RV Storage Best Practices
Storing your RV properly is essential to maintaining its quality and making sure it’s always ready for your next adventure. With different types of RVs (motorhomes, trailers, campers) have specific storage considerations. Whether you’re storing it for the winter or just for a short period while you’re away, following this guide can help keep your RV in top condition while it waits for you to return!
Choose the Right Location
When choosing the storage location for your RV, you want to make sure it is the right one. Different storage facilities offer different kinds of storage options and very different features and amenities.
Look for facilities with security measures in place, like fences, gated access, and surveillance cameras. Amenities like paved roadways, covered storage, and electric hookups can make your storage experience much easier.
Covered Vs. Uncovered/Outdoor Storage
To shield your RV from damage caused by elements like UV rays and bad weather and to prolong its useful life, you should select a storage facility offering covered parking. This is particularly important for RVs and campers with interior furnishings, bedding, and other fittings that might be susceptible to mold, mildew, and deterioration in the heat.
If covered storage options are not available, you can opt for a reputable outdoor storage facility. Outdoor storage is generally a more affordable option for vehicle storage, though it doesn’t offer the same level of protection that covered storage does. When choosing uncovered storage, you may want to consider investing in a high-quality cover for your vehicle to add a layer of protection from the weather.
Clean, Prepare, and Repair
Before storing your RV, thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Remove all perishables, clean out the refrigerator, and dispose of any garbage. Honey Bee RV facilities provide on-site dumpsters or trash bins for disposal of small properly bagged refuse from your RV cleanout. Also, empty and clean all water tanks and lines to prevent bacteria growth and damage.
After cleaning, you should check for any leaks, cracks, or damage that has occurred to your vehicle and repair or make servicing arrangements for any issues to prevent them from worsening over time during storage. Ensure that all appliances and systems are turned off or adjusted to low settings to comply with facility regulations and that they are properly secured.
Preventive Care
After you choose your storage location and clean your RV, you should take preventative measures before placing it in storage to protect it from damage. Some of these preventative measure include:
- Tire care: Inflate your RV’s tires to the recommended pressure and consider using tire covers to protect them from the sun. If possible, move your RV occasionally while in storage to prevent tire flat-spotting.
- Battery maintenance: If your RV will be stored for an extended period, consider disconnecting the battery to prevent drainage, or use a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged if the facility provides power connections.
- Fluids and fuel: Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and run the engine to circulate the treated fuel. Also, drain the water system to prevent freezing and potential damage and put RV antifreeze in systems if recommended by the RV manufacturer.
- Ventilation: To prevent moisture buildup and mold growth, crack open windows, or if the storage facility allows, use vent covers or plug in your RV so that climate control systems can continue to operate while the vehicle is in storage.
- Rodent/pest prevention: Seal any openings where rodents or pests could enter—such as exhaust pipes, vents, and gaps. Also, use rodent repellents or traps in and around the RV to prevent infestations.
Storage Upkeep
While your RV is in storage, you should visit it periodically to check for any issues, ensure proper ventilation, and identify and arrange needed off-site maintenance so that your vehicle will be ready to hit the road when you are. Also, keep your insurance coverage up-to-date while using storage to protect against any unforeseen events.
Store your RV With Honey Bee RV Storage Today!
With these tips on how to properly store your RV in mind, the next step is choosing Honey Bee RV Storage as your RV’s new home. At Honey Bee, we prioritize the security and protection of your vehicles so that your storage experience is nothing less than perfect. Store your RV with us and rest easy!