10 Tips for RV Winter Storage

The falling leaves and cooler temperatures signal the end of the official travel season for the eastern United States. Before it gets too cold and you get too busy with the holidays, it is time to start making preparations to store your camper, trailer or recreational vehicle (RV) for the winter months. Parking these vehicles in the driveway or in large garages is one option for storage. If you don’t have enough room at home, then parking the RV, trailer or camper at an RV storage facility is a perfect winter storage solution.

Interested in learning how to store a RV for winter? Read below!

RV Winter Storage Checklist

1. Ensure Registration, Insurance and Plates are Current

The most important thing to do when preparing your RV for winter storage is to make sure that your registration, insurance and license plates are current and renewed. You will need to show proof of these documents when you are storing the vehicles at a storage facility.

2. Check to Make Sure the Vehicle Will Fit in the Storage Spot

Drive the vehicle that you are storing to the storage location prior to completing the rental agreement to ensure that the vehicle will actually fit in the spot.

3. Inspect the RV for Any Signs of Damage

Take the vehicle out for one last drive before you park the RV at a self storage facility. Listen for any engine problems, knocks, pings or other unusual or unfamiliar noises. Walk around the vehicle, inspect underneath the RV and climb on to the roof to look for broken antennae, awnings, seals, windows, etc. Make repairs to the problems that you find before you place the vehicle in storage.

4. Thoroughly Clean the RV

Thoroughly clean the RV inside and out. Remove all food from the vehicle. Vacuum the interior of the RV, wipe down the counters and inside the cabinets. Defrost and clean out the refrigerator. During storage, leave the refrigerator door open to allow for air circulation.

5. Close the Blinds to Prevent Sun Damage

Close the windows and blinds in the vehicle to prevent sun exposure that can damage the fabrics and fade the carpets.

6. Remove the Battery from the RV

If you are storing for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the vehicle and put it on a maintenance charger in a dry, cool, and ventilated place. If you are keeping the battery inside the vehicle, then it is a good idea to start the engine every couple of months to prevent moisture build-up.

7. Drain the Water Tanks

Never let water sit in your RV all winter long. This can result in the water freezing and breaking or damaging the tanks. Drain both the black and gray water tank before storage.

8. Drain Water Lines and Heater

Turn the RV off and let it cool down for a little bit. Once cool, remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve to let the water out.

9. Change the Oil, Add Fuel Stabilizer and Disconnect the AC

Right before you store the vehicle, change the oil and oil filter. Next, fill the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Lastly, disconnect all air conditioning connects and clean out the air filters.

10. Cover the Tires and RV

Cover the tires with protective tarps and then cover the entire vehicle with a breathable tarp that is specially made for the vehicle. The coverings will help protect the RV from the elements during the winter months.

ezStorage Has Winter Storage for Campers and RV’s!

It is important to take the time to follow all the necessary steps in the RV winterization checklist to properly place your RV in storage for the off months. Before you know it; it will be time to count down the days until you can take the RV back out on the road!

We offer RV storage solutions at select storage facilities. The parking spaces can accommodate storage for RVs, campers and trailers that will not fit into a garage or have room to be kept in the driveway at a home. Stop in to a storage facility to find out more about ezStorage’s RV, camper and trailer winter storage solutions, or reserve a storage unit today!