During the camping season, you might spend days or weeks at a time in your RV. When you are not using your RV between these trips, though, properly storing your RV helps keep it in good condition and makes it easier to get it ready for your next excursion. From exploring how to clean your RV to discovering the costs of RV storage, learning how to prepare your RV for storage can make the process simpler.
Why Proper RV Storage Is Important
Here are a few reasons why knowing how to store an RV is essential:
- Protection: Rain, snow and sun can harm your RV’s interior and exterior while it sits in storage. Other issues include pests and rodents that can damage wiring and insulation.
- Maintenance: A thorough RV storage process allows you to check major components to maintain mechanical integrity. This work enables you to catch and fix any issues before they escalate.
- Convenience: The more care you take when storing your RV, the less time you will need to spend getting it ready for your next camping trip.
- Value: If you plan to sell your RV, you can maintain its value through proper upkeep during the off-season.
RV Storage Preparation Tips
From cleaning to security, take these steps to get your RV ready for storage.
Removing Perishables and Valuables
Before you begin the storage process, take out anything you do not want to keep in the RV while in storage. Remove any perishables that could spoil, such as:
- Food
- Shaving cream
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Pet food
- Deodorant
- Cleaning supplies
- Bug spray
- First aid supplies
Even canned food can attract pests, so remove everything from your cabinets and open them to ensure they are empty of perishables. Also, consider anything that might break in cold weather, such as plastic containers.
During your travels, you may keep valuables in the RV, including:
- Tablets
- Cameras
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Titles and insurance documents
- Sports equipment
- Tools
- Outdoor gear
- Extra appliances like toasters and blenders
Take anything out that you do not want to lose. Your RV could sit empty for months, making it an attractive target for thieves. Some of these valuables might also endure damage from moisture or temperature changes.
Cleaning the Interior
Throughout your travels, your RV collects dirt, sand and crumbs. When these things sit on surfaces, they may cause damage. Food crumbs can also attract pests. Your cleaning process will clear all these things out of the camper.
Start in hidden areas. Move couch cushions and mattresses to clean under them, and open cupboards and drawers around the RV to wipe them out. Once you have cleaned all the hidden surfaces, move to the tabletops and counters. During the cleaning process, clear the fridge and freezer and let them defrost. Wipe down the fridge’s interior with a diluted bleach solution, and leave the doors open while your RV is in storage to prevent mold growth.
Finish the cleaning process with the floors. Vacuum or sweep to collect loose debris, then wet mop. Finally, wipe the surface with a dry towel.
Cleaning the Exterior
Wash the exterior before you store your camper so that dirt, dust and grime do not sit on your RV for long periods. Begin by hosing your RV down to remove the loose materials. Then, using the right RV cleaner and a soft brush, start scrubbing the surface clean. Begin on your RV’s roof and work your way down. Be sure to avoid any solvent-type cleaners as they can damage rubber roofing and the sealants of fiberglass roofs.
To clean your awning, extend it out and adjust the angle so that you can clean it with a brush. To remove stubborn stains, you can use dish soap and water. Let the awning dry thoroughly before you roll it up.
Finish your exterior cleaning by waxing. Wax makes the exterior look beautiful and protects the surface from the elements.
During cleaning, you can add a fuel stabilizer and let it run through your system. Another maintenance task includes changing your oil.
Checking and Maintaining Tires
A flat tire can stop your next camping trip before it begins. Checking the tires before you place your RV in storage allows you to catch any issues and fix them. Here are a few RV tire tips to keep them in good condition:
- Clean tires of dirt and debris.
- Check the tire pressure, including the spare.
- Check the date of the tires as well. After five to seven years, they should be replaced.
- Look at the tread to catch wear, cracks or damage.
- Rotate the tires if they have reached 5,000 miles.
- Realign the tires if you notice uneven tread wear.
If you plan to store your RV outside, cover the tires once you clean and inspect them. Covers prevent sun exposure and other weather damage, which can weaken and crack rubber. Elevate your RV on leveling blocks to a level state while ensuring that the tires stay on the ground. Some pressure is okay on the tires. If the tires are entirely off the ground, the struts fully decompress, and the seals are more likely to leak.
Draining Water Systems
When water sits in your pipes or water systems, it can freeze due to winter weather. During the storage process, drain fluids in the plumbing and water heater tank. Pour RV and marine antifreeze in the waste tanks, sinks and shower drains, toilet bowls, outdoor sinks, piping and valves to prevent freezing. Do not use automotive antifreeze — it will contaminate the system and is toxic. RV and marine antifreeze is typically pink while automotive antifreeze is green. RV repair services or dealers can perform this task if you prefer to leave it to a professional.
Checking Propane Levels
An empty propane tank can lead to leaks or pressure issues. It can also allow moisture to accumulate inside, harming the tank. Before storing your RV, check your propane levels with a propane gauge. Alternatively, if your propane tank is removable, you can disconnect it from your RV and weigh it. For ASME and DOT tanks, ensure the indicator reads well and the valve is in the closed position.
Covering the RV
During the off-season, an RV stored outside will endure sun, rain, snow and other elements. Among these dangers, ultraviolet (UV) light is often the most damaging, from fading the color to destroying the surface and exposing the metal underneath.
Pick a cover with adequate protection if you plan to store your RV outside. Here are a few factors to look for in a quality RV cover:
- Polypropylene or polyester fabric
- Water and UV-repellant fabric treatments
- Vents to reduce billowing
- Zippered panels to access doors and compartments
Before buying a cover, measure the RV to confirm its dimensions. Then, consider whether you want a custom or universal cover. Custom covers offer better protection, while universal covers are cost-effective. Finally, consider covering furniture inside your RV to prevent damage from animals if they get in.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Your two main options for where to store your RV include your home or a storage facility. At home, you can choose:
- Driveway: Your driveway is cost-effective and convenient but may restrict your parking space for other vehicles.
- Garage: A two-stall garage may fit some RVs, offering security and weather protection, but you will have limited space for extra storage.
- Backyard: Like your driveway, your backyard is low-cost and easy for RV access but lacks security and weather protection.
- RV garage: Building your own RV garage can accommodate any size RV and offer protection, but it comes with upfront costs.
- Widened driveway: An extra concrete pad allows additional driveway space and access to your RV. It does not give protection and may come with high costs.
Your options for storage facilities include:
- Outdoor storage: This option is the least expensive paid storage and often offers security like fences and surveillance. Your RV will have exposure to the elements.
- Covered storage: With covered facilities, you get security and some protection from the elements but not from extreme heat, cold or strong winds.
- Indoor storage: Gain the ultimate security and weather protection. The main disadvantage is cost, especially for temperature-controlled storage.
Your RV storage price will vary depending on the storage option you choose. RV owners who store a camper on their property may spend nothing. However, you may have some upfront costs if you need to build a garage or widen your driveway. If you live in a homeowner’s association, you may face rules about storing your RV outside. Learn the guidelines before you decide on a storage option.
You will typically pay monthly for storage in a storage facility. Outdoor storage may cost as little as $50 monthly. Indoor storage, especially in a temperature-controlled facility, will cost up to $500 monthly. Prices may vary based on your city, state, RV size and the features of your RV storage facility, such as security measures and temperature control.
Disconnecting the Battery
While the RV will not run in storage, some sources, like a microwave and clock, can draw from the battery, even when unused. Disconnecting the battery keeps the power from draining during the off-season. Follow these steps to disconnect it:
- Turn off any power sources in the RV.
- Locate the battery compartment and open it.
- Loosen the connectors with pliers.
- Disconnect the terminals, starting with the negative (black).
- Remove the battery.
- Clean the terminals.
Install a battery disconnect to save time during the storage process. This feature lets you flip a switch rather than disconnect the battery when you store your camper.
Controlling Pests
An RV sits empty for many months, which gives plenty of time for insects and other small critters to move in. When you take your camper out of storage, you may spend significant time and effort clearing it. Here are a few pest control tips:
- Clean thoroughly: The cleaning stage allows you to remove crumbs and food that could attract pests. The more in-depth the clean, the less likely critters will enter looking for food.
- Cover entrances: Close any access doors or vents that could let in bugs or rodents. Steel wool and spray foam work well for sealing tiny entry points under the RV around tubes and hoses.
- Use repellents: Natural repellents like essential oils or mothballs may keep pests away. You can also use traps, baits, sprays and chemical repellents. Solutions like ultrasonic sound devices may also scare off rodents.
- Dry your RV: Moisture can sometimes attract bugs and rodents. Keep your RV dry by addressing leaks and hanging gel packs inside to collect moisture while it is in storage.
Securing the Awning and Slide-Outs
When you pack up your RV for the season, store the awning in the travel position. Awning straps, tie-downs, clips or locks can secure it in place. Close the slide-outs completely and use locking mechanisms to prevent these components from moving.
Inspecting Seals and Caulking
The seals and caulking around your RV keep moisture out, control pests and block air drafts. Before you store your camper for the off-season, look at the seals and caulking around windows, doors and roof elements, like air conditioners, vents and antennas. Signs of damage include:
- Cracking
- Peeling
- Air bubbles
- Separation
If you notice any of these issues, scrape off the old caulk or sealant, clean the area well and apply new sealant. This maintenance step allows you to keep your RV cool during the summer or warm during the winter.
Implementing Security Measures
RV security can keep your rig safe when not in use. Begin by choosing a secure storage location. You may select a locked garage on your property or a monitored storage facility. Even an RV cover can deter thieves.
Consider an insurance policy for your camper in case it gets stolen. Another safety measure includes keeping records of your vehicle identification number (VIN) and make and model. Take photos, especially of unique features like decals or renovations, to identify the RV in case of theft. A security system allows you to monitor your camper during the long months away.
Other security steps to take include:
- Placing X-chocks between the tires with a lock.
- Locking everything before you leave the RV.
- Putting the stabilizers down partially.
- Adding new locks to doors, cargo boxes and the hitch.
- Pinning the camper in place with other vehicles.
- Locking propane tanks, generators and outdoor equipment.
- Removing the license plate.
- Using wheel locks or locking lug nuts.
You may not need to take all of these steps, but the more you do, the more you reduce the chances of theft. Each security measure you add makes the RV slightly more challenging to steal or break into, meaning thieves probably will not bother to try.
Additional Resources for RV Owners
Kampgrounds of America has a valuable resource with all the maintenance and cleaning tips you need to ensure you are prepared for your next adventure. Do you need other tips for your RV? KOA has a page dedicated to RV advice that features a variety of topics such as selecting a new mattress and an RV packing guide.
Why Trust KOA?
KOA has a network of over 500 campground locations throughout North America. The chain began in 1962, making it a reliable source of information about camping and related topics. Turn to KOA during camping and the off-season for advice and support. Every campground has a staff of friendly people in yellow shirts with the knowledge to support your camping experience. Customers praise KOA and its campgrounds for the friendly and helpful staff.
KOA is dedicated to providing an exceptional camping experience through educational resources and campgrounds with a variety of quality amenities for a great trip.
Learn More About Successful RV Camping and Book a Stay
Storing a camper during the off-season takes work, but it can improve your camping experience when you are ready to hit the road. Add to the camping experience with KOA. You can explore educational resources and use a network of campground locations to find the perfect place to park your RV.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
