Winter Recreational Vehicle Storage Tips

For someone who camps regularly during the summer, RVs are not only an investment, they can feel like part of the family. That’s why you’ll want to take the necessary steps when storing a recreational vehicle to ensure it has many more summer trips to come.

The 4 Best RV Storage Tips

When winterizing your recreational vehicle, there are a few important tasks you don’t want to overlook:

1. Take necessary precautions to combat mold and mildew
2. Plan ahead to stop pests
3. Consider tire protection
4. Choose a storage unit carefully

Now, let’s explore each of these tasks in more detail.

1. Take Necessary Precautions to Combat Mold and Mildew

Discovering that mold and mildew formed over the winter can put a damper on your summertime travel plans. To prevent mold from forming, check the seams and seals on your vehicle before storage. Any breaks in the seams or seals can let moisture inside. Moisture in an enclosed vehicle is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, resulting in costly damages.

To further combat moisture, consider installing vent covers and leaving your rooftop vents open. When storing an RV over the winter many people assume they are best off using the night time shades. Instead, consider utilizing the translucent day time shades that still allow light to penetrate. Mold and mildew thrive in areas that are moist and dark. Allowing sunlight to enter your RV will prevent mold and mildew from forming even if moisture is present.

2. Plan Ahead to Stop Pests

Once mice get inside of an RV, they can cause all sorts of damage. The best way to prevent damage caused by mice is to stop them from entering altogether. Mice will crawl in any vent or pipe they can squeeze into. Plug any hole you find with steel wool or canned foam. To ensure all holes have been plugged, wait until it is dark and turn all lights on in your RV. Any hole that lets light shine through, (under your RV, on the sides and top) should be plugged.

When cleaning out your RV, remove anything rodents can use to nest with. This includes any towels, paper towels, card board, blankets and toilet paper. Many newbies will make the mistake of leaving mouse traps inside their RV in an attempt to discourage rodent invaders, but this leads to a greater issue. A mouse carcass left in a mouse trap for extended months will not smell good in the spring.

3. Consider Tire Protection

If you’re parking your RV outdoors, place plastic or wood below the tires to help prevent premature aging or cracking of the rubber. You can also buy tire covers to protect the tires from damaging UV rays that will lead to tire damage.

4. Choose a Storage Location Carefully

Thieves will see an RV as an attractive target. Be critical of the location you are storing your RV. Thieves are lazy and will look for easy prey. If you are storing your RV in a location that doesn’t look secure, thieves may notice. Be cautious of parking your RV on a friend’s farm or in a shed. Even the most watchful friend may miss a burglar trying to enter your RV, costing you thousands.

Consider Professional RV Storage for Your Camper or Motor Home

At ezStorage, we have designed our facility with the safety of you and your RV in mind. Our RV storage options include state of the art video surveillance, gated key code entry and onsite managers. Our aisles are wide and well-lit, perfect for maneuvering a RV. The RV storage units at ezStorage will keep your RV out of the winter elements, and ready for more camping adventures. Find a location close to you, or contact ezStorage today!