There’s one sad fact that can’t be denied: summer is winding down, which means it’s time to start preparing to store your RV for the off-season.
There are a handful of storage options available for your RV. Here’s how you can make sure that your RV is in tip-top shape when spring rolls around again.
Where Should I Store My RV?
When it comes to storage, the method you choose depends on your preference and how much you’re willing to spend.
- Climate-Controlled Storage
- This type of indoor storage regulates temperature and humidity, which reduces the chances of mold growing in your RV.
- Garage Storage
- While there might not be a climate control feature in a garage, it still keeps your rig out of the elements.
- Covered Storage
- Covered storage doesn’t eliminate the elements entirely, but it keeps a large portion of snow and rain off of your RV. The cover also keeps your RV safe from the sun beating down on it, which can cause fading and peeling of paint and decals.
- Driveway Storage
- If you have space in your driveway and there isn’t a local ordinance or HOA rule against it, it can be a comfort to store your RV where you can see it. You won’t pay any fees, and packing is easy since your rig is right there at home.
- Storage Lots
- If you don’t have room to store your RV in your driveway and you’re looking for an affordable option, storage lots are your best bet. Lots will usually have a locked gate that you can only enter if you’re renting space, and they allow access whenever you need it.
Preparing and Storing Your RV
There are quite a few steps to properly storing your RV for the off-season, but don’t let the number intimidate you. The process is easy and straightforward.
- Clean the Interior
The first thing to do is take out all of the food, trash, and linens from your RV – because these are things that rodents and insects are attracted to. After those items are gone, it’s time to clean and disinfect. Include everything – your fridge, freezer, cabinets, tabletops, shelves, and appliances.
- Drain the Water System
If any water is left in your system, it can break fittings and lines. This type of damage is typically extremely expensive to repair, so you’ll want to avoid it at all costs.
Drain your fresh water, waste tanks, and all of the water from the pipes. After it’s all drained, pump RV antifreeze through the system so the water will be pushed out. If you’re not interested in doing this yourself, you can always contact a service center to do it for you.
- Switch Off Electrical and Battery-Run Components
Many modern RVs have a battery disconnect switch or a switch that will shut everything down that relies on power. When you shut the power off, there’s peace of mind that you won’t come back to an RV with a dead battery.
- Cover All Vents
Imagine stepping into your RV in the spring to find dead bugs everywhere – that’s nightmare fuel for many of us. To prevent this, seal up all of your vents. This won’t just keep the bugs out (dead and alive), it’ll save you from dust and dirt buildup as well.
Covering your vents also plays a major part in keeping rodents out. But since these creatures are persistent, there are more precautions to take to ward them off. They include:
- Get rid of all food.
- Set out bowls of mothballs.
- Seal off access points under your RV with steel wool or spray foam.
- Cover All Your Furniture
Covering your furniture while you’re not spending time in your RV prevents dust and other particles from sinking into the surface. This will save both its quality and its color.
- Prep the Exterior
Just as you should prep the interior of your RV, the exterior needs attention, too. You (or a service center) should carry out a thorough inspection of the roof, sidewalls, seams, windows, doors, and access panels. Giving these components a good once-over lets you know if any holes or cracks need to be sealed.
- Clean and Cover Your Tires
Now that you’re getting ready to store your RV, you have the perfect chance to tidy up and cover your tires. This way, they aren’t exposed to frost, snow, and UV rays – all things that can cause damage.
Check out the instruction manual for your tires and look for the recommended maximum cold tire pressure, then inflate your tires to that pressure. After, put the covers on and rest easy knowing that they’re protected for the season.
- Fill Up Your Tank
If you’re a new RV owner, filling up your tank for storage might seem counterintuitive. But if you’ve been using and storing your RV for many years, you know that storing your RV with a full tank is the safest way to do it. When the gas tank is full, it prevents moisture from forming in the fuel system.
You can also add fuel stabilizer for further protection, then run the engine so that it circulates throughout the system. It’s smart to go in and start the engine every two months or so, then have it run idle for about two hours (in a well-ventilated space) to keep your system refreshed.
- Change the Oil
It’s not a good idea to leave old, dirty oil in your radiator over the winter, especially because it will rarely get a chance to circulate. This could cause the oil tank to degrade and create issues for your RV during the next travel season. The wiser choice is for clean oil to sit in the oil tank during the winter months.
Add antifreeze to your radiator to make sure nothing freezes, because if liquid freezes inside, it could crack your radiator.
Storing Your RV Safely
Whether you’re a brand new RV owner or a longtime enthusiast, these storage tips can help maintain the quality of your RV and make opening it for spring that much easier.
If you need help with this process, RV Dynasty offers RV service in Indiana! We’ll give your RV a thorough once-over to make sure it’s all set for the winter. Just schedule an appointment with us and we’ll be in touch..
If you’re not storing an RV this season but looking to buy one once the warm months come back around, keep RV Dynasty in mind. We have 400 models of new RVs and a variety of pre-owned RV options. We’re your one-stop-shop for all things RV and travel!
Stop by our website at RVDynasty.com or reach out to us at 765-689-8815 to find out more.
