11 Steps for Safe RV Storage

We have all seen abandoned homes.  The truth is, when a home is not consistently used, the small issues become major issues and it deteriorates into unusable.  This is why storing your rig has important requirements. 

The first action in storing your RV is to identify the small issues and prevent them from becoming larger ones in storage.  Your rig will be out-of-use but ready for use again completing some basic steps – basic but important!  I consider these basic because they are tasks we perform daily in our rig.  We will take it to a deeper level for storage.

Basic RV Storage Tasks

Regular use of your RV will help you identify problem areas.  If you are just getting started with RVing and haven’t stored your RV yet, here are some key areas to address.  You might think of this list as the things you check monthly on your RV if you travel extensively.

RV Cleaning 

Sweeping, mopping, and dusting are all daily chores.  When you store your RV, you want to go a step further.  Areas that harbor moisture are the first to clean.  You want to ensure no mold or mildew can grow in storage.  The main areas will be showers, sinks, toilets, and refrigerators.  Don’t forget the outside of your rig.  Wash and dry the outside to prevent dust build-up or places for moisture to collect.  This is a good time to look for weaknesses in seals.  Fix seals to keep out moisture but also to keep out insects and pests   When you are done with hoses, let them dry out and store them in a dry area. 

Food and Debris

Clean out your pantries.  Any crumbs will attract pests.  Don’t focus on food items only.  Remove magazines, books, or other items rodents can use to build nests.  The less debris in your RV, the less buildup can occur when not in use.

Pests

Besides removing potential food and paper items that make your RV an attractive home for pests, there are other things to do.  Place pest traps around your rig for flies, gnats, ants, and rodents.  Seal large holes with steel wool so it is difficult for them to enter.  Make your rig an unwelcome hotel for pests.

Tires

Wash your tires when you wash the rest of your rig.  This helps get rid of grit that can cause damage.  Inspect your tires and check your tire pressure.  You may even want to balance and rotate your tires so your rig sets evenly and supports your rig properly in storage.  If your tires will be exposed to the elements, put on tire covers.

Security

Even if your RV is in a secure storage lot, you should monitor its safety.  If you have a fifth wheel, add a hitch lock.  Wheel locks are a good addition for Class A-C’s.  You may even want to add motion lights that work with security cameras so you can get visual alerts.  Ensure you remove valuable items from the rig. 

Insurance

Always check with your insurance company to see what coverage you need for your RV in storage.  You may be able to reduce rates when your RV is not in use.  Create a list of all the items left in your rig for insurance coverage in case of a break-in.

Preventative RV Storage Tasks

Storing your RV is similar to cramming months of care into one checklist.  Normally you might not do preventative storage list items monthly but in storage, they are critical These steps are like prep work before you use your RV again.  Doing them in advance of storage also helps care for your RV.  And there is less to do when you are ready to RV.

Covered Facilities

As you ready your RV for storage, you want to consider how you will store it.  Will you be keeping it at home?  Do you need a storage service? Will it be an outdoor or indoor location?  At home or with a facility, your RV storage care will be similar.  Your main consideration is indoor or outdoor.  If your rig is not in a temperature-controlled environment, you will need to take extra steps for storage.  See some of the options below.

Batteries

Disconnect the large batteries that power your RV.  To store them, keep them in a cool, dry place and check the charge monthly.  Or use a maintenance charger to keep them charged while in storage.  If you have lithium batteries, you can charge and disconnect them.  You can store those for several months with a 50% charge.  You also need to check the small batteries in your RV system.  Put in fresh batteries for alarm systems like carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.  You may want to consider systems that will provide you updates via apps on your phone. 

RV Covers and Closures

The main purpose of all types of RV covers is to handle the environment.   Utilize various covers or closures in your RV.  They can protect against moisture, dust, heat, or cold.  If you are in a temperature-controlled environment, consider opening vents to stand against moisture.  Leave cabinet doors open to avoid heat buildup or close them as a barrier to outside cold temperatures.  If your rig will be outdoors, you may want to use a rig cover to prevent sun damage and dust collection.

Fluids

Does your RV have an engine?  Add a fuel stabilizer.  Do an oil change on your engine and if you have a generator, change the oil and filters there too.  Defrost your refrigerator so you do not have water everywhere on your return.  Drain the water from your tanks and ensure it is drained from all the hoses leading into your RV.  Turn off all connections to water and propane in your rig.  Ensure all pumps are turned off too.  You don’t want anything running into or out of your rig while it is in storage. 

Inspections & Repairs

If you don’t have an inspection checklist, create or download one.  There is regular monthly maintenance you should be performing on your RV – especially before storage.  Anything you can repair before you put it in storage may not break in storage and cause additional damage. 

Follow this guide to storing your RV.  It doesn’t hurt to check on your RV while you store it.  Make sure there are no unwanted leaks, test items to see if they are working, and, do a general walk-through.  When you open your storage unit or uncover your RV you should not encounter unexpected or ruinous issues.  Instead, with a few tweaks, you should be off on your next adventure.  Just be sure any adjustments you have made for your rig in storage are returned to their proper state before heading out…like insurance, tanks, and pantries!