RV Storage Tips: How to Store an RV

For those who love to camp, RVs offer the ability to camp anywhere without sacrificing the creature comforts of home. From small 4x4 vehicles perfect for an off-road adventure to larger Class A motorhomes, RVs are designed to provide you with a place to sleep, cook, and relax as you explore new places.

However, in many cases, RVs are only used during a portion of the year. This is particularly true for those who live in colder climates where RV’ing is a seasonal event. In these places, RVs are often stored for the winter, only pulled back out for the warmer camping months.

If you need to store your RV for a portion of the year, it's important to follow a few key RV storage tips. The following guide will walk you through the best way to store an RV.

#1: Find the Best Place to Store Your RV

The first place to begin when storing an RV is by choosing the right location. Most RVs are too large to be stored in a standard garage, which is why owners often opt to store their RVs away from their residence.

Common choices for storing an RV include all of the following:

• RV Storage Lot: These are usually open air and simply offer you a parking space in a lot where your RV can be stored for long periods.
• Storage Facility: Many storage facilities offer RV storage options. This can either be an open-air parking spot, a covered space, or an oversized storage unit tall enough to accommodate the height of an RV.
• Carport: In some cases, RV owners will erect a carport on their property to store their RV under. This is a cheaper alternative than building an RV-sized garage and will offer some protection against the elements.

Whether you store your RV on your own property or at a storage facility, finding a safe, secure place to store your RV when it is not in use is key.

#2: Consider the Elements

When an RV is sitting unused, the RV can become damaged due to the elements. If your RV is not going to be stored in a garage or a storage unit, be sure you prepare it for the weather.

Purchasing an RV cover can go a long way in preventing the paint from being scratched or sun-damaged. This can also help prevent leaks from snow build-up or heavy rains.

While covering and uncovering your RV might feel like a chore, this simple step can prevent a lot of damage from ever occurring.

#3: Give It a Thorough Cleaning

While it might seem illogical to clean an RV right before putting it up for the season, a thorough cleaning will actually help to protect your vehicle.

A thorough cleaning should include all of the following:

• Exterior Wash: Cleaning off the outside of your RV will help to prevent corrosion and scratching. A clean surface will weather better during storage.
• Interior Cleaning: Be sure to sweep out your RV, wipe down every surface, clean out refrigerators, and deep clean the bathroom. Cleaning out the interior of your RV will prevent mold and mildew while it is in storage. This will also ensure that you aren’t greeted by a dirty, musty space full of creepy crawlers when you pull your RV back out of storage.

#4: Empty It Out

Before pulling your RV into storage, be sure you have emptied everything out of your RV. The following checklist can help ensure that you haven’t left anything in the RV that should be pulled out before storing it for the season:

• Food: Never leave any food in your RV during storage. Not only can food spoil, but it can also attract rodents and other pests you do not want wintering in your RV.
• Bedding: Bedding can get musty during storage. It is best to pull all of the bedding and pillows out of your RV to keep it fresh and clean.
• Paper products: Similar to food, paper products can attract pests to your RV. Remove toilet paper, paper towels, and any other paper that might look like bedding material to a rodent.
• Electronics: Unplug anything that might be a battery drain and bring in any electronics that can be removed from the RV. This will ensure that the electronics are not exposed to extreme temperatures and keep them safe from theft.

#5: Drain the Water

In most situations, an RV is stored during the cold months. When this is the case, winterizing the RV is a must.

One of the most important parts of winterizing your RV is draining out all the water. Drain water from tanks, hoses, and lines. Any water that is left in the RV can freeze and cause damage to the lines or tank.

#6: Lock It Up

While it might seem like it should go without saying, be sure that when you park your RV into its storage space, you lock it up. Lock the windows, doors, and any access points to the RV. This helps prevent intruders or unwanted guests from spending the winter in your rig.

If you plan to store it at a facility, be sure to ask about what their security measures are during the day and night. A reputable RV storage lot or storage facility should be equipped with cameras.

After pulling your RV into its storage space, ask if you can see that your RV is visible by the business’ camera feed. This can be a huge help if your RV is broken into for any reason.

Talk to the Experts at Transwest RV

Owning an RV gives you the freedom to explore without sacrificing the comfort of home. RVs come in a vast range of sizes with a variety of amenities. There is an RV to match any lifestyle from a simple place to sleep to a full home away from home.

If you are interested in purchasing an RV, come talk to our team at Transwest. We offer a quality inventory of new and used RVs ranging from small Class B options to large Class A RVs. Whether you are looking for an RV that can house the whole family or a small 4x4 van for backroad adventures, we are here to help you find the perfect fit for your camping needs.