridge, wipe it down, and place an open box of baking soda to absorb odors
Get your RV a checkup – take your RV to get serviced and lubricated
Check on your RV monthly – even after you’ve put it in storage, it’s good to go by and check on it monthly. The cover may have blown off and you want to just do a visual check for any cuts in the cover or any other damage. Better to catch any problems early!

Needing a place to store your RV for the Winter? Gateway Storage Center has your answer. We provide RV parking and storage solutions for Springfield, Alexandria, Fairfax, and the surrounding Northern Virginia area. We offer flexible terms and affordable prices at our secure facility located right off of I-95 in Lorton, VA.

Give us a call today or stop by to learn more about our RV storage services!

RV Accessories

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Parking

One of the most fun things about RV’s, besides the ability to spontaneously get up and go anywhere whenever you want, is the ability to accessorize. There is nothing more fun that tricking out your RV with the coolest gadgets and gizmos. Don’t forget about the necessities too. From hitches & towing to outdoor furniture and awnings, you can find anything and everything to add to your RV. Here are some examples of categories and RV accessories within each category you might want to look into before embarking on your next road trip:

Air & Heat – heaters, vent covers, fans, thermostats
Appliances – propane regulators, propane camp fires, fire pits, portable grills
Awnings, Screens, & Accessories – collapsible awnings, window screens, step braces, window thermometers
Battery Chargers – batter charger/maintainer, Amp charger
Bedding & Furnishing – oak accents, sheets & towels
Cleaning & Storage – wheel and tire protector, trash bag storage, sealant, roof maintenance
Freshwater Systems – hoses, valves, pumps
Hitching & Towing – D-rings, straps, twine
Jacks & Leveling – wheel chock, leveling blocks, jack pads
Outdoor Furniture – grilling tables, folding chairs
Power & Electrical – extension cables,
Renewable Energy – solar panels, LED safety light
RV & Trailer Covers – camper covers, spare tire covers
Safety Kits – road assistance kits, flares
Waste Water & Sanitation – sewer hose extensions and supports, water filters, holding tank deodorizer

Gateway Storage Center offers parking and storage for RV’s and trailers of all sizes. We service Springfield, Lorton, Woodbridge, and Alexandria, VA. We offer flexible terms, affordable prices, 24-hour gate access, and extra-wide aisle ways for easy navigation. Give us a call today to learn more about our RV parking and storage solutions.

What RV Type is Best for You?

Posted on September 17, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Parking

We all have our preferences when it comes to our vehicles: trucks vs. cars vs. minivans. When it comes to RVs, there are just about as many choices as red sports cars. When it comes to RVs, there are three main types:

Motorhomes (which include bus conversions)
Travel trailers (also known as towables)
Truck campers

Motorhomes, as the name implies, are your vehicle and living quarters combined. Motorhomes are further broken down into 3 classes:

Class A are the largest and are the ones most people think of when they think of RVs. These are the ones the College Gameday Boys roll around in.
Class B are the smallest, built on a van chassis. Though some live in these full time, most don’t. They’re meant for shorter periods of live-in time.
Class C which are in the middle, also built on a van chassis, and feature the extended section over the cab which normally has an extra bed in it

Towables are the ones you pull behind your truck (or car). They include travel trailers (in British, these are the “caravans”), fifth wheels, teardrop trailer, and pop-up campers. Travel trailers and fifth wheels are the most convenient for long-time living. Fifth wheels are the big boys that need to be pulled by a pickup or heavy duty truck. Some of these can be as big as 40ft-long and weigh up to 18,000 pounds. Travel trailers tend to be less expensive than fifth wheels. Fifth wheels offer more living space and are easier to tow than travel trailers.

Truck campers are temporary units that fit in the bed of your pickup. These are mainly used for hunters, fishermen, and other backwoods travelers. These are popular in North America.

So there you have it: your rundown of RVs. Now you just need to decide what you want an RV for, and then go find the right one that fits your needs.

And when you’ve found the RV that’s perfect for you, you’re going to need a place to store it! Gateway Storage Center provides RV parking and storage for all varieties of RVs. You can even park your towables with your RV. Our secure, well-lit facility features extra-wide aisle ways, snow removal for those Winter days (just around the corner), and 24-hour gate access. We offer affordable rates and flexible terms, so you can choose the option that best fits your RV parking needs.

Give us a call today or stop by and visit us! We’re conveniently located in Lorton, VA, just off of I-95. Hope to see you soon!

Happy Fourth of July from Gateway Storage Center!

Posted on July 4, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Parking, Storage

Our family here at Gateway Storage Center would like to wish you and your family a very happy Fourth of July! Whether you’re spending time at the beach, on a boat, or both, we hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy all the things we get to enjoy because of our freedom and independence.

Being so close to our nation’s capital, we get to see firsthand all the hard work that men and women do every day to ensure our freedom is secure. So as we celebrate this wonderful holiday, we’d also like to thank all those that serve or have served our great nation. Thank you for your service and for ensuring that we get to have our backyard barbecues and sparklers on July 4th with nothing but smiles on our faces.

Located in Lorton, VA, Gateway Storage Center specializes in personal and commercial storage and parking solution for the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC metro area. We are Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Springfield resident’s favorite place for RV storage, boat storage, and trailer parking. We are also an affordable solution for contractor parking and storage, with flexible terms and competitive rates. Give us a call after your holiday weekend to learn more about our services and how we will work hard to ensure all your parking and storage needs are completely satisfied.

Have a wonderful Fourth of July! Enjoy those fireworks!

On the Road Again: Springfield RV Storage

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

On the road again. Just can’t wait to get on the road again. Willie Nelson sang it true. Nothing like getting out on that wide road and seeing all the wonderful places in this great nation. I mean where else can you visit such an awesome place like Foamhenge? (hint – it’s in Virginia)

Between excursions though, you need a place to keep your liberator on wheels. And if you care about RVs as much as we do, you’ll definitely be very particular about where you keep her. Gateway Storage Center is the best choice for Springfield RV storage needs. Not only are we easy to get to, we also offer affordable rates and flexible terms. You can park with us month-to-month, short term, or long term, whatever you need.

Our secure facility features extra-wide aisles for easy navigation, and various combination parking spots in case you need to store a trailer as well. Coming in late one night? No problem. We offer 24 hour access so you never have to cut a trip short. Plus we have extensive lighting and clearly marked assigned spaces so you can easily find your designated spot.

Give us a call today or shoot us an email to learn more about our RV storage options. There’s no deposit required and we can make reservations right over the phone. Call us today!

Northern Virginia RV Storage

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

You and your RV have tons of memories together, from early morning coffee to late night campfires. When you look at your RV, you don’t just see an RV. You see freedom. And you want to make sure that when you’re not out exploring the wild wilderness of the Shenandoah, that your RV is well taken care of in a safe and secure place. Gateway Storage is that place. We get RV’s.

Gateway Storage Centers offers Northern Virginia RV storage solutions, with affordable rates and a variety of options for short-term, long-term, or month-to-month plans. We offer 24-hour gate access so your trip is not restricted to a finite time period. You can get started as early as you want and return as late as you want.

Our facility also features extensive lighting, clearly marked assigned spaces, and extra-wide aisle-ways for easy maneuverability. We have generously sized storage spaces to handle the largest 5th wheel and Class A RV’s with a tow dolly or other vehicle. We offer pull through spaces in 3 different lengths so you can pair your RV or trailer with a self-storage container.

Conveniently located off of I-95 in Lorton, VA, we’re a quick stop so you can pick up your RV and get your adventure started without missing a beat. We take reservations via phone and email for RV storage and short term parking – no charge for reservations and no deposit is required.

Give us a call today!

Springfield RV Storage

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

Spring is just around the corner, and we’re sure you’re just as excited to get outside and enjoy the steadily warmer weather as we are. Just like with other proud RV owners, you want access to your RV anytime of day, whether early in the morning to beat DC traffic to the Shenandoah camping grounds or returning late at night. You want fast and easy access to your RV while still having your RV securely stored away in-between road trips. Well, Gateway Storage has the perfect the solution for you!

Springfield RV Storage

Gateway Storage offers storage and parking services for all sizes of RV’s, travel trailers, RV towables, campers and motorhomes in the Springfield, VA area. Not only are our aisle ways extra-wide for easy maneuverability into and out of our generously sized storage spaces, but our parking surfaces are made of recycled, compact asphalt. No mud, no dirt, and no overhanging tree limbs or other threats to your RV. Our facility is well lit for those early morning departures and late arrivals, and features 24-hour gate access and clearly marked assigned spaces with reflective parking markers.

Being a proud member of the Good Sam’s Club Discount Member Network, the world’s largest RV Owner’s network, we are pleased to offer flexible and affordable terms for our RV storage services. There is no charge for reservations and no deposit required. You can choose from short-term, month-to-month, or long-term storage plans.

We are conveniently located in Lorton, VA, just down the street from Springfield, VA and Fairfax County. We are the top provider for Springfield RV storage and parking services, and would be proud to serve you. Give us a call today!

Springfield RV Storage for the Winter

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Amanda Chambers - Storage

Daylight savings has now ended, the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, and Winter is coming. You only have a few more precious weekends to get out and enjoy the RV campgrounds before the snow starts threatening you to turn in your keys until Spring. We here at Gateway Storage feel your pain and too miss those nice cool evening campfires.

When it does come time for you to turn in your wheels for the Winter, you want a safe, secure facility that’s close to home and provides easy access to your RV should the winter turn mild and you decide to brave the cold one weekend. Gateway Storage has just the storage and parking services you need. We offer services for all sizes of RV’s, travel trailers, RV towables, campers and motorhomes. With extra-wide aisle ways and amply sized storage spaces, we can accommodate the largest 5th wheel and Class A RV’s with a tow dolly or other vehicle.

Conveniently located to Springfield, Fairfax County, Woodbridge, and all of Northern Virginia, Gateway Storage offers 24 hour gate access, extensive lighting, and clearly marked assigned spaces, many of which have electric hookups. We offer flexible terms and affordable rates for RV storage, including short-term, month-to-month, and long-term options.

Gateway Storage is a proud member of the Good Sam’s Club Discount Member Network, the world’s largest RV Owner’s network. We take reservations via phone or email for RV storage and short term parking. No charge for reservations and no deposit required. Give us a call today!

MotorHome Magazine: One Stop Site for Requesting Product Info

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Amanda Chambers - Uncategorized

Check out this great new resource for new RV Owners – perfect for first time owners or those in the market. Submit requests online for many types of RV’s, motorhomes and travel trailers as well as insurance, travel tips, helpful towing advice and even financing.

MotorHome Magazine: Making your RV travels easier.

Motorhome Magazine is a publication of the Affinity Group.