Storing your RV in the summer isn’t as simple as just parking your RV and leaving. Proper steps need to be taken when storing your RV to make sure it is protected and remains in the same shape as you left it.
The elements can take a toll on not only the exterior, but interior of your RV as well. Follow these helpful storage tips to keep your RV in great condition and make your camping experience an enjoyable and stress free one.
Exterior Protection of your Stored RV
Interior Protection of your Stored RV
Protect your RV from Moisture
Insect and Rodent Protection
Mechanical Upkeep for your Recreational Vehicle
Use RV Storage in St. Albert
The exterior of your RV or travel trailer is constantly bombarded with the elements. Sun, rain, snow and heavy wind can cause a lot of damage to the exterior of your RV, especially over time. The paint can fade, rubber parts and seals can dry out and crack and the vinyl decals can crack and peal off. A deteriorated exterior of an RV is commonly one of the main reasons that it loses value.
Protecting the exterior of your RV should be a top priority. Keep it looking great and lasting for years to come.
First things first, completely wash down and clean the exterior of the RV. This will get rid of any dirt, dust, sand or salt that can start to erode the surface and seals of your RV. When it has been completely cleaned and dried, apply a layer of wax to add extra protection and seal the surface.
An RV cover is a great investment when it comes to protecting the exterior. Make sure to pick up an RV cover that is waterproof, breathable, has UV protection and fits properly. You don’t want it ripping or tearing off in heavy winds. These covers will keep weather from damaging your RV and keep it looking new for years to come.
Dirt, debris and other particles can build up it the arms of the awning and the awning itself. Make sure to completely clean this as well to prevent deterioration and the possibility of mold and mildew forming.
Close all the slide-outs to protect all seals and protect them from exposure to the elements.
Check over all seals on your RV from top to bottom. If you see any that are starting to crack or peal, repair these immediately. This will prevent the possibility of any leaks happening or insects from getting inside.
The sun can not only damage the exterior of your RV, it can also cause damage to the interior.
When storing your RV, make sure all windows are completely covered to prevent the sun from getting in and cracking or fading all of your wood, plastic and fabric finishes. If you own a motorhome, the windshield is especially important to cover. This will protect the dash from getting sun damaged and cracking.
Clean every surface inside your RV. You don’t want any bits of dirt or food being left behind and deteriorating the surfaces inside your RV. After everything has been cleaned and dried, apply leather or fabric conditioner to all materials, paying special attention to the dash. This will add another layer of protection to the interior of your RV from UV rays, dust and dirt.
Completely clean out the fridge and freezer. Put a box of baking soda in each to absorb any left over odors and prop the doors open for air flow. If the doors of your fridge and freezer are left closed while storing, mold and mildew can build up inside and then you will have to clean them all over again before they can be used.
All cabinet doors and drawers should also be left open to promote air circulation and prevent the build up of odors and humidity.
Place some charcoal in open containers throughout your RV. This will help greatly in absorbing any odors that may remain in your RV. Make sure to always have the charcoal in a container as it can stain surfaces.
Moisture is both good and bad when it comes to storing your RV. Not only do you want to make sure there isn’t too much moisture in your RV, but you also want to make sure there isn’t too little.
Putting some open containers of charcoal or silica gel throughout your trailer can help absorb extra moisture that is in the air.
If there is not enough moisture in the air of your RV, this can cause some of the wood surfaces to crack from drying out. If you don’t have enough moisture in your RV, simply place a large bucket of water in the center of your RV. This will slowly release much needed moisture into the air.
When storing your RV over the summer, be sure to drain all the holding tanks completely so mold, mildew and algae do not grow.
Leave all of your vents open, just a bit, so that air can flow through the RV, but not enough to let in any rain.
Insects and rodents may be small, but they can cause massive amounts of damage to your RV. Because of this, it is very important to take the proper precautions to prevent them from completely damaging your RV.
Always make sure your RV is completely clean inside. The smallest amount of crumbs can attract these nasty critters.
Put plugs in all sinks and cover all drains. Close the lid to your toilet as well.
Make sure that all the exterior vents in your RV are covered by screens.
Inspect your RV and fill any cracks or open areas with a foam sealant to prevent insects and rodents from entering. Pay special attention to all window and door frames.
Make sure all vents and pipes on the exterior of your RV are covered or plugged.
Some things that you can put throughout your RV that deter insects and rodents are dryer sheets, lavender scented items and Irish Spring soap shavings. Placing some mothballs under the hood, if you have a motorhome, will prevent rodents from building a nest in your engine.
Tires on an RV can take a beating. This is also true when they are sitting still for extended periods of time. The tires can develop flat spots. The best solution to this problem is to move your RV a little every month. If this is not an option, put a piece of plywood under each tire and make sure that it is large enough that no part of the tire is hanging over.
Completely wash and dry your tires to remove any debris that can cause the tire to deteriorate over time. Pick up some tire covers to protect your tires from the harmful UV rays.
To keep your RV batteries in the best condition possible, disconnect them and store them up off the floor in a cool, dry place. If you have a motorhome, you can also pay it a visit a few times a month to start it up. Let it run for a few minutes to recharge the battery.
Always ensure to put down your RV’s leveling jacks to take some of the weight off the tires.
Few people have the ability to store their RV at home. Renting an RV space at a self storage facility is the perfect solution to store your RV whenever you don’t have it out on the road.
Research the storage facility before storing to make sure it offers the proper features. You will want a secure facility and one that is paved is optimal. Rodents don’t like the pavement and you won’t ever have to worry about getting stuck in the mud.
At Riel Park RV & Self Storage, we offer RV storage on a fully paved lot. With fencing, great lighting, individual access code gated entry, security cameras and mobile security patrols, you can feel safe and secure storing your RV here.
The storage facility is plowed during the winter months so access to your RV is available year-round. Give one of our storage rental experts a call today at 780-459-6435, and rent or reserve your parking space now.
