An RV is the ideal investment for travel enthusiasts envisioning the opportunity to explore the country’s every nook and cranny. However, with winter settling in, travelers return to their home base and must find an adequate storage solution and prepare the vehicle for the offseason.
The safety of a dedicated facility with constant security, like Westbank Storage near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the best solution to preserve the RV’s condition. Facilities like this accommodate oversized vehicle well,protecting them from the elements and the potential of freezing or burst pipes.
Standard garages are typically too small to house an RV, and parking outside exposes the equipment to the winter elements.
Regardless of the storage solution you choose, a priority is to adequately prepare the RV to be out of service for a few months. Proper winterizing helps to prevent damage, encourages an extended lifespan and a greater return on the investment.
Prepare Your RV For a Long Winter’s Storage
The quality and value of your recreational vehicle depend on how well it’s maintained, including storing it over the long winter season. When it’s out of service, a proper Wyoming storage facility protects against the elements
and potential damage.
Adequate storage not only preserves the RV’s condition but also helps to maintain the value and extend the longevity of the machine and its components.
When not in use, the parts, such as the battery, seals, and tires can gradually degrade; however, storing the RV will help to minimize this process and ensure the vehicle is ready to go when the travel season comes back around.
Visit https://campergrid.com/tips-for-storing-rv-at-home/ for tips on storing your RV at home. How do you know which storage solution is right for your vehicle? Consider these factors.
Climate-controlled/Indoor: The extreme temperatures can be detrimental to an RV’s components. A climate-controlled facility protects against this and keeps the unit out of the elements. Rain, sun, and snow can lead to fading or general deterioration of the exterior and interior.
· Outdoor storage: Outside storage is a cost-efficient option compared to inside accommodations; however, this is more suitable for a short-term solution.
· Security: Many secure facilities have fencing around the perimeter,around-the-clock monitoring, gated access, and adequate lighting.
The right solution will safeguard this valuable investment and satisfy your needs and preferences. Before parking the RV for the winter, proper prep is essential and includes:
Secure and safe location
Finding a place to park your RV for the winter can prove daunting if you’re new to ownership. Protecting it from the elements is a priority, such as in a dedicated storage facility. Sometimes, this is impossible, with some owners having to keep the vehicle at home.
If parked outside, it should be shielded from the wind and away from trees to avoid damage from broken branches in harsh winter storms.
Before parking an RV along the street for an extended duration, check your local codes. From one city to the next, regulations will vary, but as a rule,most areas restrict street parking for recreational vehicles.
Water system draining
Among the most critical aspects of preparing for long-term storage is draining any water remaining in the plumbing system. This can freeze in the extreme temperatures, damaging the lines and fittings, potentially extensive and expensive damage.Many owners attempt do-it-yourself winterizing, and that is possible, but it depends on the intricacy of the system. The process involves draining the waste tanks and all water from the pipes and adding RV antifreeze to push the water out of the plumbing system.The RV owner’s manual provides a step-by-step checklist for water system draining. Still, you may feel more comfortable having the service performed by a qualified professional with a reputable center to ensure the process is thorough and correct.
The exterior
Before parking the RV for the winter, the exterior should be inspected using a professional service center to caulk or seal cracks or gaps around the doors and windows along the seams, sidewalls, and with the roof. This keeps water from getting in, which could lead to costly spring repairs.If you perform exterior sealing and caulking as DIY, it’s essential to contact the dealer for recommendations on the proper products suited for the climate and the vehicle.
This ensures the seal sets properly to avoid water damage. Water drainage and re-sealing can be done simultaneously with a reliable service center.
An RV cover
When outdoor winter storage is necessary, it’s critical to invest in an appropriate cover suited to your recreational vehicle. The ideal cover will protect against the outdoor elements, whether harsh winds and storms, UV rays, bird droppings, or sap, and can reduce the likelihood of vandalism.Plastic tarps are less favorable since moisture accumulates between the tarp and the vehicle. These are also prone to beating against the exterior when the wind gets under them, leading to surface damage.
You can have a custom-designed or universal cover specifically made for your RV for optimum protection. These typically have straps to ensure they fit snugly and a zippered opening for access if you need to enter the
vehicle.
The manufacturer will provide instructions on covering the RV with a cinched fit to prevent wind and moisture from getting in. Go here for tips and questions to address with RV storage facilities.
The tires
RV dealers have covers available to protect RV tires from the sun’s UV rays since not all body covers fit over the tires. Properly fitted covers protect the tires throughout the season.
Aside from being covered, tires should be inflated according to the pressure designated on the sidewalls when placed in storage. They can gradually lose pressure over the winter and likely need to be inflated before taking the RV on its first spring trip.
The batteries
The batteries should be removed before putting the vehicle in storage and kept in a dry, cool place. Keeping them cool slows the charge loss experienced while in storage. The charge should be checked roughly every four weeks, and charge added to keep the batteries full.
Partially charged batteries are more susceptible to freezing than those with a full charge, which is detrimental to the batteries.
Pests
Rodents and other critters find their way into RVs to settle in for the winter.Pay attention to gaps, holes, and openings where they can readily enter.These should be professionally sealed or secure openings like the cable hatch by disconnecting the cord from the vehicle after it’s unplugged and closing the hatch tightly.Pests will be less likely to approach the vehicle if there’s no temptation.
That means removing any food from the RV and cleaning out the cupboards, fridge and freezer, countertops, and the flooring. Also helpful are ant and mouse baits to help discourage an infestation.While parked, it’s wise to check your recreational vehicle every few weeks to ensure no problems are developing. Catching issues as they arrive and having them addressed will save major concerns in the spring.
Final Thought
RV owners strive to protect their valuable investment by having it properly prepared and stored in the offseason.Whether storing it in a dedicated Jackson Hole facility or keeping it
outdoors and adequately covered, it’s vital to check on it periodically to ensure no problems have developed, such as interior odors or exterior damage.Any issues should be addressed immediately to prevent major repercussions in the spring.