After a long travel adventure with your RV, it will always need a "safe zone" to rest. It's a long-term insurance policy for the next camping cruise. Whether it's raining or wintering, it won't perform at its best without careful care and attention.
What we can do to help you is provide 12 tips for RV storage. This includes where to store it and how to store it. Come follow our lead and learn before you're ready to give it a rest.
1. Storing Your RV Wisely
RV storage necessarily requires a large and spacious space. If cost is the first concern, storing your RV at home is a wise choice, where you can clean and care for it as you wish.
If you choose to store your RV in a park or RV storage lot, the cost is about $100 to $500/month. The advantage is that you can find an ideal environment for your RV with great amenities, away from direct sunlight, rain, snow and external temperature extremes. And you'll get the appropriate RV repairs and maintenance, a two-for-one approach, but the bigger your RV, the more money you'll end up shelling out, so you'll have to be prepared to pay a single fee with determination.
2. Do a Deep Clean
Making sure your RV is clean and tidy before making sure it's stored properly is one of the most important prerequisites. Waxing your RV after removing dirt from it will further prevent dust from accumulating during storage; check if you need to seal the gaps with sealant or try placing some mothballs in the bowls inside your RV, thus preventing any bugs or animals from entering your RV through the gaps.
Cleaning the interior of your RV should not be neglected either. Use your vacuum cleaner to clean the dust from your home and any corners, as more dust will inevitably be generated during storage.
3. Keep the Air Flowing
Keep the roof vents open for air flowing to avoid mold and odor. This will ensure that the next time you start to use it, you will not enter a space with moisture and will not face any moldy smell.
4. Retract All Slides
If you plan to store your RV for a long time, make sure that all slides are retracted for storage to protect it from outside elements. And make sure to clean the mechanical parts of the top and bottom of the RV.
5. Drain The Fluids
If you want to prepare your RV for winter, remember to drain all fluids from all pipes, including the water heater tank. You can also add a little antifreeze to the pipes, valves, drain "P" traps, and a little to each sump tank will help ensure you don't have leaks and broken pipes or hoses.
6. Power off
If storing your RV for more than 3 weeks, remember to completely disconnect your RV battery, because even with the battery disconnected, the battery will lose its charge after 6 months. So when storing your RV, make sure the battery is fully charged and disconnect the switch to turn off all power.
7. Care for Your Tires
The weight of your RV can put a lot of pressure on your tires when you leave it for a long time. There is nothing worse than preventing a flat tire. Before storing, do a good job of cleaning your tires. We recommend using an RV tire cover, which will keep the tires out of direct sunlight and keep them in top condition. Another tip is that placing the RV on a balancing block can relieve some of the pressure or ensure that the tires are properly inflated.
8. Use RV Cover
We recommend using an RV cover is a wise choice whether you are storing indoors or outdoors. RV covers are very protective, not only against UV exposure and water, but they will also prevent the RV from aging. With the shelter of an RV cover, the RV will last longer and will maintain its facilities properly, making it a worthwhile long-term investment in insurance. When you use your RV again, you will be thankful that you used an RV cover, as it keeps it safe from the natural elements.
9. Cover Up Inside
In addition to protecting the exterior of your RV, the interior needs attention as well. Place a cover cloth over all the furniture to avoid the accumulation of dust, dirt and damage from pests. You won't have to worry about cleaning before the next use.
10. Winterize Your RV
Winterizing your RV can be tough for people and vehicles alike, and it's worth the time and effort to take good advice and effective tips to protect your RV so that it runs properly and stays in top condition. Follow these tips and implement them!
