Protect Your Investment With These RV Storage Tips

A recreational vehicle is a large investment and, just like any home or vehicle, it requires preventative maintenance to ensure it runs efficiently and upholds its value. When it’s not on the road, it’s important to find the right RV storage in order to ensure that outside elements and factors do not wreak havoc on the interior or exterior. Here are some tips to maximize your RV experience.

Beware of Rodents

When you store your vehicle, it is possible for rodents like squirrels and mice to move in while you’re not paying attention. Once inside, they can start to chew on wiring and damage engine components. Start your engine every so often to ensure that they are not compromising it. Also, rodents can find their way in through tiny cracks in the undercarriage; evaluate your vehicle and make sure any gaps are filled with expanding foam or silicone. Additionally, ensure that you have removed any food items and remnants.

Exterior

If you store your vehicle outside, it can be exposed to harmful UV rays that dry out the rubber and vinyl and cause the paint to fade. While covered RV storage is ideal, it is not always the most feasible option. If this is the case, consider investing in an exterior covering made out of a breathable material. This cost-effective and long-term solution will help maintain the vehicle’s quality. Also, evaluate the corners and crevices of the vehicle to ensure there are no areas where water may seep in.

Interior

If your motorhome has a refrigerator, make sure to clean it thoroughly and use a deodorizer in the different compartments. If you have a freezer, make sure to defrost it. It’s also a good idea to turn off the main breaker if you do not plan to have it connected to an electrical outlet for an extended period. If you cannot provide covered storage, close the blinds or shades so that the sun does not diminish the quality of the carpeting and upholstery.

Engine and Other Areas

For the engine and generator, ensure that you change the oil and oil filter. While in storage, oil can cause problems for the engine’s components due to acid accumulation. For the battery, if you do not plan to run the engine during this period, make sure to remove and store it so that its charge does not deplete.

The tires also need to be well-maintained. Prior to leaving the vehicle in RV storage, inflate the tires to the factory-recommended levels and make sure that they are not exposed to sunlight. Extended sunlight can cause external and internal damage that may not manifest itself until you are driving on the road.

Taking these steps will ensure that your RV will be in top shape when you are ready to hit the road again. You’ve spent a lot of money on this investment, so try to treat it like you would a home or business property. Taking these simple steps will prevent more expensive, laborious repairs down the line.

Source by Andrew Stratton