How to Prepare Your RV for Storage

Preparing an RV for storage is a lot like RV winterization; it primarily involves performing basic maintenance tasks and giving your RV a thorough cleaning. Completing these tasks will help ensure your RV remains in good condition – both aesthetically and mechanically – while in storage, whether that’s over a long winter or just a few weeks.

Here is how to prepare your RV for storage:

• Change the engine oil: Water and acids in the oil may cause damage to the engine if it is left in storage for a long period of time. Replace your RV’s engine oil prior to storage to prevent this from happening while your RV is stored.
• Clean your RV inside and out: Empty your refrigerator and leave the door open while the RV is in storage. You may also want to leave cabinet doors open. This will prevent musty odors and mold from developing over time.
• Add gasoline and stabilizer: Topping off your gas tank will prevent condensation in your fuel lines. If you're planning on keeping your RV in storage for a long time, add fuel stabilizer as well to prevent the fuel from breaking down chemically.
• Disconnect the batteries: Batteries can be costly to replace every year. By removing the batteries and charging them periodically, you will prevent them from losing charge and you will not need to buy a replacement as frequently.
• Use chock blocks: Chock blocks are made of rubber, plastic, or wood, and are placed behind and around tires to prevent a vehicle from moving while it is parked. Using a parking brake while storing can cause damage to the brake pads over time.
• Plug open holes: Small animals or bugs may take up residence in your RV and create expensive problems for you when you want to take it out for a drive. Covering small holes around the vehicle (i.e., exhaust pipe and vents) is an easy preventative measure.
• Prepare the exterior: Be sure the slides are in and all the blinds and shades are closed. Consider adding a layer of wax to the outside of your RV to help protect against rust and corrosion, especially if you don’t have an RV cover.
• Open any faucets and shut off the water.
• Close any propane tanks, disconnect, and SECURE.

******Secure any batteries******

*******Don’t forget your chocks and blocks!*******