The cold winter months signal the end of the traditional recreational vehicle (RV) travel season. How do you prepare your RV for storage (inside or outside) for the winter? We have some helpful tips for you in making sure your RV is properly and safely stored for long-term period of
time.
Taking proper steps to ensure your vehicle is prepped for being parked over the winter can give you peace of mind knowing it will be ready to go for the Spring travel season. At Macho Self Storage, we realize that many RV enthusiasts treat their RVs as if they were second homes. We also realize that many of you spend a great deal of money on your RVs and therefore want to ensure they are safe and secure when parked in storage.
Well, you’ve come to the right place! At Macho Self Storage, we take security seriously. Our facility has 24-hour surveillance, an onsite manager, gated entrance and a secure fence surrounding our property. Parking spots are generously sized and are easy navigating in and out.
Here are important steps to take when bringing your RV to us for winter storage:
CLEAN INTERIOR OF RV
Doing a thorough cleaning of the interior of your vehicle can prevent rodents and other pests from getting inside the RV. Be sure to clean out the refrigerator and cabinets of all food, trash, linens and other items. Unplug all appliances inside the RV. It is also a good idea to do a good cleaning of all counter surfaces and appliances with disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner. Do the same for the floors throughout the RV.
Once completed with your interior cleaning, leave the doors of cabinets and appliances slightly open. For vents to the outside of the vehicle, it is a good idea to cover roof and appliance vents once the gas is shut off. Be sure to check the underside of your RV to make sure there are no cracks or openings that might allow pests or insects to get inside the vehicle.
DRAIN THE WATER SYSTEM
Storing your RV for the winter is a good time to empty all the fresh and wastewater from the system at a convenient dumping station. This helps prevent stagnate water from developing, and that situation can cause pollution in the pipes and an unwelcome odor throughout the RV when you get ready to travel in the spring. If you plan to drain the water heater, you may need special equipment or refer to specific processes for that
procedure or get help from an RV professional. Finally, after draining the water system, turn off the water pump and drain lines.
ENGINE PREP
It is recommended to stabilize the gasoline remaining in your camper to help protect the engine. Over the winter, the consistency of gas can deteriorate and turn into sticky resin deposits that might damage the engine. Adding fuel stabilizer to the tank can prevent those
deposits from building up. Be sure to follow the stabilizer use product directions before topping off the tank with gas. Start the engine and generator and allow to run for several minutes to allow the stabilizer to distribute throughout the entire fuel system.
PREPPING RV EXTERIOR
Now to the exterior of your RV. Proper care of the outside of your vehicle over the winter will help the RV endure normal wear and tear through the cold months until your spring travel opportunities return. Take a walk around the vehicle and inspect all the tires, roof, windows, doors, and access panels. If you detect any cracks or seams that need sealing, this is a good time to caulk those, using the correct type for your RV. Inflate tires to the manufacturer maximum pressure, and you might consider using some sort of plywood blocks under each tire to keep the rubber off the ground. Place tire chocks behind the tires to prevent unexpected movement of the RV.
RV COVERS
Consideration can be given to covers for your RV storage. This is a very important winter storage item if you elect to place your RV in an outside storage spot. The extra investment in the cost of a custom RV cover to precisely fit your RV would be worth considering. Covers help seal off moisture between the cover and your motorhome. When fitted correctly, RV covers will protect against UV rays, weathering, animal droppings,
tree sap, cold weather, and more. You can also consider RV skirting, which provides insulation and protection for the underside of your RV.
WHAT ABOUT TIRE COVERS?
If you are storing your RV in an outdoors space, perhaps you will want to invest in tire covers. Remove all dirt and debris from the tires and wheels and place the tire covers over the tires. This helps protect from extended exposure to frost and ultraviolet rays that can damage your tires.
WINTER CHECK-INS
It is a good idea to stop by your storage space throughout the winter to check on your RV. Periodic inspections of your vehicle can ensure the RV is properly secured and prepped to be ready to go once the spring and summer travel seasons return. Macho Self Storage offers Indoor and Outdoor Carport parking spaces for RV
