Choosing the wrong storage unit size is one of the most common — and most avoidable — mistakes boat and RV owners make. Rent a unit that’s too small and you’re stuck upgrading mid-season. Rent one that’s too large and you’re paying for space you don’t need. This guide takes the guesswork out of the decision.

We’ll walk through exactly how to measure your boat or RV, what size unit fits every major type of vessel and vehicle, and the factors beyond length that most people overlook. If you’re also trying to figure out what boat and RV storage costs in Hot Springs, our pricing guide covers that in full.

Step 1: Measure Your Boat or RV Correctly

Before you call any storage facility, get accurate measurements of your vessel. Most people only measure the boat or RV itself and forget the extras that add length, width, and height.

Length: Measure from the very front of your bow or front bumper to the furthest rearward point — usually the motor, trailer hitch, or rear ladder. This is your true stored length. For boats on a trailer, measure the entire rig as one unit, not just the boat.

Width (beam): Measure at the widest point, including any handrails, fender flares, or slide-outs on an RV. Pontoon and tritoon boats are significantly wider than V-hull boats of the same length — this matters more than most people expect.

Height: Measure from the ground to the tallest point of the boat or RV. For boats, include the trolling motor (if mounted), VHF antenna, t-top, wakeboard tower, or any electronics mounted above the windshield. For RVs, measure to the rooftop A/C unit or any roof-mounted accessories.

Once you have all three dimensions, add at least 2 feet to your total length and 1 foot to your height. That buffer gives you room to maneuver the trailer in and out without scraping walls or ceiling fixtures.

The Unit Size Guide: Matching Your Vessel to the Right Unit

Here’s how the most common boats and RVs on Hot Springs lakes map to unit sizes at Safe T Storage:

 

Boat / Vehicle Type	Typical Length	Recommended Unit	Notes
Jon boat, kayak, canoe	Under 16 ft	10 x 20 or 10 x 28	Low profile, minimal clearance needed
Jet ski on trailer	12 – 16 ft	10 x 20 or 10 x 28	Pair of jet skis fits in 10x28
Bass boat / fishing boat	16 – 22 ft	10 x 28 x 12	12 ft height fits trolling motor & electronics
Ski boat / bowrider	18 – 24 ft	10 x 28 x 12 or 10 x 30 x 12	Measure tower height before booking
Pontoon boat	20 – 26 ft	10 x 30 x 12 or 15 x 45	Pontoons are wider — verify beam width
Tritoon / large pontoon	24 – 30 ft	15 x 45 or 15 x 50	Walk-around clearance important for cleaning
Cabin cruiser / wake boat	24 – 32 ft	15 x 45 or 15 x 50	Confirm tower / arch height with facility
Travel trailer / 5th wheel	20 – 35 ft	10 x 30 x 12 to 15 x 45	Slide-outs don’t extend in storage
Class B / Class C motorhome	20 – 30 ft	10 x 30 x 12 or 10 x 45	Most fit in a 10-wide enclosed unit
Class A motorhome / large diesel	30 – 45 ft	15 x 45 or 15 x 50	Height can exceed 12 ft — verify clearance
Enclosed cargo trailer / work trailer	16 – 30 ft	10 x 20 to 10 x 30 x 12	Width matters more than length for trailers

All dimensions include trailer. Measure your complete rig before booking. Contact Safe T Storage to confirm clearance for taller vessels.

Why Height Clearance Matters More Than Most People Think

Most first-time storage renters focus entirely on length and forget about height. This is a costly mistake, especially for:

•        Bass boats with trolling motors mounted in the upright position — can add 18 to 24 inches above the bow

•        Wake boats and ski boats with towers — towers often extend 7 to 9 feet above the waterline, putting total height at 10 feet or more on a trailer

•        Pontoon boats with bimini tops or enclosures still attached

•        Class A motorhomes and large diesel pushers — rooftop A/C units can push total height past 13 feet

•        Fifth wheels with protruding roof vents or satellite dishes

At Safe T Storage, our enclosed units have 12-foot interior height clearance as standard. If your vessel is taller than 10 feet, contact us before booking so we can confirm the right unit and confirm you’ll have adequate clearance.

Enclosed vs. Covered vs. Open-Air: Does Size Change the Answer?

The storage type you choose can affect which unit sizes are available to you. Here’s how our unit types break down at Safe T Storage:

Open-air parking (12 x 45): Best for boats and trailers under 40 feet that don’t require height clearance. No walls, no roof — the most affordable option.

Covered RV parking (9 x 32 x 20 and 17 x 32 x 20): A roof overhead with open sides. The 20-foot height clearance on our covered spots accommodates virtually any RV or boat tower. Ideal for larger motorhomes and tall boats.

Enclosed units (10 x 28 through 15 x 50): Full four-wall, 12-foot clearance protection. The best option for fiberglass boats, high-end RVs, and anything you plan to store for more than a few weeks.

Whichever type you choose, proper preparation before storage makes a significant difference in how well your vessel holds up. See our complete guide to protecting your boat and RV for a full pre-storage checklist.

The Most Common Sizing Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

Measuring only the boat, not the trailer. The trailer hitch alone can add 2 to 4 feet to your total length. Always measure the complete rig on the road.

Failing to check storage unit door width and height. Don’t just check the storage unit’s size, you must check to see the door width and height to ensure your boat will fit inside.

Forgetting beam width on pontoons. A 24-foot pontoon can be 8 or 9 feet wide. A 10-foot-wide unit leaves very little room to walk alongside it for cleaning and maintenance. A 15-foot-wide unit is the better call for most pontoons.

Ignoring slide-out width on RVs. Slide-outs do not extend in storage, but the body of the RV itself may still be 8 to 8.5 feet wide. Confirm the RV’s base width, not its extended width.

Not accounting for the turn-in. Even if your boat fits inside a unit, you need room to maneuver the trailer through the door. Safe T Storage has wide drive aisles specifically designed for this — but it’s worth asking about access at any facility you consider.

Choosing the smallest unit to save money. Going one size too small costs more in the long run if you scratch the hull getting in and out, or if you have to upgrade mid-season when the facility is fully booked.

What Safe T Storage Has Available in Hot Springs

Here’s our current lineup of unit sizes, designed to fit the full range of boats and RVs common on Hot Springs’ lakes:

•        10 x 28 x 12 enclosed — ideal for bass boats, fishing boats, and jet ski trailers

•        10 x 30 x 10 and 10 x 30 x 12 enclosed — fits most ski boats, bowriders, and smaller pontoons

•        15 x 45 enclosed — our most popular unit for pontoon boats, travel trailers, and Class B and C motorhomes

•        15 x 50 enclosed — fits tritoons, larger pontoons, and mid-size Class A motorhomes

•        10 x 45 enclosed — great for longer boats and fifth wheels

•        20 x 30 warehouse — oversized option for very large RVs or commercial trailers

•        9 x 32 x 20 covered RV parking — power outlet included, 20 ft height clearance

•        17 x 32 x 20 covered RV parking — power outlet included, wider bay for larger rigs

•        12 x 45 open-air parking — budget option for boats and trailers

Our facility is located on E Grand Ave (Highway 70), making it a convenient stop on the way to Lake Hamilton, Lake Ouachita, and Lake Catherine. For more on what to expect from boat storage near Lake Hamilton including access hours and drive aisle setup, see our dedicated Lake Hamilton storage guide.

Tips for Maximizing Your Unit Space

Once you’ve chosen the right size, a few simple habits help you get the most out of it:

•        Store gear inside the boat or RV rather than alongside it — fishing rods, life jackets, and tackle boxes take up floor space you’ll need

•        Use vertical wall space for hanging items like paddles, ropes, and fenders

•        Keep a clear path from the door to the back of the unit so you can access the stern without climbing over equipment

•        If you share a unit with another owner, designate clear zones to avoid moving each other’s equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store two jet skis in one unit? Yes. Two jet skis on separate trailers typically fit side by side in a 10 x 28 unit. If both are on a double trailer, a 10 x 20 may be sufficient. Contact us with your trailer dimensions to confirm.

My pontoon is 26 feet but only 8 feet wide — can it fit in a 10-wide unit? Technically yes on width, but a 15-wide unit is recommended for pontoons. The extra space makes it significantly easier to get in and out without contact, and gives you room to clean and maintain the boat while it’s stored.

Do RV slide-outs affect what size unit I need? No — slide-outs stay retracted in storage. Your relevant measurement is the RV’s base body width, typically 8 to 8.5 feet for most Class A and Class C motorhomes.

What if I’m between sizes? It’s safest to go one size up. The cost difference between adjacent unit sizes is typically small, and the added room makes loading and unloading significantly easier. A tight fit that works once often causes damage over repeated use.

Not sure which size is right for your specific boat or RV? Give us a call and we’ll help you figure it out. And if an HOA restriction is what’s driving your search for storage, our guide on HOA restrictions on boat and RV parking in Hot Springs covers everything you need to know about your options.

Ready to reserve a unit? View current availability at Safe T Storage in Hot Springs and find the right fit for your boat, RV, or trailer. We’re on Highway 70 — on your way to the lake.