We are still in hurricane season in Alabama. September 10 may mark the climatological peak of the Atlantic season, but the season continues through November 30. For RV, motorhome, camper, and boat owners in Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Point Clear, Foley, Gulf Shores, and across Baldwin County, that means hurricane prep is still a current job.
The best time to make a plan is while the weather is calm. Once a named storm starts tracking toward the Gulf Coast, storage lots fill, boat ramps get crowded, and moving a large rig becomes harder. If your RV, motorhome, camper, or boat is still sitting at home, this is the time to decide where it will go, what needs to be secured, and what needs to be documented. If you are still deciding what type of storage makes sense for your RV, our complete guide to RV storage in Fairhope covers what to look for before choosing a space.
Where You Store It Matters
Where you keep your RV, motorhome, or boat matters more than almost any other hurricane prep step. A rig parked in a low driveway in Fairhope or Daphne, or behind a house in Point Clear or Montrose, can be exposed to storm surge from Mobile Bay, falling trees and limbs, wind-driven debris, and strong crosswinds.
If you plan to move it, do it before a storm is bearing down on Baldwin County. Moving a rig inland and onto higher, open ground gives you more options and more time. Waiting until the last minute can mean full storage lots from Mobile to Orange Beach and slow traffic on Highway 98 and Highway 59.
Boat Hurricane Prep
If your boat is kept at a marina, lift, dock, or driveway, have a haul-out plan before you need one.
1. Get the boat out of the water early if that is part of your plan.
2. Pull the drain plug once it is safely on the trailer.
3. Remove loose canvas, electronics, cushions, and anything that can catch wind.
4. Run tie-downs to the trailer frame, not the axle.
5. Chock the trailer tires and block the trailer so it cannot roll.
6. Photograph the hull, motor, trailer, and HIN before severe weather arrives.
If you use Fly Creek, Fairhope Municipal Pier, Weeks Bay, or Bon Secour, decide where the boat is going before ramps and roads get busy.
Travel Trailer and Fifth Wheel Prep
Travel trailers and fifth wheels have a large side profile, which gives wind plenty to push against.
Bring in every awning and slide-out. Close and latch roof vents, hatches, and windows. Chock both sides of the tires, lower stabilizers, and make sure the hitch area is secure. Move grills, chairs, bins, and other loose items away from the trailer. Anything left outside can become debris in high wind.
If the trailer is going into RV storage in Fairhope, AL, move it while you still have easy access to the roads and the facility.
Motorhome Prep
Motorhomes need the same wind prep as trailers, plus a few extra checks.
Bring in the slides and awnings. Top off fuel so you have range if you need to move the coach again. Check both the chassis and coach batteries. Close and latch every exterior compartment. Remove loose exterior accessories, and avoid parking under trees if you have another option.
For large Class A and Class C coaches, choose a storage location with enough room to maneuver safely before the weather changes. Larger coaches have a few extra storage needs, so we also put together a guide to camper and motorhome storage in Fairhope with more on space, access, and maneuvering a full-size rig.
Photograph Everything Before the Weather Changes
Insurance documentation is easy to put off, but it is one of the simplest things you can do now.
Photograph all four sides of the RV, camper, motorhome, or boat. Include the roof, interior, engine bay, trailer, tires, seals, VIN or HIN plate, odometer, and hour meter where applicable. Save your policy number, agent contact information, named-storm deductible, storage agreement, and gate code somewhere you can access from your phone.
A Simple 72, 48, and 24 Hour Hurricane Checklist
72 hours out: Decide where the rig is going and move it. Do not wait for the roads and storage lots to get crowded.
48 hours out: Bring in slides and awnings, remove loose items, set tie-downs and chocks, turn off propane if appropriate, charge batteries, and take photos.
24 hours out: Do a final walkthrough, top off fuel, confirm you can access the storage property, and leave the rig secured. If your boat normally stays at a marina or at home, you may also want to read why some local owners choose off-site boat storage in Fairhope instead of a marina slip, especially during hurricane season.
RV Storage in Fairhope, AL for Baldwin County Owners
Southern Storage is located at 16210 State Highway 181 in Fairhope, AL. The facility serves RV, motorhome, camper, and boat owners coming from Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Point Clear, Montrose, Magnolia Springs, Foley, Elberta, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Mobile, and Theodore.
Highway 181 gives Eastern Shore and south Baldwin County owners a direct route to the property. That matters when you are moving a large trailer or coach and want to avoid tighter downtown streets.
Motorhome, Camper, Boat, and Outdoor RV Storage in Fairhope
Southern Storage offers motorhome storage in Fairhope, AL, camper storage, boat storage, outdoor RV storage, covered parking, and enclosed units. The spaces are designed for full-length motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and boats on tandem trailers.
Wide driveways and turning lanes give larger rigs room to move. The property is gated and available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Leases are month-to-month, which gives owners flexibility through the rest of hurricane season.
Ready to Rent?
Hurricane season is still underway. If you want your RV, motorhome, camper, or boat moved before a storm forces the decision, rent your space online or call Southern Storage at (251) 210-6500.