Best tips for storing your RV (and keep it safe)

A recreational vehicle is your home away from home. Since they are quite expensive, they are considered as investments. 

Best tips for storing your RV

Because you have invested money when you acquired a recreational vehicle, then you must know how to take care of it. Proper storage is one thing which will keep your recreational vehicle in tip-top shape even when not in use.

The time has now come for you to put your recreational vehicle away. But when you do, make sure store it properly.

How To Store Your Recreational Vehicle

Proper storage of your recreational vehicle is essential to preserve it and not cause damage to it. If you store your recreational vehicle properly, you are assured that it will be in good shape and ready for use when you decide to use it again.

A Good Wash And Check All Seals

It is very important that before you put your recreational vehicle in a storage, or before you store it in your property, make sure to give it a good wash. Make sure that it is totally clean. Dirt and other elements may damage it while in storage if it is not cleaned properly. Waxing will help keep dirt from building up while it is in storage.

Check all the seals. See if there are leaks or cracks. You need to repair or change them before you put your recreational vehicle in storage. Changing and repairing the seals will protect your recreational vehicle from deteriorating while in storage.

Cover Your Recreational Vehicle

It is advisable to put covering on your recreational vehicle. But when you do, see to it that the material of the covering is breathable. Meaning, although your recreational vehicle is covered, it needs to be properly ventilated. This will avoid moisture.

Moisture can lead to molds and bacteria which will give your recreational vehicle an unpleasant smell when you uncover it. One way to make sure moisture will not form is to keep your recreational vehicle covered, but keep its roof ventilation open.

Allow Daylight To Go In

Closing all your blinds and curtains will make your recreational vehicle’s interior dark and cold. If a small amount of moisture or water, for that matter, finds its way inside your recreational vehicle, It will cause dampness. Molds and unwanted odor may form, making your recreational vehicle look and smell unclean.

The Power Supply

Turning off all of your recreational vehicle’s power supply is also important. But make sure to have a way to charge your batteries every once in a while. Your battery must be fully charged when you store your recreational vehicle. You will not have trouble with an empty battery when the time comes for you to take out your recreational vehicle from storage.

Drain All The Tanks

Draining all the tanks of your recreational vehicle before storing it away is also a “must do”. It is also necessary for you to pump in anti-freeze so the pipes and tanks of your recreational vehicle will not freeze during cold weather.

Keep Your Recreational Vehicle Secure

Securing your recreational vehicle while it is in storage is also important. There are recreational vehicle owners who use different kinds of locks on their vehicles to make it secure.

There are some storage yards for recreational vehicles who provide good security for your recreational vehicles. If your recreational vehicle is properly secured, it will not be an easy target for thieves and burglars.

Store Your Tires Properly

Proper storage of your recreational vehicle can also mean proper storage of your tires. If your recreational vehicle is stored properly, its tires are protected. See to it that your recreational vehicle is stored in a cool, dry place.

Remove as much weight as possible from your recreational vehicle so the tires will not have to bear much of it. It must also be moved at least every three months so the tires will not crack. But do not move it when the weather is very cold.

WHERE SHOULD YOU STORE YOUR RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Where to store you recreational vehicles is a very important factor to consider. There are several places where you can store your recreational vehicles. It depends on its size and the availability of a place for its storage.

Recreational Vehicle Storage Areas

There are places where a recreational vehicle storage area or lot is available. If your garage or property, for that matter, is not that spacious enough to accommodate your recreational vehicle, then this special storage facility is for you.

Of course, this facility is not free, you need to pay a certain amount on a monthly basis as fee. If you use this facility, then you are assured of security for your recreational vehicle. It is usually part of the deal for these storage facilities to keep your recreational vehicle secure while it is under their care.

Your Backyard Or Driveway

If your recreational vehicle is not that big, then probably you can store it either on your backyard or driveway. There are advantages and disadvantages when you do this, though. This move will not cost you anything.  You do not have to pay for monthly rent on Recreational vehicle storage spaces because you are using your own property.

For the disadvantages, though, if you are living in an area where houses are close to each other, there might be a problem with your neighbors. They might consider it an eyesore and you might have trouble with the homeowners’ association.

It is also not a safe move for your recreational vehicle. Since you will be putting it outside, you will be exposing it to all kinds of weather conditions. This will cause damage to your recreational vehicle.

Then there is the question of security. You are making your recreational vehicle prone to thieves and burglars.

At Indoor Recreational Vehicle Storage

An indoor storage facility may be an expensive option. But this will ensure you that your recreational vehicle will be taken cared of properly and that it will be secure. So whatever amount you might be paying for its storage is worth it.

Since your recreational vehicle will be stored properly, even though you will be paying for the storage of your recreational vehicle, you will have a lot of savings on repairs when the time comes for you to use your recreational vehicle again.

The problem with indoor recreational vehicle storage, though is they are not common. Meaning, they are hard to find. You will be lucky if you find one within your area.

Outdoor Storage Facilities

Outdoor storage facilities for recreational vehicles are the most common. But this is only good for short-term storage. As it is outdoor, your recreational vehicle will not be covered. It will be exposed to all kinds of weather conditions. This is not good for your recreational vehicle.

Exposing your recreational vehicle to all kinds of the elements of nature may cause damage to it. Yes, you will be saving on storage fees, but you will be spending more on repairs on the damages exposure can cause to your recreational vehicle.

Things To Take Into Consideration Before Storing Your Recreational Vehicle

Before putting your recreational vehicle in storage, you need to take several thing into consideration. First, plan on how long you will be keeping your recreational vehicle in storage. Knowing how long you will be keeping your recreational vehicle in a storage facility will help you make necessary preparations for it.

While you are away, will somebody be able to check your stored recreational vehicle for you? What about the weather conditions? How is the weather in the storage facility? These factors will help you prepare for whatever situation may arise while your recreational vehicle is on storage.

IN SUMMARY

To summarize this article, here are some of the important points which you need to remember when outing your recreational vehicle in storage:

  • Clean your recreational vehicle thoroughly and wax it before putting it in storage.
  • Drain all tanks.
  • Clean the interior of your recreational vehicle.
  • Check for leaks and make sure the seals are okay.
  • Have an oil change and remove the battery.
  • As much as possible, keep your recreational vehicle in a covered storage facility to keep it safe and protected.

Having a recreational vehicle is a luxury that some people may not be able to afford. If you are one of the lucky ones who happen to own one, then it is only proper that you take care of it and appreciate its worth.

Since a recreational vehicle may be considered as an investment, treat it as you do with your other investments. Take care of it, know the proper ways of maintaining it, and be a responsible recreational vehicle owner.

Remember that not everybody is as lucky as you are by having the opportunity of owning a recreational vehicle at your convenience.

With all these tips being said and shared with you, make sure you follow them properly. And have fun the next time you decide to use your recreational vehicle again.

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