Things To Consider When Storing Your RV For The Winter Months

If you own an RV, you need to have safe and secure storage for it over the winter months or time you are not going to be using it. Parking it in the driveway and letting it sit is not good for the unit and can cause damage critical parts of the vehicle. Taking the time to prepare the RV for storage and finding a place to put it is important if you want to keep it in the best condition possible and have it ready to use when the weather is right to take to the road for vacation.

Winterizing or Just Storing Your RV

When it comes to storing your RV, you may need to take cold weather into consideration. If you live in a cold climate, you need to address the water and sewer systems in the RV before you park it for the season. Water systems that are left full can freeze and damage the plumbing in the unit. A water system that has damage from freezing can cause the most damage after the weather warms up and the ice has melted. The water leaking from a damaged pipe can cause damage to the inside of the RV that can be very costly. Take the time to fill the system with an approved antifreeze before you store it so you don't start the season repairing walls, floors, or furnishings inside your RV.

Disconnecting Electrical Systems

Another thing that you may want to consider is disconnecting the batteries and removing them from your RV. If the unit is going to site for a long period of time, you can take the batteries out and place them on a trickle charger that will maintain them over the offseason. The batteries will be charged and ready for use when the time comes to reinstall them and there is a far less chance of a fire in an RV that has no power while it sits in storage.

Preventing Tire Damage or Rot

The tires on your RV can be damaged from sitting if you are storing it long term. The weight of the unit on one spot can cause flat-spotting, damage to the cords in the tires, and exposure to the elements can cause dry rot to the side walls. Storing the RV on jacks or supports so that the weight is not on the tires is a better solution. The tire should also be covered to keep the weather off them and if you can coat them with a tire conditioner before you put the covers on, it can help protect those sidewalls from damage.

Contact an RV storage company for more information and assistance.