What You Need To Know About Storing Your RV Long Term

RV storage is often necessary if you own a rig that you only use in the summer or part of the year. When the RV is not in use, there are some things that you need to do to ensure it will be ready to use later and stay in good condition while it is sitting.

Cover Your RV

Leaks can be a significant problem during RV storage. If the rig is sitting for long periods, a small leak in a seam along the roof can let water into the RV and cause damage to the interior wood and insulation. Mold and mildew can also form inside the walls or on surfaces that can cause damage to the unit that goes unnoticed for months at a time. 

When you return to the RV, you may find that the damage is so severe that some interior surfaces need removing to eradicate the mold and restore the damaged interior panels. RV storage that is covered or is inside a building can help reduce the possibility of mold and mildew. However, it is essential to check the unit often while it is in storage to ensure everything is alright inside the rig and catch problems early. 

If you can not get covered storage, placing a large tarp over the RV's roof will offer additional protection and does not require much time or expense. Lay the tarp over the entire top of the RV and secure it with rope, then check it occasionally for damage or rips that would let water through. 

Old Weather Storage

RV storage for cold weather comes with some additional challenges. The water and sewer system in your RV need protection from freezing temperatures, so if you are storing your RV outside through the winter, you may need to add some RV antifreeze to these systems. 

You should use an antifreeze that offers enough protection for the temperatures in your area, and the local RV dealer or an auto parts store can help you determine the right one for your system. The system will need to be flushed out in the spring before you can use it, or when you take the right out of RV storage. 

Winter storage also means batteries can get cold and run down while the rig is sitting, so installing a battery tender and plugging the system in will help keep the batteries warm and charged until you are ready to use them. Some larger RVs already have these systems built in, but you need to connect a shore power line to the RV for it to function. 

RV Security

Any RV storage area must be safe and secure, so the things in your RV will still be there when you return to the rig. If you are storing the RV at a lot or storage facility, ask about the security methods they use to protect your investment.

For more information on RV storage, contact a company like Apple Valley Self Storage.


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