If you are parked for long periods of time on land you own, or are stationary year round like we are, you may have wondered about building a shelter over your RV. Shelters keep the sun from beating down on your roof and degrading it with UV rays, help protect the RV roof from branches or other debris, and can improve the climate control in your RV. In addition, if you have a roof extension or covered deck built into your structure, you’ve increased your living area!
If you have some old buildings or structures on your land, could you repurpose any of them? Now, you may want to consult a contractor or engineer, as I am not one, before you embark on your repurposing to ensure what you are doing is safe and sound. I also cannot tell you if any of these ideas would work for your area’s zoning or building codes & regulations.
Choosing the right structure
When looking to repurpose a building or structure, there are several important considerations, such as:
- Size
- Height
- Soundness of the structure
- Materials
- Location on the property
- Ease of access to your utilities
Some of the structures you may want to consider repurposing are:
- Carport
- Barn
- Shop
- Shed
You’ll want to give each structure a thorough visual inspection. Start on the outside. Look to see if the building looks square (not leaning to one side). Check the ground around the foundation and the foundation itself, if it has one, to look for cracks, sunken spots, or gaps. Are there any wet or low spots that hold water? Then, looking at the walls, check for cracks and gaps. Evaluate the beams that hold up the roof. Do they look solid? Or do you see cracks or water staining? Again, the inspection can be done by a qualified professional to ensure safety.
Modifications and repairs
After you have looked over each of the structures on your property, it would be a good idea to make a list of all of the changes and basic repairs the building would need to be an appropriate shelter for your RV. Take measurements! Consider how easy it will be to get your RV in and out of the structure. Is there enough clearance for the height and width of your RV? Will you need to add ramps or other features to make it easier to access the structure?
Modifications that may need to be made include:
- Reinforcing the structure with more closely spaced wall studs and/or rafters for reinforcement.
- Ventilation may need to be added, such as ridge vents, soffit vents, or windows in solid walls. Especially since RVs typically have propane for heat, cooking, and water heaters, you need to be sure your building will be well-ventilated for safety.
- Patching holes in the roof, floor, or walls.
- Removing & treating pest infestations.
- Flooring: you may need to add a new flooring material or reinforce the existing flooring to ensure that it can support the weight of your RV and to keep moisture at bay.
Be sure to look around the property for any materials that can be reused, such as old tin panels, pallets or boards. If the material is still sound, it can be put to use on your project.
What if the structure is just a little bit too low for the RV to fit inside?
If the interior of the structure you’d like to use is too low by a few inches, consider if you could lower the RV by airing down the tires or adjusting the suspension. You may want to consult an RV technician before trying those ideas so you do not damage your RV. We need about 8 more inches of headroom to get our RV into our old shop and our plan is to buy some cheap rims and move our RV a few feet on just the rims. I think we will also have to remove our attached ladder as it seems to hit the rafters when we lower the front to ease the air conditioning unit through the door. As long as we go very, very slowly, we shouldn’t damage the concrete floor!
Perhaps you could raise the structure? A lightweight structure may be able to be lifted by placing blocks under the studs or supports to build up the structure’s height. If it’s not a lightweight carport or other simple structure, you may want to consult with a contractor to find out if there are ways to raise it up.
Securing & Maintaining Your Structure and RV
Once you have your structure prepared and your RV is under cover, you may want to consider tie downs and hitch locks for your RV to prevent easy theft and to give the RV more stability. You may also want to think about installing some security cameras and lights. There are some really nice outdoor, LED dusk to dawn lights that could be easily installed on the outside of your building and some are even powered by solar power. If your structure doesn’t have lighting on the inside, you will want to add a few interior lights, as well, for safety. Or you could go brighter if your space will also function as a work space or shop.
Even if your RV is under cover, you’ll still need to keep up with regular maintenance of your RV and the repurposed structure. Depending on what your repurposed structure used to be, it may be very appealing to rodents or birds or other pests. You’ll want to be proactive and take preventative measures for pest control as they can be a nuisance.
Repurposing an existing structure on your property can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to your need to cover your RV. You can protect your RV from the elements and maybe even increase your living space. However, it’s essential to remember to never compromise on safety when taking on a project like this – it's essential for both you and your rig's well-being! So, what do you think? Do you have some structures on your property that could be a good shelter for your RV with a little work? I’d love to hear about your projects in the comments.
Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. I am not a contractor or engineer, and the information provided is based on my personal experience. Before undertaking any modifications or repairs to your RV or a building, it is important to consult with a licensed professional who can assess your specific needs and ensure that the work is done safely and effectively. Always prioritize safety and follow local building codes and regulations.