Your RV is a loyal companion who’s always there for you. You spent all summer venturing through the wilderness and exploring every inch of the great unknown. When it comes time to store your RV, give your friend a comfortable setup in which to enjoy his long slumber. But first, follow these steps to prepare your RV for outdoor storage.
Wash it Out
You wouldn’t dream of leaving your family’s home or vehicle dirty for a year, so you shouldn’t let your motorhome get that way either. Start by cleaning the cockpit area, washing dirty dishes and wiping down engine surfaces. If you have a three-way refrigerator, it will need to be defrosted from the inside out to ensure nothing is accidentally left behind to rot while stored outdoors.
Prepare your RV for outdoor storage by using mild soap and clean water to take care of the exterior but the interior will require much more work. The interior of your RV can get pretty gross if you don’t take care of it. All those sticky, dusty surfaces are just waiting for some critters to move in.
Wash out any food remnants from your refrigerator, freezer and cabinets. Use a sponge and soapy water to wipe down all surfaces in the kitchen, including inside the ovens and stove top burners. Vacuum carpets and upholstery thoroughly with a brush attachment, then remove all debris from the vacuum bag or canister before storing it away.
Jack it Up
When you store your RV, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for tire pressure and to check it regularly. Keeping proper tire pressure will prolong the life of your tires, as well as make them safer to drive.
If you keep your RV parked for several months at a time, the tires will develop flat spots. The only option if this happens is to replace the tires in the spring. Use jacks and blocks to keep the pressure off your tires and prevent a costly replacement.
Use an RV Cover
RVs are built to last, but that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to the elements. A winter cover is designed to protect your RV from moisture, which can cause rust and rot.
Covers come in two main styles: breathable and non-breathable. Breathable covers allow air to circulate through them. They’re typically made with fabric that lets water vapor pass through while keeping dust and dirt out of the interior of your RV. Non-breathable covers aren’t as effective at stopping water vapor but are better at keeping out dust and dirt.
If you live in an area where it doesn’t get very cold or snow a lot, then a breathable cover will be sufficient most of the year. If you live in an area with heavy winter precipitation or low temperatures, however, go ahead and spring for a non-breathable cover instead.
Take the Battery Out
The battery should be removed before storing an RV. The battery will discharge over time, and leaving it connected could cause damage to other electrical components. Even if you don’t plan on driving your RV until spring, it’s better to take the battery out now than wait until spring when it’s too late.
Don’t store the battery under a seat or inside the vehicle; instead, place it in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and heat sources.
Use Fuel Stabilizer
When you store your RV for the season, you want to make sure that it’s protected from moisture and other damaging elements. The best way to do this is by using fuel stabilizer. This additive keeps fuel from turning into gum and protects sensitive components like carburetors and fuel lines. It also prevents corrosion in the tank, which can cause leaks over time.
Clean Your Tank
If you have never drained your holding tank before storing your RV, now is the perfect time to do it! The less water that is in there when you park it for the winter, the better off you will be come springtime when you’re ready to hit the road again. You’ll need a garden hose and some liquid dish soap (not detergent) or an RV waste treatment system to drain out all of that nasty stuff from inside the tank. If there isn’t enough solid waste left in there after draining it out, then use a toilet brush (or similar).
Hopefully, this article on how to prepare your RV for outdoor storage has provided you some helpful ideas. While it might not always be easy to get everything done that you’d like to have ready for storage, it’s still important to consider your insurance policies, make sure all your maintenance is up-to-date and take steps to make sure you do the best job possible on keeping your RV in good shape.