End of the Trail: How to Prepare Your Rig for Long-Term RV Storage | Countryside Self Storage
Don't worry; you didn't fall asleep and miss summer vacation. It's still early in the travel season to start thinking about putting up your motorhome, RV, fifth wheel, mobile home, travel trailer, or camper wagon. But while you're stocking your RV with essentials for that trip to Big Sur or Yellowstone, it doesn't hurt to think about what you should do after you get back.
Coming home can be one of the best parts of taking a vacation, and if you know how to prepare your RV for long-term storage, it'll be ready to go when it's time for your next adventure!
How to Prepare Your RV for Storage:
- Wash your RV both inside and out. Keeping it clean not only helps protect the outside of your RV and prevent mildew and other problems, it means that the next time you're ready to hit the road, everything is ready to go and looks good as new!
- No matter where you're storing your RV in the off-season, you should always be sure to critter-proof it. It's always a good idea to remove all the food from your refrigerator and cupboards, but you'll also want to shut all the doors tightly and stick some steel wool in the exhaust pipes. Just don't forget to remove it the next time you take your RV out!
- Disconnect and remove propane tanks. Highly flammable or explosive gasses such as propane have special storage requirements and shouldn't be left hooked up when you park your RV for a long period of time.
- Remove any valuables and electronics from your vehicle, as well as anything that has an expiration date.
- Work the vacuum. Make sure you get any crumbs out of cushions and drapes. This'll help keep the critters out, too.
- Empty your RV's waste tanks at a dump station before you bring it in for storage. Otherwise, you'll be in for an unpleasant surprise when you take it out again.
- Check window and door seals. This is another way to help keep bugs and other unwanted guests out of your RV while it's in storage. You'll also find out if your seals are still in good working order at the end of a travel season, and you'll know if you should repair or replace any of them.
Whatever else you do, you should always consult your RV owner's manual. It may provide tips and specific details on prepping your particular RV for long-term storage. If you don't have some already, it's also a good idea to take out some insurance before you put your RV into vehicle storage in Pittsburg or Joplin. Here are Countryside Self Storage, we do everything we can to keep your RV safe during the off-season, but even we can't protect against tornadoes and other natural disasters.
To learn more about RV storage in Joplin and Pittsburg, feel free to contact Countryside Self Storage today! We're always happy to help with any of your RV or vehicle storage needs, and we'd love to hear about your adventures, too!