Posted on: October 22, 2020 | by: Chloe Moore
RV Tips and Hacks for Winter Storage
Even in Texas and Louisiana, there comes a time to put your RV away for a little while. Even if the weather is still to your liking, holidays are coming up, so it’s the perfect time to take a break and enjoy the company of your family. Before you put it in storage, though, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure your RV will be ready again when the warmer weather hits.
7 RV Storage Tips and Tricks
Below are a few tips to help you get your RV ready for winter storage.
- Drain any water.
If any water is left in the plumbing system of your RV, it can freeze, causing damage to break fittings and lines which can be expensive to repair and replace. Depending on your RV’s plumbing complexity, you may be able to handle the winterization on your own. You’ll need to drain the fresh water and waste tanks, any water from the pipes and adding antifreeze (nontoxic) through the whole system. Of course, if you don’t feel like you can do this on your own, you can bring it to a service center to have a professional take care of it for you.
- Preparing the exterior of the RV.
Inspect the outside of the RV. Check for any cracks or holes on the roof, sidewalls, windows, doors, seams and access panels. If you spot anything, reseal or re-caulk it — but check with your dealer first. Resealing will help prevent water from seeping into the frame of the RV and causing issues in the spring, but you want to make sure you chose the right sealant. It needs to set right so your RV isn’t susceptible to damage.
- Cover the RV.
If you plan to keep your RV outside, you’ll want to invest in a good cover that’s made specifically for an RV. This will help to protect it from the elements, including UV rays from the sun which can damage the paint. You will, however, want to avoid plastic tarps as they can trap moisture as well as cause damage from flapping in the wind. Your other option is to choose RV winter storage with a storage facility.
- Cover the tires.
The paint of the RV isn’t the only part that can be damaged by the sun. Put protective coverings on your tires and be sure to inflate them to the proper pressure.
- Protect the batteries.
Before you put your RV away for the winter, you should disconnect the batteries and store them separately in a cool, dry place. It will help to slow the loss of charge as your RV is in storage. You’ll still want to check the charge of the battery every month or so and charge them as needed – a fully charged battery is less likely to charge.
- Add fuel stabilizer.
To keep the gas in the tank from going bad, add in a fuel stabilizer. Do this first before filling the rest of the tank with gas. Then start the engine and generator and let them run for a few minutes to let the stabilizer work its way through the whole fuel system. You may also want to change the oil and oil filters as the acids in old oil can result in corrosion.
- Make sure the critters stay out.
Animals looking for a warm winter home may find your RV inviting if it sits outside. To discourage any mice or squirrels from moving in, clean out the refrigerator, freezer and cupboards, and give the countertops and floor a good scrub. Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors open, and place baking soda inside to absorb any excess moisture. As an extra precaution, you may want to place various traps in and around the RV.
Choose RV Winter Storage with Find Self Storage
One of the best ways to keep your RV in good condition over the winter months is to put it into RV storage with Find Self Storage. We provide 24-hour camera surveillance, so you can feel secure knowing your vehicle is being watched over at all hours. If you want an extra layer of protection, we also offer storage unit insurance.
Park your RV at one of our storage facilities in Louisiana or Texas!