An RV can connect you to the open road and make it easier to enjoy the outdoors. While owning an RV can be exciting, ownership does present some unique challenges. Many RV owners don't have room on their personal property to park an RV.
Whether you live in an apartment complex, condo community, or a home without a lot of land, you will need to put your RV in storage when it is not in use. Long-term storage can take a toll on the condition of your RV if you don't take the time to prepare the rig for an extended period of dormancy.
Seal Your RV
Modern recreational vehicles have an incredibly sturdy design. However, there are many cracks and crevices that pests could use to infiltrate your RV. This is especially true if your unit features slide-outs to expand the indoor living space.
Be sure that you check the seals around all windows, doors, storage compartments, and slides. Replace any seals that show signs of damage or wear to keep pests out. You should also install drain covers for all sinks, showers, and toilets in your RV so that pests cannot use the plumbing system to sneak into your RV while it is in storage.
Winterize Your RV
Even if you are placing your RV into long-term storage during the warm summer months, you should take the time to winterize your rig before you park it.
The winterizing process does more than protect against freezing pipes. Winterizing your RV can also serve as preventative maintenance to help eliminate any potential problems that might plague a dormant RV.
Drain all your holding tanks and disconnect electrical components. Remove any propane tanks, generators, or batteries from the RV before placing it into storage. This type of preparation will ensure that your RV is ready to function properly after a stint in long-term storage.
Cover Your RV
You should always keep your RV covered when it is not in use. Specialized covers can be purchased that are fitted specifically to your RV make and model. A cover will protect against the elements and prevent fading.
You should also cover the tires of the RV. Leaving the tires exposed to the sun continually can cause the rubber exterior of each tire to deteriorate. The tires will be more likely to crack or go flat if they are not covered while your RV is dormant.
Keep these tips in mind as you look for RV self-storage units for your RV.
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