In the last year, a record-breaking 140,000 RVs sold in the first quarter alone.
Owning an RV is a way to get out and experience the world and have some adventure. The growing demand means that every year more people begin to own and take care of their own RV. For a new owner, RV storage tips can come in handy.
You never want to leave your RV out where it can become damaged or vandalized.
RV Storage Tips
When it comes to storing an RV, you may wonder, why is it necessary? The reality is that for most of us RVs serve little function during the winter. In fact, many RVs come without the necessary components for camping in cooler temperatures.
So they need to undergo winterizing so they are safe and secure.
When it comes to storing RVs there are two main things you should be aware of. First, how to store the RV in a safe and secure manner. Second, when should you store your RV?
1. Deep Clean
The very first of our RV storage tips is to deep clean the RV inside and out. This removes dirt, debris, grime, and even mold. Getting rid of this will leave the RV ready to begin next season with a bang.
Remove any throw rugs you may have and clean them. Vacuum the carpeting inside the RV. Open up all the drawers and make sure they are empty. Once they are, go back through and clean them inside and out.
The deep cleaning should extend to the outside of the RV. This will help make your RV look better and last longer which will help it maintain its value as well. Make sure to clean the exterior walls as well as the windows, so you’ll be able to enjoy the view next time you take the RV out.
2. Drain Fluids
One of the most important steps to winterizing your RV is removing the fluids. These fluids can all drain out of the plugs that exist in each tank. Follow the owner’s manual, some may have specific needs such as running the pump, etc.
This is all done so that freshwater can be brought in without contamination on your next trip. It also protects the RV from freezing weather which can damage the pipes inside the RV. Failure to drain the fluids out of your RV can lead to significant damage.
Other areas to make sure and drain include the black and gray water storage tanks. You don’t want to have to deal with the smell of an RV that wasn’t dumped before storage. Winterizing your camper will help you avoid all these problems.
3. Retract Slides
While the slides of our RV are nice and extend the internal living space, they represent a major weakness. This weakness can allow wind and water into the RV. They are also vulnerable to impact and pressure which can cause further damage.
Leaving the slides open can even result in accelerated rot and other major structural issues. This is because moisture and wind can invade through the structure of the RV. It never hurts to inspect the slides, making sure that they still close and that there are no cracks or holes.
The slide and motor mechanism which allows the slides to operate is delicate. You want to avoid any pressure, tension, or torsion to these areas. Make sure that your slides are in and secured so that you don’t have to deal with an expensive repair.
4. Select Storage Site
For a lot of people, there isn’t enough room on their home or property to store an RV. This is even worse when you have a very large or tall RV. Leaving an RV out, exposed to the elements can cause damage as well as leave it vulnerable to vandalism and theft.
You can alleviate much of these dangers by simply storing your RV in a secure facility. These facilities are often fenced, they can offer closed or open spaces for RVs. If the space is open, don’t forget to bring a heavy-duty tarp to cover the RV for further protection.
The covered storage options are often the very best, but you need to work within your budget. If possible go for the covered storage option, that way your RV is completely safe from inclement weather and even shielded from the cold.
When to Store the RV
You know the area you live in, so make sure to keep an eye out for the signs of winter. These are often changes in the temperature and for many of us, it means a lot more overcast days. This can also depend on the type of camper you have and if it is able to be used in winter.
For most campers and us, the best time to pack the RV up is after the last camping trip of the summer. You already have the camper up, you’re already going to be emptying the food and other items out of it. This makes it easier to continue with the last few steps and storage.
This is often in the later summer months, like August and September. For some, it is when children return to school in August or September. For others, it can be the signs of winter weather such as additional rain and cold temperatures.
Protect Your RV
The purpose of all of these RV storage tips is to make sure that your RV is as safe as possible and ready for you to use again. There are additional steps you can take, but the key points are to make sure that the RV is winterized and ready for the cold. If you take the appropriate measures to take care of your RV, it will last for years to come.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We provide more than just RV storage, we can even help you find a spot to store your boat or other recreational equipment.