If you’re like most people, you only use your RV a few times a year. When it’s not in use, you might not have the space to store it at home, or you might be worried about leaving it out in the open where it could be damaged by bad weather. That’s why covered RV storage is such a popular option! You can keep your RV safe and protected from the elements while still having easy access to it.
But even if you choose to store your RV in a covered facility, there are still some things you need to do to keep it in good condition. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five tips for maintaining your RV during long-term storage.
Pest-Proof Your RV
A key part of maintaining your RV during long-term storage is making sure it’s pest-proof. Mice, rats, and other critters can easily make their way into your RV through small openings and cause all sorts of problems. To keep them out, you should:
- Inspect your RV for any openings that could allow pests to enter.
- Seal up any cracks or holes you find with caulk or steel wool.
- Place traps inside your RV to catch any pests that do manage to get in. Check the traps regularly and dispose of any animals you catch.
- Store food in airtight containers and keep it sealed up tightly when not in use. Wipe down surfaces after cooking or eating to remove crumbs and prevent attracting pests.
Care For Your Tires
Another important part of maintaining your RV during long-term storage is caring for your tires. If they’re not properly inflated, they could develop flat spots or cracks. To avoid this, you should:
- Check the pressure in your tires once a month and add air if necessary.
- Place a piece of plywood under each tire to prevent flat spots from developing.
- Move your RV around occasionally to rotate the position of the tires.
Care For Your Battery
If you want your RV battery to last during long-term storage, you need to take care of it. You should:
- Check the electrolyte level in the battery and add distilled water if necessary.
- Clean the terminals with a brush and apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
- Charge the battery every few months to prevent it from losing its charge.
Drain All Fluids
To prevent your RV’s fluids from freezing or evaporating during long term storage, you should:
- Drain the water tank and add RV antifreeze to the system.
- Drain the holding tanks and flush them out with a disinfectant solution.
- Change the oil and filter before storing your RV and add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank.
Deep Clean Your RV
Finally, you should give your RV a deep cleaning before putting it into long-term storage. This will remove any dirt, dust, or grime that could cause problems while it’s in storage. To clean your RV, you should:
- Vacuum all the carpets and upholstery.
- Wipe down all the hard surfaces with a clean cloth.
- Clean the windows and mirrors inside and out.
- Dust all the ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Reach Out to Good Shepherd Today!
RVs are expensive and their maintenance is critical. These are just a few tips to help you maintain your RV during long-term storage. For more information, or help to maintain your RV in covered RV storage, be sure to contact Good Shepherd today.
