Indoor Storage >
Storage Tips > 9 Tips on Preparing Your RV for Indoor Storage
9 Tips on Preparing Your RV for Indoor Storage
Indoor storage for your RV is the optimal solution, especially if you live in harsh winter weather locales. In Orange and Riverside Counties in California, though the weather is mostly mild in the wintertime, there still exist several risks for your RV, including UV exposure and other debilitating natural elements.
Before arranging for indoor storage, be sure to measure your RV so you'll know exactly how much space you need--and arrange your indoor storage rental space well in advance of when you need it to insure that you do get a spot.
Prepping your RV for indoor storage is much like preparing it for outdoor storage, except that you'll have more protection and security at an indoor storage facility.
Here are some important steps to take:
- Remove all perishable food and other substances from inside your RV.
- Shut down the refrigerator, give it a good cleaning, and prop the doors open slightly.
- Close the LP gas tank valve(s).
- Retract all slide-outs and retrace and stow any awnings.
- Clean the outside of the vehicle thoroughly, starting on the top and working your way down and around the exterior. This will help prevent mold, mildew and rust from forming.
- Empty all water tanks, pipes, and if possible flush everything. (Some people recommending just changing to antifreeze, but you can't do this for systems serving human consumption.)
- Protect against insect and rodent infestation by closing all windows securely and stuffing balls of steel wool in any opening, especially including the exhaust pipes. Remember that rats and mice have the ability to squeeze through almost paper-thin crevices.
- Remove the RV's battery, or batteries, to preserve the life of the unit(s).
- Some owners recommend that you jack the vehicle up to remove pressure and strain from the tires and shock system, but most good tires are capable of withstanding cracking from long indoor storage periods. Your call.
Follow these steps as your stow your RV away for the winter at an indoor storage facility, and come spring when you want to use it again, and it'll be in great shape, regardless of where you live in the United States.