Essential RV & Camper Storage Tips for Offseason Protection

A pull-behind camper, motorhome, or RV isn’t just a vehicle. It’s an amazing combination of both home and automobile that allows you to travel to places you might not have had access to otherwise, with lodging included! But now that we’re entering the offseason, it’s important to prep and store your RV properly so that it will be ready to go once you’re ready to return to the open road.

Smart Checklist – Storage for RV Trailers, Motorhomes, and Campers

1. Start with a Good Cleaning

Clean your camper or RV both inside and out.

• Outside: Give the exterior a good wash, and pay special attention to the roof. If your camper or RV includes an awning, be sure to wash it as well. Give everything time to dry completely before stowing it away, to prevent any opportunity for mold growth. Once your camper or RV is dry, you might consider giving it a good coat of wax too. This will help keep your RV or camper cleaner over time, and can also add some valuable UV protection.

• Inside: Clean all the hard surfaces, and then vacuum the floors to remove any temptations that might attract vermin. If the floors are carpeted, using a carpet cleaner is a good idea, too.

2. Further Interior Storage Preparations

If you’re preparing your RV or camper for extended storage, it’s good to pay attention to these details as well.

• Clean out the refrigerator, freezer, and any drawers & cabinets. Make sure you’ve removed any perishable items that could attract bugs or rodents. You’ll want to go as far as to remove toothpaste, soap, and paper towels too, as rodents like to chew on these items as well.

• Defrost the freezer, and leave both freezer and refrigerator doors open to help prevent mold. Place some baking soda to help absorb and prevent odors, and leave all drawers and cabinets open too.
• Look for any openings where a critter might gain access. Anyplace you can see even a sliver of light is a vulnerability. Use expanding foam to fill any crevices, and place some dryer sheets around to help ward off any unwanted critter infiltration.
• Unplug all devices, switch off the main breaker, and turn off the main LP supply valve (if applicable).
• Close all window blinds in order to avoid unnecessary UV exposure to your carpet, drapes, and upholstery.

3. Inspect the Exterior

Once you’ve cleaned your camper or RV and helped to prepare the interior for a long winter’s nap, turn your attention to the exterior.

• Inspect every seam, and pay special attention to any caulking and seals. If you find any instances that look cracked or worn, better to deal with those now than suffer worse repercussions later! An ounce of prevention can prevent unwanted water damage or expensive repair bills resulting from time kept in storage. While you’re at it, be sure to inspect the undercarriage to make sure everything looks good there.
• Ensure that all external openings – especially any vents or exhausts – are blocked off or screened, to help prevent any potential vermin infiltrations.

• Clean or replace your A/C filters, and be sure to place a cover over any A/C units on your camper or RV.

• Make sure all tires and spares are fully inflated. If your RV or camper is stored underneath an open-air cover, it’s a good idea to cover your tires and spares as well – this can help to prevent tire cracking from UV exposure. And no matter where you store your RV or camper, it’s always wise to place blocks behind the tires.
• Perform a full chassis lubrication, and make sure to include any locks or hinges.
• If you have a pull-behind fifth-wheel camper, also be sure to attach a hitch lock to the kingpin for security purposes.

4. Show Some Love to Your RV or Motorhome Engine:

Assuming you want your motorhome or RV to be able to crank when you’re ready to return to the open road, you should also take these precautions.

• Remove the batteries: If you’re placing your RV or camper in long-term storage, it’s a good idea to remove all batteries, clean the terminals and posts, make sure the batteries are fully charged, and then store them in a cool, dry place. While you’re at it, go ahead and remove the batteries from any clocks, flashlights, or devices you use inside your RV or camper too.
• Gas it up: Fill the fuel tank on your RV or camper, as well as any generators you use. For long-term storage, it’s also a good idea to add some fuel stabilizers. Be sure to run any engines or generators long enough to allow the fuel stabilizer to penetrate the system.

• Change your oil: Acids can build up over time in used oil, so it’s best to go ahead and change the oil and filter on all engines and generators to prevent any corrosion of engine bearings.

• Service the fluids: Check and refill all fluids, including brakes, transmission, radiator, power steering, etc. If you store your RV or camper under an open cover, it’s also advisable to drain the windshield washer reservoir or add some antifreeze to protect from sub-freezing temperatures.

5. Keep It Under Cover

To best protect your camper or RV investment, store it under a reliable cover.

• Some RV or camper owners choose to opt for a simple tarp or fabric cover. While that’s better than no cover at all, this still leaves your RV or camper fully exposed to extreme temperatures and does nothing to provide for camper or RV security.  
• A steel RV carport is a much better option for sheltering your camper or RV from the weather.
• Some RVers opt to pay for offsite storage, but this can get expensive over time. Offsite storage also requires you to have to drive out to your storage facility any time you want to check on it or pull it out for service.
• The absolute best place to store your camper or RV during the offseason is in an enclosed steel RV garage placed on your own property.

The Best Camper and RV Storage Solutions Come from Carport Central!

When it comes to taking care of your camper or RV investment, an ounce of prevention is absolutely worth a pound of cure. With a little proactive planning and effort where preparation and storage are concerned, your camper, motorhome, or RV will be ready to go when you are. To explore some of the great custom options available to you, check out our RV covers, motorhome carports, and RV garages. For all of your camper, motorhome, and RV protection needs, Carport Central has you covered! Click or give us a call at (980) 321-9898 today, and let’s get started on getting you the camper or RV protection you need.