How to Prepare A RV for Long Term Storage

Need extra space to store your RV? Prepare it for properly for long term storage with these helpful tips and guides to protect your RV.

How to Prepare A RV for Long Term Storage

An RV is a precious investment that expands your vacation possibilities. The wide-open road awaits you every summer, but when it is time to store your RV for the winter, how can you keep it in good condition? These winterizing tips will help you prevent avoidable damage to your RV while it stays in one spot for a while. Whether you plan to store it outside or at a long-term storage facility, these preventative measures will keep your vehicle in the best condition.

Mitigate The RV’s Interior Moisture

RVs are famous for harboring moisture, especially if it's not ventilated well or damp items are left inside the cabin in the winter. To make sure that the area stays fresh-smelling and mold-free, you should remove all damp towels, empty the sinks, and wipe up any spills. You should also remove and vacuum seal any fabrics that are loose, such as throws, blankets, and linens.

Another excellent way to prevent excess moisture build-up is to place a few canisters of moisture absorbers in the vehicle’s interior. Damprid’s Moisture Absorber for RVs is an excellent product that has activated charcoal that absorbs smells as well as extracts water from the air. This extra element reduces that stale order that can occur if you leave an RV’s interior untreated. Consider placing other moisture absorbers in small, enclosed areas like under sinks, in closets, and any storage compartments up high.

Clean the Exterior

This vehicle takes a lot of beating on the road, so you want to make sure that it's free of grime, dust, and salt before storage. Trips to the beach and campgrounds can cause a lot of salt and dirt to develop around and underneath the RV, which can corrode metals and erode the luster of the paint. Invest in a deep exterior cleaning right before storage so that everything stays in great condition while it is in storage. Due to the size of an RV, getting professional help will make this process go by quickly.

Take Care of the Mechanics

RV’s function much like giant cars, so they need the same proper winterizing procedure as other vehicles. Follow your vehicle’s winterization checklist which may include inserting a fuel stabilizer, changing the oil and filter, checking the antifreeze, disconnecting the battery, and replacing any spark plugs. Other steps may be specific to your RV's model make and year. For the most comprehensive winterizing procedure for your specific vehicle, contact your vehicle's manufacturer.

Throw out Perishables

RVs are like tiny homes, which can mean that more messes than usual can remain hidden inside. If you cook and enjoy affordable meals on the go, then you should make sure that the fridge is clean and empty and throw away any kind of food inside the couches or furniture. There also may be hidden smells that can fester over the winter such as spilled milk on upholstery and cushions, so be sure to remove and wash any type of fabrics that may contain food stains.

Drain the Water System

Any water left inside your RV can be dangerous for the winter, especially if you are storing it in an area that has consistently below freezing temperatures. Drain the water in the plumbing system so that nothing is left inside the pipes, otherwise, they can freeze and burst over the winter. The process can be quite specialized, so it may be better to get the help of a professional if you are not exactly sure how to go through it.

Cover your RV

RVs should be covered over the winter so that they can stay insulated and warm. This also protects the paint from any type of damage from moisture or outside air. RVs use specialized covers, so order one from your manufacturer to get a perfect fit. It may be a two-person job to cover the RV. so be sure to get help on prep day.

Store it Carefully

RVs do the best when they are stored in a safe facility that has constant security. A typical garage may not be big enough to house an RV, but a storage facility is well equipped to house larger vehicles. If you need a storage unit that can accommodate your RV for a few months, there are flexible plans for many types of available units around you. Keeping your RV under shelter in a facility can also minimize the chance of pipes bursting or freezing in the winter.

Quick Checklist to Prepare Your RV for Long-Term Storage

Every RV is different so while we recommend following the manufacturer’s recommendations these are some items every RV owner should take before storing their RV.

Drain the Water System: Especially helpful if you plan to store your RV over the winter. The last thing you want is for your system to freeze.
Clean and Prep the Exterior: Make sure to give your RV a thorough cleaning. Be sure to inspect the roof, windows, doors, and reseal or re-caulk any cracks or holes.
Tire Prep: Inflate tires properly and consider covering them to protect them from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Ventilation is Key: Keeping moisture out of your RV is a big concern. Many people recommend keeping the rooftop vents open, cabinet and refrigerator doors open.
Clear Out the Refrigerator: This is a step in itself. Double and triple check to make sure you remove all food from the RV. You don’t want to come back to your RV with unpleasant odors and mold.
Protect from Bugs & Rodents: Different areas will have different pests but they all can cause headache. Make sure all external openings are blocked off or screened. Place traps around plumbing vents, fridge panels, and near vents.
Lubricate: Not only should you lubricate all locks with graphite spray, but you should use WD-40 on the hinges moving parts.
Turn Off the Gas: Make sure all gas appliances are off as well as the gas supply valve.
Disconnect the Battery: Batteries will lose their charge when kept plugged in and in storage. Make sure you store it in a cool, dry place. Storing it in colder temperatures will slow down the charge loss from storage. You may need to check the charge every 6 weeks with a voltmeter or multi-meter and charge it when necessary.
Add a Fuel Stabilizer: Fuel has a shelf life of about 3 to 4 months so make sure you add a fuel stabilizer to make it last longer. You may have to drive your RV around and repeat the process if you plan to store it for a long time.
Update Insurance: When it comes to RV insurance be sure that your coverage is updated to include Storage Rentals of America as the location your vehicle is being stored at.

Motorhome Storage Size Guide

Not all Recreational vehicles are the same size, but we have a parking space for you. Here is a handy guideline to determine your size requirements.

Class A Motorhomes: These are considered the tallest, these RVs are as large as 40 feet long.
Class B Motorhomes: Also known as camper vans, these are considered the smallest sized motorhome with a length between 17 and 19 feet.
Class C Motorhomes: A compromise between Class A and Class B, these typically range in length between 20 and 28 feet long.

Camper Trailer Storage Size Guide

Storage options can vary drastically within this category of RV trailers.

Small Trailers: Many of these trailers are between 13 and 20 feet making them perfect for 20′ long parking spots.
Mid-Sized Trailers: These are trailers under 30 feet in length making them perfect for 30′ long parking spaces.
Large Trailers: Exceeding 30 feet, these trailers may need special parking accommodations. We recommend contacting the storage facility first to make sure they have a 40′ parking space available.
Fifth Wheel Trailers: Combining style and durability. Many of our locations have spaces at large as 40 feet.
Pop Up Campers: Great for the outdoor enthusiast and typically under 25 feet, these are some of the easiest trailers to accommodate.
Toy Hauler Trailers: Part mobile garage, part living space these can vary in size. You may need anywhere from a 20′ to 40′ parking space.

What Documentation is Required?

You’ll need to bring in three documents when you come in and rent with us. A government issued ID like a driver’s license or passport, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Check with your insurance provider to see if your policy covers storing your RV in long term storage and bring in a copy.

Your Secure RV Storage Solution

Whether you need extra space to store your RV or HOA rules force you to find a place park we can help store your recreational vehicle. Many of our locations offer easy drive-in access along with secure gates, well-lit facilities, and security cameras to provide you with peace of mind. All of our spaces are perfect whether you need short or long term parking. You can reserve your parking space online for free for 7 days. No deposit or credit card required!