You’ve traveled around the country to some new states. You’ve seen the sights you’ve always wanted to see. You visited some of the coolest national parks and national forests around the country.
But now it’s almost winter, the wild animals are hibernating, and the trees are losing their leaves. It is time to store the RV.
What do you need to do to prepare? What are the right steps to RV storage for winter?
Keep reading for RV storage tips that will make sure your RV is ready for winter storage! Be sure not to skip one!
Empty Everything from the Recreational Vehicle
There are tons of nooks and crannies in your RV, many of which you may forget about when it comes time to store it.
However, the last thing you want to do is forget about these areas! Before storing your RV, you need to make sure you get everything out of it.
You want to make sure the sweets are gone so bugs don’t get in. You’ll want to get rid of your valuables so you have them with you at all times. And, of course, you’ll want to clean out the fridge as well.
Be sure to go through and do a deep cleaning before putting the RV into storage as well to make sure there is no residue on the counters, in the cabinets, or on the ground.
Make Sure to Get an RV Cover
Much like boats that are at a marina in storage or cars that aren’t used often but sit outside or in the garage for long periods of time, there is a way to go about proper RV storage.
One tip to do this is to get an RV cover. These covers will help prevent damage during the winter from any residue or dirt that freezes onto the RV. They will also make sure that no sneaky creatures crawl into your RV through small cracks or holes!
There are also RV covers that look a bit different – like more of a garage. This can help protect the RV from snow or other weather elements. It can also help keep it out of the damaging sun rays.
Remove the Batteries
Before you put your RV into storage, you must remove the batteries. If a battery freezes and cracks, you’ll be out a lot of money, time, and effort. To store the batteries, it is best to take them out and store them separately from the RV itself.
To properly store the batteries, you can buy a charger to make sure they stay adequately charged while in storage. When you store them, be sure the batteries are in a cool and dry place to keep them in the best shape possible.
Park the RV in a Level Spot
If your RV is not properly stored or is not level when it is stored, you can damage part of the recreational vehicle.
There are several ways you can make sure it is level. One is to remove the tires entirely and store them separately. However, that may be more work than you need to do.
You can also just crank up the RV so the tires are not on the ground so that you don’t have to worry about extra pressure. Blocks and chocks are also useful to make the RV level.
Rent a Storage Unit
Based on your RV storage budget, you’ll have to look around for a storage unit that suits your needs.
You also want to make sure that the storage unit is clean and secure. Checking reviews is a great way to do this.
Empty the Water Lines and Pipes
Failure to empty the water lines in your RV can cause the pipes to freeze and burst while in storage. Before you store the RV, make sure that all pipes are clear of any water.
You can also add antifreeze into the pipes for extra protection.
Fill the Fuel Tanks
Filling the fuel tanks of your RV may not be the first thing you think of when it comes time to store it for winter. However, filling the fuel tank will ensure that no rust forms in the tank.
If you are close enough to the storage of your RV, it is beneficial to run the RV for a few minutes each month. This just ensures that the fuel and oils aren’t freezing in the RV so that it maintains its optimal conditions for when you use it again.
Do Not Park in Grass, Sand, or Dirt
When storing your RV, avoid parking in grass, sand, or dirt. The RV can sink into the ground if it is resting there for a while, which will make it difficult to move when spring rolls around.
These surfaces are also not level, which can affect the tires of the RV. Sand and dirt can also damage the exterior of the RV.
Because of this, proper storage is the best route – that means parking on level ground like concrete!
Use These RV Storage Tips
If it’s your first winter with your RV, you may not think about what steps need to be taken in order to get your RV into storage.
However, RV storage is a lot more than just putting the RV into a storage unit. You have to go through the steps of proper RV storage to maintain the integrity of the recreational vehicle.
When you’re ready to store your RV, contact us and we’ll help you pick the right storage for it!