Four Tips for Storing Your RV for the Winter

Posted on: 15 August 2016

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Owning an RV allows people to explore the country and embark on amazing journeys. But for most RV owners, the winter season is a time when their RV is put into long-term storage until the weather improves. If you have an RV that you're going to store for the winter, it is important to do some preparation to ensure that it remains in good condition until you pick it up in the spring. Use the following tips to get your RV ready for storage this winter.

Prevent Rodent Infestations

During the freezing winter months, an RV is a very attractive home for rodents. If you want to avoid an infestation and save your RV from the damage that rodents can cause, you need to follow a plan while prepping your RV for storage. The first thing you need to do is remove all food from your RV. Thoroughly clean the refrigerator and freezer, and inspect every cabinet for any food crumbs or debris. After all the food is removed, take some time to examine your RV for cracks or crevices that could allow rodents to squeeze in, and use foam or silicone caulking to seal up these areas and keep rodents out.

Prep the Interior

Plan on giving the interior of your RV a good cleaning prior to putting the RV in storage for the winter. Leave the refrigerator, freezer, cabinets, and interior doors open, and place a few boxes of baking soda around your RV to keep odors from getting out of control. Don't forget to close all of the window blinds and curtains in order to help prevent sun damage to your RV's carpeting or interior upholstery.

Protect the Exterior

It is always a good idea to get your RV washed prior to putting it into storage. You may also want to consider having it waxed, as a high-quality wax can protect your RV's paint from damage while it is in storage for the winter. If you live in an area with very extreme weather and your RV will be parked outdoors at a storage facility, you may want to invest in a cover to help protect it.

Take Care of the Battery

If you will be storing your RV for the winter and don't plan to start it up for the entire winter, it is a good idea to remove the battery from your RV to prevent it from freezing and losing its charge. If you are going to check on your RV while it is in storage for the winter, plan on charging your battery regularly to keep it in good repair. 

Talk to companies like Pioneer Storage LLC for more tips on caring for your RV while it is in storage.