Tips For Safely Storing Your RV For Several Months Or More
If your RV didn't come cheap and it's an important part of your downtime and vacation adventures, you'll want to protect your investment even when you're not using it. During times when you're not traveling in your RV, such as throughout the winter, store it in an RV storage unit to keep it looking and performing its best.
While you could just keep your RV on your property when it's not in use, it will be subjected to the elements, such as wind, rain, sleet, ice and snow, and possibly a theft target. Unless your personal garage is large enough to store the RV, a storage space will be worth the money. Prior to storing the vehicle, it's important to take the time to prepare it properly.
Here are some tips for safely storing your RV for several months or more:
1. Clean the Vehicle
Be sure to thoroughly clean the RV, inside and out, before storing it. Wash the outside by wiping it down with a mixture of warm water and a grease-fighting dish soap. Rub the RV down with a soft cloth, focusing on any especially dirty spots, and then rinse it clean with water from your hose.
Next, treat the exterior to a coat of wax to protect it from dirt and grime build-up. The wax coating will also make it easier to remove any dust that accumulates on the RV during storage.
It's also important to scrub down the interior of the RV to prevent mold and mildew from forming, and pests, such as rodents and cockroaches, from moving in. Clean out kitchen cabinets. the refrigerator, the toilet, and sinks.
Vacuum carpeting and rugs, as well as any cloth seats, to remove all food crumbs. If you are storing any pots and pans, dishes or silverware in the RV, make sure that they are clean as well.
2. Keep the RV Ventilated
Another way to prevent mold and mildew from growing inside the RV during storage is by providing adequate ventilation. Leave any vents, such as on the rooftop, open to encourage air flow throughout the vehicle.
Also, thoroughly dry any wet areas, such as ceiling leaks, carpeting or fabric prior to placing the RV into storage.
3. Protect the Tires
If you don't store your RV properly, you may find that its tires are flat when you remove the vehicle from storage. Wash the tires to remove any grease and oil build-up, and remove any heavy, unneeded objects from the vehicle to reduce weight on the tires.
If you can, choose a storage unit with climate control so that the RV's tires aren't exposed to extreme heat or cold, and move the vehicle once a month if possible to redistribute the weight. If you/re interested, click the link for additional reading.
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