Your RV is your ticket to adventure, but what happens when the travel season ends? Knowing how to store your RV correctly keeps it safe, secure, and ready for your next journey. Proper storage protects your investment from the elements, pests, and potential damage. This beginner’s guide to RV storage will walk you through a lot of items you need to know so you can rest easy knowing your home-on-wheels is safe and well cared for.
What Are Your RV Storage Options?
You have several choices when it comes to storing your RV. Each option offers different levels of protection and convenience. The most common types are uncovered outdoor storage, covered outdoor storage, and indoor storage. Uncovered storage is the most affordable but leaves your RV exposed to the elements. Covered storage provides a roof to protect against sun, rain, and hail. While indoor storage offers the highest level of security and protection by keeping your RV in a fully enclosed space, it will be more expensive at $300 a month and up.
Should You Store Your RV at Home or at Facility?
Storing your RV at home can be convenient if you have the space and local regulations to permit it. Check with your homeowner’s association (HOA) and city ordinances, as many have restrictions on parking large vehicles. If home storage is not an option, a dedicated storage facility is your best bet. These RV storage facilities are designed specifically for RVs and often provide security features such as gated access, surveillance cameras, and 8-foot perimeter fencing to give you peace of mind.
How Do You Prepare Your RV’s Exterior for Storage?
Before you park your RV, give the exterior a thorough cleaning. Wash and wax the entire vehicle to protect the paint and graphics from dust, bird droppings, and sun damage. Clean the awning and let it dry completely to prevent mold and mildew growth. Cover the tires to shield them from UV rays, which can cause them to crack and degrade over time. If you are storing your RV in the open, consider using a breathable RV cover for an extra layer of protection against the elements. Note: these covers do not last long in the elements; however, they are much cheaper than new graphics or paint.
What Is the Best Way to Protect Your RV’s Tires?
Your RV’s tires support its entire weight, so they need special attention during storage. First, inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. The data tag is on the left front corner of travel trailers and 5th wheels and inside near the driver on motorhomes. This helps prevent flat spots from developing. Clean the tires and wheels to remove any brake dust or road grime. Apply a NON-PETROLEUM tire dressing (303 protectant). Use tire covers to block out sunlight, which is a cause of rubber deterioration. If you plan to store your RV for an extended period, you might consider placing it on jack stands to take the weight completely off the tires.
How Do You Winterize Your RV’s Water System?
If you live in a region with freezing temperatures, you must winterize your RV’s water system to prevent pipes, pumps, and valves from freezing and bursting. Start by draining all the water from the fresh, gray, and black water tanks. Open all faucets and flush the toilet to clear the lines. Then, pump non-toxic RV antifreeze through the entire plumbing system. Do not forget to bypass the water heater and drain it before adding antifreeze to avoid damaging it. Beginners need to hire an experienced RV Tech and video the process so you can “Do It Yourself” next time
What Steps Should You Take to Prepare the Interior?
Preparing the interior of your RV is just as important as the exterior. Start by giving it a deep clean. Remove all food from the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry to prevent pests and spoilage. Defrost the freezer and leave the refrigerator doors propped open to allow air circulation. Clean all surfaces, vacuum the carpets, and wash any linens you plan to leave inside. Close all windows and crack open the roof vents if you have ‘Max Air’ covers to allow moisture to escape. Winter air is typically dry, and the Max Air covers will keep the rain out.
How Can You Prevent Pests from Infesting Your RV?
Pests can cause considerable damage to your RV, chewing through wiring, and damaging upholstery. To keep them out, inspect the exterior and under your RV for any cracks or holes where they could enter. Seal any openings you find with caulk or spray foam. Remove any boxed, ready-to-eat food items, such as crackers, chips, or candy. You can place mouse traps, repellent packets, or cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around the interior as a deterrent. Avoid using poisonous bait. Pets can consume bait or dead pests, and the poison can be transferred to your pets.
What Should You Do with Your RV’s Batteries?
Your RV’s lead acid batteries will lose their charge, if left unattended, in a few months depending on your avg. ambient temperature. This natural discharge can range from 3% a month to 4% a week. To help prevent this, use a battery tender if 120VAC is available at the RV storage. If you choose to disconnect the main house batteries, recharge them every month by whatever means possible. If you choose to remove them, be careful because even the small ones weigh 65lbs each. After removal, store them in a cool, dry place where temperatures never get below 40 degrees. Always make sure to fully charge the batteries before storing them. Again, a battery tender, or trickle charger, is a great alternative that provides a slow, steady charge to keep the batteries topped up and healthy throughout the storage period.
Should You Fill the Propane Tanks Before Storing?
Fill your propane tanks before storage because it can be difficult to find propane when it is cold. However, you should turn off the propane supply at the tank. Some indoor storage facilities may have rules requiring you to remove propane tanks altogether or shut off the LP tank on motorhomes. Be sure to check their policies before you arrive.
How Do You Keep Your RV Secure While in Storage?
Security is a priority when storing your RV. Storage facilities close to major throughfares will have the highest incidence of crime. Lock all doors and windows and close the blinds to keep people from looking inside. If your storage facility does not have robust security and restricted access, consider another RV storage facility. Adding tongue locks to travel trailers or 5th wheels or a wheel clamp keeps the criminal ‘walking on by’. Remove all valuable items such as jewelry, cash, guns, and portable electronics. Personal documents, but not the owner’s manuals, should also be removed before storing your camper.
Your Partner in RV Care
Following the steps in this beginner’s guide to RV storage will keep your camper in shape and ready for your next adventure, whenever you are. Proper care helps protect your RV and can save you from costly repairs down the road. Even with the best preparation, sometimes issues can arise. If you discover a problem when you retrieve your RV from storage or need help with maintenance tasks, you can count on Blue Moon Mobile RV for assistance. Contact us for professional mobile RV repair services that will get you back on the road safely.
