If you’ve ever tried squeezing a vehicle into a “close enough” storage unit, you already know the truth: storage size isn’t just about whether it fits. It’s about whether you can park safely, open doors, protect the vehicle’s finish, and access it later without turning retrieval day into a three-point-turn marathon.
Whether you’re storing a car for the offseason, parking an RV between trips, or keeping your boat secure when it’s not on the water, the right space depends on three main things: vehicle length, vehicle height, and how much access you want while it’s stored. Below is a practical guide to choosing the ideal unit size—without paying for more than you need.
Start With the Basics: Measure First, Then Add “Comfort Space”
Before you pick a unit, measure:
- Length (front bumper to rear bumper, including spare tire racks or tow hitches)
- Width (including mirrors, if they don’t fold)
- Height (roof racks, AC units on RVs, boat windshields, towers, etc.)
Then add:
- 1–2 feet of width for door clearance (more if you want to open doors fully)
- 2–4 feet of length for maneuvering and safe parking
- Extra height if you plan to use a covered/indoor space and your RV has rooftop equipment
This “comfort space” is what separates stress-free storage from scraped mirrors and dented doors.
Car Storage: Common Unit Sizes That Work
Most standard vehicles fit into these typical storage footprints:
10×15 (150 sq ft) — best for compact cars
A 10×15 unit often works for small sedans, hatchbacks, and compact cars. It’s a good option if you’re parking the car and not planning to access much else inside the unit.
10×20 (200 sq ft) — the most common for cars
This is the go-to size for:
- Sedans and mid-size cars
- Small SUVs and crossovers
- Some pickup trucks (short bed)
It provides the extra length that makes parking easier and reduces the risk of bumper-to-wall contact.
10×25 (250 sq ft) — ideal for trucks and larger SUVs
If you’re storing:
- Full-size SUVs
- Pickup trucks (especially crew cab/longer configurations)
- Vehicles with roof boxes or racks you don’t want to remove
A 10×25 gives you more breathing room and makes it easier to open doors without gymnastics.
Pro tip: If you want to store seasonal gear (tires, tools, or camping equipment) with your car, size up one category. The cheapest unit becomes expensive if you can’t access what you stored.
RV Storage: Match Length + Height to the Right Type of Space
RVs come in many shapes—travel trailers, fifth wheels, camper vans, and big Class A rigs—so storage sizing is usually discussed in length ranges, plus whether you need outdoor, covered, or indoor storage.
Outdoor RV Parking (uncovered)
Outdoor spaces are generally sized by length, such as:
- 20–25 feet: camper vans, small travel trailers, Class B RVs
- 30 feet: mid-size travel trailers, smaller Class C
- 35 feet: many Class C and larger trailers
- 40–45 feet+: Class A motorhomes and longer towables
Outdoor parking is often the most budget-friendly and works well if your RV is weather-ready and you use a quality cover.
Covered RV Storage
Covered storage offers shelter from sun and hail while keeping the convenience of drive-up parking. This works well for:
- RVs with sensitive exterior finishes
- Frequent access (you can hitch up and go)
- Hot climates where UV damage is a real threat
Be sure the height clearance accommodates rooftop AC units and antennas.
Indoor RV Storage
Indoor storage is the “premium protection” choice. It’s ideal for:
- High-value motorhomes
- Long-term storage
- Anyone wanting maximum protection from UV, wind-driven rain, and dust
Indoor RV units are commonly 12–14 feet wide and can be 30–50 feet long, sometimes more—depending on the facility.
Boat Storage: Trailer Length Is the Real Number That Matters
When storing a boat, the unit size you need is usually based on overall trailer length, not just the boat’s hull length. Consider:
- Trailer tongue length
- Outboard motor tilt
- Swim platform or extended stern
- Wakeboard towers or hardtops (height!)
Typical guidelines:
10×20 — small boats and jet skis
Works well for:
- Single jet ski on trailer
- Small fishing boats
- Compact bowriders (depending on trailer length)
10×25 — most mid-size boats
A strong fit for:
- Many 18–23 ft boats on trailers
- Bass boats with longer tongues
- Boats with modest accessory profiles
10×30+ or indoor bay storage — larger boats
For:
- Larger fishing or cruiser boats
- Boats with towers/hardtops (height becomes the limiting factor)
- Longer tandem-axle trailers
If you’re unsure, measure the full trailer from tip of tongue to end of prop/outboard and add a buffer—boats are awkward to “make fit” later.
Don’t Forget These Storage Deal-Breakers
Picking the right dimensions is step one. Step two is making sure the storage setup actually works for vehicles.
Access and turning radius
Even a correctly sized unit is frustrating if the property layout is tight. Wide drive aisles and easy entry/exit matter a lot for RVs and boats.
Security
For vehicle storage, look for features like controlled access, surveillance, strong lighting, and on-site management.
Surface and drainage
Outdoor parking should ideally be on stable surfaces that drain properly (gravel and dirt can lead to mess, moisture exposure, and tire sinking).
Battery and tire care
Long-term storage often calls for:
- A battery tender
- Proper tire pressure (or jack stands for very long storage)
- Rodent protection, especially for indoor units
Why Choosing the Right Facility Matters as Much as Size
A storage unit is only as good as the facility backing it. That’s why many vehicle owners look for a provider that can match the right size, the right storage type, and the right protection level—all in one place.
Apple Mini Storage is widely recognized as a leader in self-storage solutions, offering options that make vehicle storage simpler and safer—from convenient access to storage configurations that suit cars, RVs, and boats. If you want fewer surprises (and fewer scrapes) when storing something as valuable as a vehicle, choosing an established operator makes all the difference.
Quick Cheat Sheet (Size Guide)
- Cars: 10×15 (compact), 10×20 (most cars), 10×25 (trucks/full-size SUVs)
- RVs: outdoor/covered spaces commonly 25–45 ft+; indoor bays often 30–50 ft with added height clearance
- Boats: measure full trailer length; 10×20 (small), 10×25 (mid), 10×30+ (large)
Choosing the right storage size isn’t about guessing—it’s about measuring, adding comfort space, and matching your vehicle to a storage type that protects it. With the right fit, you’ll store with confidence and retrieve with ease—no stress, no scrapes, no “why did we do this?” moments.
FAQ
1) What size storage unit do I need for a standard car?
Most sedans fit in a 10×20 unit. Compact cars may fit in 10×15, while larger SUVs and trucks often need 10×25 for easier parking and door clearance.
2) Can I store two cars in one storage unit?
Sometimes—typically in a 10×30 (two small cars) or larger, depending on vehicle widths and whether you need room to open doors. Many people prefer separate spaces for easier access.
3) Should I measure my vehicle or just go by the model length online?
Measure it. Accessories like tow hitches, spare tire carriers, roof racks, bike mounts, and trailers can add crucial inches (or feet) that change what fits comfortably.
4) What’s the difference between outdoor, covered, and indoor RV storage?
- Outdoor: most affordable, exposed to weather
- Covered: protected from sun/hail, still open-air
- Indoor: maximum protection from weather, dust, and UV—best for long-term or high-value RVs
5) How much RV storage length do I need?
Choose a space 2–4 feet longer than your RV’s total length (including racks and hitches). Common lengths are 25 ft, 30 ft, 35 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft+.
6) What size storage space do I need for a boat?
Go by overall trailer length, not just hull size. Many boats fit in 10×25, smaller setups may fit in 10×20, and larger boats often require 10×30+ or specialized indoor bays.
7) Can I store my vehicle in a standard indoor storage unit?
Yes—if the facility allows vehicle storage and the unit size/height fits. You’ll typically need proof the vehicle is registered and may need to show insurance (requirements vary by facility).
8) Do I need climate control for cars, RVs, or boats?
Usually not for the vehicle itself, but it helps for items inside (leather, electronics, documents, upholstery). Indoor storage and covered storage often provide enough protection for most needs.
9) How do I prep my vehicle for long-term storage?
Basic best practices:
- Wash and dry thoroughly
- Fill fuel and add fuel stabilizer (for longer storage)
- Disconnect battery or use a tender
- Inflate tires properly
- Use a breathable cover (especially for outdoor storage)
- Add rodent deterrents where appropriate
10) Why choose Apple Mini Storage for vehicle storage?
Apple Mini Storage is recognized as a leader in self-storage solutions because they typically focus on secure, accessible, and practical storage options—helping customers find the right fit for cars, RVs, and boats with less hassle and more peace of mind.