If you use RV Storage in St. Albert or your RV has been unused for a while, it is important to perform the necessary maintenance outlined in your owner’s manual. It is also a good idea, before taking off for the weekend, to always do the pre-drive inspections and checks listed below.
Make the following checks before any trip:
Check the tire pressure and tread and look for any wear or cracking. If they need to be replaced, make an appointment to have them mounted and balanced.
Check your hitch to make sure it is functioning properly. You don't want your trailer passing you on a steep downward slope.
Take in your fire extinguishers to be checked and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Fill your propane tanks and check the connectors and hoses
Test all your electronics, in particular, external lights, windshield wipers and the horn
Top up all the fluids in your vehicle
Top up water supplies
When you are planning a vacation with your RV, you should spend some time practicing your RV driving skills. New RV drivers learn very quickly that driving a motorhome or pulling a travel trailer is nothing like driving a car.
Navigating parking spaces, gas stations, right turns, accelerating, braking and using only mirrors to see what's behind you, are just a few maneuvers that handle very differently from a car, SUV or pickup. Large open parking lots are a great place to practice.
Knowing how to properly drive your RV is not only important for comfort when operating it, it is also necessary for the safety of others and yourself.
Don't over pack your RV or trailer. You should never carry more weight than your RV or trailer is rated for. Make sure that you always stick to the legal weight limit for your specific RV.
Check before hand what the weight limits are for areas you will be driving through. These limits may vary from province to province or state to state. To minimize weight, consider only filling your water tank with fresh water you will need until you are closer to your destination, then you can top up your water supply.
Sometimes severe weather is inevitable and unexpected. Don't try to out-drive heavy rain, snow or wind. Pull over and wait things out, preferably at a rest stop or other designated areas. Your RV will protect you from the elements and you've packed indoor activities for your trip, just in case, to keep you and your family entertained.
If you are worried you will forget an important safety check or worried you will forget to pack something, consider making yourself an RV checklist.
Checklists are great as life can be busy and full of distractions. Having a checklist that you follow every time, before you take out your RV, will keep you safe, keep your RV in tip top shape and prevent the frustration of forgetting something important.
When your vacation is over and you are planning to park the RV for the season, it is time to consider putting your motorhome, recreational vehicle, travel trailer or fifth wheel into storage. Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to guide you in getting your RV ready for storage.
Drain all water from storage tanks and water lines.
Winterize your RV by running antifreeze through all water lines and pour some down all drains and toilets
Fill up the fuel tank to prevent any condensation from building up.
Thoroughly clean the RV inside and out. Consider waxing your RV to protect from sun damage and to keep dirt buildup down. A good coat of wax also makes it easier to clean your RV after storage.
Have a close look at all silicon seams, caulking and rubber seals. If anything is cracked or worn, repair it before putting your RV into storage. This will prevent any leaks and water damage from happening while in storage.
Close your window blinds to avoid sun exposure to upholstery, carpets and draperies. This is also a good security measure to prevent people from being able to see into your RV.
Inside your RV, Take all perishable and non-perishable food items out of the fridge and cupboards. Also, remove any toiletries. Anything that can freeze over the winter, can burst and cause a huge mess. You don’t want any surprises when it is time to take your RV out again.
Clean out and prop open the refrigerator and freezer doors to prevent any mold.
Always make sure to put out some bait stations to protect your RV from any pests while it is in storage.
At Elite Self Storage St. Albert, formerly Riel Park RV & Self Storage, we have a secured, fenced, paved lot for you to store your RV or motorhome. Our St Albert Storage facility is well lit with security cameras and mobile patrols. Give one of our storage rental experts a call to book your RV parking space now!
