RV Storage Tips
Storing recreational vehicles can present difficulties, particularly for individuals new to the RV lifestyle. Effective storage of the RV is critical for maintaining its condition and ensuring its longevity, whether you are a seasoned RV resident or you only use it for weekends. Adopting the proper storage techniques and tips can safeguard your investment and allow for stress-free trips for many years to come. The following storage tips offer a few methods to correctly store your RV during the off-season and to avoid common storage mistakes.
Invest in an RV Cover
If Covered Parking is unavailable, several internal and external issues can be reduced by investing in a good RV cover. RV covers help to keep the colors from fading and helps prevent weather damage, during rain or shine, on all your plastic, fiberglass, rubber, and vinyl features on your RV.
Clear Out Those Cabinets
To remove the chance of food decay, pest presence, and bad odors, start removing your perishable food items from all your cabinets. However, don’t stop there, anything that could be affected by cold or hot weather should also be removed from your RV. Blankets, pillows, Tupperware, toilet paper, etc. It is always better to be safe then sorry. Once your done clearing everything out, keep your cabinet doors open to increase airflow to reduce the chances of mold.
Add Fuel Stabilizer While Storing
To keep your fuel in tip top shape, while storing your RV for an extended amount of time, it is best to add a fuel stabilizer. Once you add the stabilizer, along with your fuel, run your engine so the stabilized fuel can circulate throughout your engine. It also a good idea to stop by the facility every couple of months to run your engine for a couple of hours to ensure the engine doesn’t sit around too long.
Cover All Nooks and Crannies
To protect your RV’s pristine interior from any pests or debris, be sure to close and cover all your vents. A quick inspection of the exterior of your RV of any places anything small can enter your RV’s interior can go a long way.
Drain Your RV of All Fluids
In the winter months, fluids tend to freeze up and tend to crack pipes as things warm up. Drain your RV of all the fluids in both the plumbing system and water heater tank. After you’ve drained everything, adding antifreeze to all your systems such as waste tanks, piping and valves is a must unless you store in places like Southern California and Southern Florida.
Maintenance Your RV
Doing general RV maintenance before you store your RV for an extended amount of time is a must. Dirty oil left in your radiator during the off season can lead to degradation of the oil tank. Be sure to add the proper amount of antifreeze in your radiator to ensure nothing freezes and cracks your radiator during the winter months. Check your tires condition and tire pressure, if possible, try to keep out of direct sunlight. Putting your RV on levering blocks can avoid unnecessary pressure on your tires. Ensuring your RV is properly maintained before storing can help you get on the road quicker when you begin your Summer road trip!
Properly storing your RV is a crucial aspect of RV ownership. Adequate storage not only protects the RV from environmental factors, but also aids in preserving its worth. Implementing the advice we provided can guarantee that your RV is effectively safeguarded and ready for your next adventure. Thoroughly inspecting and properly winterizing your vehicle are among the steps to consider while storing your RV. Taking the time and the effort into maintaining your RV will help ensure that your vehicle is ready to go when you set out on your next adventure for years to come!