Store Your RV Right with These 7 Tips
Southern Utah has a lot of opportunities for outdoor adventure, and many individuals and families in this area love to take advantage of the gorgeous natural scenery with RVs. However, there are often entire seasons when RVs, trailers, and motorhomes may not be used. In these cases, storing your RV at a safe location like Airtight Storage is a great option to keep your RV safe, secure, and out of the way. Keep these seven tips in mind while preparing your RV for storage, so your RV will be clean and ready for adventure come spring.
RV Storage Tips
- Store in a safe storage lot.
If you’re opting not to keep your RV at home for space, safety, or convenience reasons, make sure to find a storage lot that works well for RV storage. The location you choose should be cleared of tall trees, grass, or weeds, since these could damage the exterior of your RV or allow insects or small animals to get inside more easily. Many storage lots, including Airtight Storage, have surveillance cameras, on-site managers, keypad access gates, and other security measures to give you peace of mind.
- Prepare your RV with a thorough cleaning.
It may seem counterintuitive to clean your RV when you won’t be using it for months, but preparing your RV with a good wash and wax will help it stay clean during storage, and you’ll have a lot less work to do when it comes time to take it out in the spring. Taking the time to apply a fresh layer of wax will also prevent your RV from being damaged by the sun and any inclement weather.
- Check all of the seams.
It’s extremely important to keep moisture out of your RV during storage since water damage can cause mold growth and other costly damage. It’s wise to do a once-over of all the silicone seams and rubber seals and ensure nothing is damaged, loose, or in need of new caulking.
- Ensure adequate ventilation.
Proper ventilation in your RV will mitigate the risk of water damage and mold growth. Increase airflow by keeping open any cabinet, fridge, or closet doors, and leave the roof vents open. You can purchase vent covers that allow the vents to stay open for months at a time without any snow, rain, or debris getting through.
- Power off electricity.
Before you store your RV, make sure the battery is fully charged. As long as it doesn’t get too cold, a fully charged battery should last until the next time you’re ready to take your RV out for an adventure. Next, use the battery disconnect switch to fully turn off the electrical system and disconnect all power sources. If you have solar power connected to your RV, leave that system on—this is a great way to keep your batteries topped off all winter long.
- Empty the plumbing system of water.
If you’re storing your RV in a location where it’s unlikely to freeze, you may not have to worry about this step. However, if temperatures will get cold, it’s important to empty your plumbing system so the pipes won’t freeze on a cold winter night. Be sure to add antifreeze to your tanks, pipes, and valves.
- Drop by occasionally to check on your RV.
It’s easy to park your RV somewhere for the winter and forget about it, but it’s a good idea to visit every once in a while to make sure that everything is as it should be. Visiting every once and a while will help you catch any issues before they become major problems. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or moisture.
Secure Storage in Cedar City, UT
Airtight Storage is located in Cedar City and Enoch, Utah, and has provided residents of Southern Utah with convenient and flexible storage for boats, ATVs, RVs, and other equipment since 1992. Our facilities boast top-of-the-line security systems, including on-site property managers, 24/7 video surveillance, and a keypad-access entry gate. Contact us today for more information or to store your RV in our secure storage facility today!
