moving with little notice

Owning an RV can be an excellent way to get away for vacations or do some traveling to see the country. But maintaining that RV or recreational vehicle does require some time. If you are going to store it for a while, there are some things you need to do before you lock the door and walk away for the season.

Finding a Storage Location

If you have a large RV, storing it in the driveway of your home may not work, and it may not be allowed if you live in an area managed by an HOA. Finding a place to store the RV may be critical, but many storage companies offer spaces for RVs on their lots.

Look for a lot that is secure and is monitored by camera or by a security person and has plenty of lighting so would-be thieves will be less likely to risk trying to get into the lot or your RV. The cost of storage may be a little higher in a lot like this, but the risk of damage or theft is lower, making it a better situation for storing your RV.

Look for a storage facility that also offers you easy access so you can get in access to the RV whenever you need to.

Prepare the RV for Storage

You must get the RV ready for storage before you put it away for the season. The water and sewage tanks need to be drained entirely so they do not freeze if the weather gets cold, and the pipes inside the RV should have antifreeze put in them to protect them from freezing as well. Make sure you use an RV water system antifreeze in the pipes that it is non-toxic.

Check the interior of the unit and take out any food that could attract animals or insects and clean the inside of the RV thoroughly. Cleaning it will also mean that the RV will be nearly ready to use when you are ready to take it out of storage later.

Check the engine oil, transmission fluid, and the air pressure in the tires before you park it so that you know everything is full should you need to run the engine or move the RV while it is in storage. It is also a good idea to disconnect the batteries while the unit is sitting, and some people recommend taking them out of the RV, putting a trickle charger or battery maintainer on them, and keeping them charged and ready for use.

Cover the roof of the RV with a large, high-quality tarp to ensure that water does not get into the RV. If it rains and if it snows, you should go and sweep the snow off the roof of the unit.

For more information, contact an RV storage service.