The Top 10 Tips For RV Storage
from web site
Storing your RV is an important part of keeping it road-ready. Here are the top 10 tips for getting it ready for winter storage.
1. Wash and wax the exterior. Protecting your RV begins with a good powerwash to the exterior, followed by a careful waxing. This will keep the exterior safer from winter cracking and ice damage.
2. Examine all outer seals for possible leaks. Silicone seals can become damaged over the course of a summer, so make sure all of yours are in working order before you put it away for the winter. Visually inspect each seal by gently pulling it up and seeing that there's no way for water to get through.
3. Buy vent covers before the vehicle goes into RV storage. Ventilation is important to prevent mold from growing, but you want to make sure there's not enough ventilation to allow moisture in. Invest in good vent covers that keep water out, yet still allow for some venting throughout the winter.
4. Close most blinds and curtains. UV rays can do a lot of damage to your interior, so you want to ensure there's no direct sunlight beaming in. However, because mold and mildew grow in darkness, allow for some light to penetrate.
5. Protect against rodents. Rats, mice, squirrels and other critters can invade your RV camper during the cold, because it provides them with a warm and isolated spot. Deter them by making sure the vehicle is completely locked and sealed and also that there is no source of food on board.
6. Secure slide outs and awnings. Roll your awnings up before storing and make sure they're not coming down until you take them down next spring. Retracted slide outs mean less exposure to the elements and less chance of leaking.
7. Avoid any drain on your battery bank. Disconnect any type of power device, to make sure your battery isn't drained while the RV is in storage. If you have a main battery switch, simply turn it off on your way out.
8. Flush the tanks to avoid freezing. If the area you're storing your RV in is going to see temps drop below freezing, make certain there's no water in any tanks or pipes. Drain and flush thoroughly before hauling it away.
9. Chain your wheels for security. Many people feel more comfortable knowing their vehicle simply cannot be driven away, so you may sleep better at night over the winter months if your RV is secure in as many ways as possible. Besides traditional locks and a secure site, chain the wheels up as an added measure of protection.
10. Monitor your property in RV storage. A couple of times over the winter, go ahead and visit your RV. If possible, simply drive by it to make sure everything is status quo. If necessary, go inside the vehicle and check on things, but just make sure you have a way of keeping an eye on your property when least expected.
Start early and make a list of everything you need to do for your RV before it's stored away. Come spring, it'll be ready to go and you'll have little else to do besides enjoy it.
1. Wash and wax the exterior. Protecting your RV begins with a good powerwash to the exterior, followed by a careful waxing. This will keep the exterior safer from winter cracking and ice damage.
2. Examine all outer seals for possible leaks. Silicone seals can become damaged over the course of a summer, so make sure all of yours are in working order before you put it away for the winter. Visually inspect each seal by gently pulling it up and seeing that there's no way for water to get through.
3. Buy vent covers before the vehicle goes into RV storage. Ventilation is important to prevent mold from growing, but you want to make sure there's not enough ventilation to allow moisture in. Invest in good vent covers that keep water out, yet still allow for some venting throughout the winter.
4. Close most blinds and curtains. UV rays can do a lot of damage to your interior, so you want to ensure there's no direct sunlight beaming in. However, because mold and mildew grow in darkness, allow for some light to penetrate.
5. Protect against rodents. Rats, mice, squirrels and other critters can invade your RV camper during the cold, because it provides them with a warm and isolated spot. Deter them by making sure the vehicle is completely locked and sealed and also that there is no source of food on board.
6. Secure slide outs and awnings. Roll your awnings up before storing and make sure they're not coming down until you take them down next spring. Retracted slide outs mean less exposure to the elements and less chance of leaking.
7. Avoid any drain on your battery bank. Disconnect any type of power device, to make sure your battery isn't drained while the RV is in storage. If you have a main battery switch, simply turn it off on your way out.
8. Flush the tanks to avoid freezing. If the area you're storing your RV in is going to see temps drop below freezing, make certain there's no water in any tanks or pipes. Drain and flush thoroughly before hauling it away.
9. Chain your wheels for security. Many people feel more comfortable knowing their vehicle simply cannot be driven away, so you may sleep better at night over the winter months if your RV is secure in as many ways as possible. Besides traditional locks and a secure site, chain the wheels up as an added measure of protection.
10. Monitor your property in RV storage. A couple of times over the winter, go ahead and visit your RV. If possible, simply drive by it to make sure everything is status quo. If necessary, go inside the vehicle and check on things, but just make sure you have a way of keeping an eye on your property when least expected.
Start early and make a list of everything you need to do for your RV before it's stored away. Come spring, it'll be ready to go and you'll have little else to do besides enjoy it.
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