RV Storage by Mark Polk

The 2008 camping season is winding down for lots of us, and it’s time to think about storing our RV for the winter months ahead.

The 2008 camping season is winding down for lots of us, and it’s time to think about storing our RV for the winter months ahead. The most important aspect of storing your RV is that it is ready to use next spring when you take it out of storage. For many of us this includes winterizing the RV, to protect the water system from any damage due to freezing temperatures. But, winterizing the RV is only part of the preparation required to protect the RV while it is being stored. This is a checklist from my Checklist’s for RVers e-book to help you prepare your RV for storage. Follow the steps that apply to your RV:

Coach Storage

_ Winterize your RV (see checklist #17)
_ Store your unit under a covered area if possible. If not, avoid parking under trees or in areas where grass and weeds will grow.
_ If you choose to buy a cover for the RV, make sure it is made of a breathable material. This will help in preventing mold and mildew.
_ Chock the wheels front and rear. Leave the parking brake off. If you’re storing a pop-up angle the tongue downward to assist in snow and water runoff.
_ Inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended max cold pressure. Cover the tires to protect them from the harmful ultraviolet rays. Place something between the tires and the ground.
_ Close all window blinds to avoid sun exposure to the carpet, drapes and upholstery.
_ Wash the exterior of the unit and clean the interior thoroughly.
_ Make sure the awning fabric is clean and dry before storing.
_ On a pop-up make absolutely sure the fabric is clean and dry before storing. This is a good time to check for tears, and repair the fabric.
_ Inspect all roof seams, body seams and window sealant for cracks and openings. Consult your dealer for sealants compatible with these materials.
_ Service all locks with a graphite spray lubricant. Lubricate all hinges and moving parts with WD 40.
_ Turn all LP gas appliances off. Turn the LP gas supply valve off. If you’re storing a pop-up or travel trailer make sure the LP gas regulator is covered.
_ Insects are attracted to the odorant that is added to LP gas. To prevent mud dabbers and wasps from building nests in and around your gas appliances, cover the refrigerator vent, the furnace vent and the water heater vent.
_ Inspect the underside of the unit thoroughly. Look for anywhere that mice or other rodents can get it, and seal as necessary.
_ Strategically place mouse and ant traps in and around the unit. Avoid using mouse poison inside the RV.
_ Remove all perishables and anything that can freeze.
_ Leave doors, drawers and cabinets open.
_ Remove all consumables that would attract mice and other rodents.
_ Defrost the freezer compartment and clean the refrigerator. Leave the refrigerator doors open and place some baking soda inside to absorb odors.
_ Clean the air conditioner filters, and cover the air conditioner.
_ Turn off the main breaker and unplug all appliances.
_ Remove dry cell batteries in clocks, flashlights and other items.
_ The use of Maxx Air products will provide the airflow and ventilation required during storage while keeping the elements out.

Chassis Storage

_ Check and fill the water levels in all batteries that are not maintenance free.
_ Charge all batteries to a full charge. A discharged battery will freeze much quicker than a fully charged battery.
_ If you plan to start the unit while in storage, and to periodically plug the unit into shore power leave the batteries in the unit. Plugging it into shore power once a month for about eight hours will help keep the coach batteries topped off.
_ If you put the unit in long-term storage remove and store the batteries where they will not freeze. In either case keep the batteries charged.
_ During short-term storage, start the unit monthly and run it with the dash air on for at least 30 minutes.
_ Fill the fuel tank prior to storage and add a fuel stabilizer. Run the engine and the generator (if applicable) long enough for the stabilizer to get through the system. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
_ If the unit is not in long-term storage, exercise the generator at least two hours each month. Run the generator with a minimum of a ½ rated load. Consult your generator set owner’s manual for rated loads.
_ Change the oil and oil filter on the engine and the generator prior to storage. Acids accumulate in used oil and can corrode engine bearings.
_ Check the engine radiator for the proper concentration of antifreeze. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct type of engine antifreeze. Drain, flush and refill the system every two to three years.
_ Drain the windshield washer reservoir or add the appropriate antifreeze solution to prevent it from freezing.

Following this checklist should ensure that your RV will be ready to go for the 2009 camping season.

Happy Camping,
Mark Polk

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Copyright 2008 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/