5 Things Not to Do When Storing an RV
An RV is a major investment, allowing you to experience different parts of the country on your own time. The point of storing your RV is to keep it in a safe, secure place where you can retrieve it when you’re ready to take a trip. Of course, while it’s in storage, you’ll want it to remain in the best condition possible. Time and weather take their toll, but that doesn’t even need to be noticeable if you take the right precautions before parking your rig with us.
Here are the five biggest issues to avoid when storing your ride with RV Storage Depot.
Don’t Store Your RV Dirty
Dirt and other grime aren’t good for the surface of anything, and just because your RV is tough and shiny doesn’t mean it’s protected. Over time this sort of soiling can eat away at your vehicle’s paint and even metal parts. At the very least, you can expect it to leave scratches.
Wash your RV well before you bring it to storage. You can do this at home or at a self-service car wash. Of course, you’ll want to avoid drive-thru car washes, which are too small for such a large vehicle. Once your RV is clean, we recommend waxing it, especially if you plan to store it in an outdoor or partially covered space.
Don’t Leave Food or Moisture In the Cab
Yes, you’ll want to clean out the interior of your RV, too. Wipe down surfaces, swept and vacuum, and make sure there are no moist areas or food particles. Both can attract pests and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. You don’t want to return to your RV to find that rodents have chewed on the upholstery or to discover an unpleasant odor. While you’re at it, remove personal belongings. You can always bring those with you on your next trip.
Speaking of keeping the interior smelling nice, one thing that can help keep the air flowing is to keep the top vents open. Before you do, however, get good RV vent covers that will keep out rain and pests, but allow in the fresh air.
Don’t Block the Light
With your personal belongings out and the cab clean, there’s little reason to close the nightshades. In fact, if any moisture does get inside your RV despite your best efforts, darkness will allow mold to grow, but light coming through those shades will help prevent that. If you keep your RV in an outdoor or partially covered space, some sunlight entering the vehicle is actually helpful.
Don’t Leave Openings Unprotected
Your RV has quite a few openings you might not think of, and many are ideal passageways for rodents and insects. We already talked about covering the top vents properly. YOu’ll also want to protect the refrigerator vent and panel, the furnace exhaust, the air intake piping, and the engine exhaust pipe.
Check your manual for suggestions on how to protect them. We can say, though, that some steel wool in the tailpipe will keep rodents out, and a few bowls of mothballs in the cab, near where some of the openings lead, can help, too, as rodents hate the smell.
While you’re at it, check for any damages to seams and seals. Some may need silicone sealant or caulking.
Don’t Forget to Winterize
This is the big one. In areas of the U.S. and Canada where it gets especially cold, it’s critical to winterize your RV at the end of autumn. This is a big process that you can do yourself or hire a professional to take care of.
Make sure it gets done before you drop your vehicle off in storage. Or, if it’s already here, get it winterized before the freezing weather rolls in. Cold damage to an RV can be severe. Pipes burst, water heaters crack open, and even the exterior shell can take various types of damage.
Follow these tips and your RV should be in great shape when you’re ready for a well-deserved vacation.
