Why You Should Take Extra Steps When Storing Your RV

I've watched RV owners make expensive mistakes with RV Storage. They park their vehicle somewhere outside, thinking it'll be fine, then come back to find thousands of dollars in damage that could've been prevented with some basic preparation. For example, water damage, battery problems, tire issues, and rodent infestations. The list of storage disasters can be quite extensive.

One thing to remember is that RV storage isn't rocket science. It just requires knowing what can go wrong and taking the right steps to prevent it. After helping RV owners in the Fort Mill area for years, I've learned what actually works versus what sounds good but doesn't really protect your investment.

If you're serious about keeping your RV in good condition during storage, here's what you need to know about doing it right.

Don't Just Park and Walk Away

The biggest mistake I see with RV storage is people treating their RV like a car, just park it and forget about it until next season. But RVs have plumbing, electrical systems, appliances, and materials that need special attention when they're sitting unused for months.

Your RV is basically a house on wheels, and houses need maintenance even when nobody's living in them. Ignore this reality and you'll come back to problems that cost way more than proper storage preparation would have.

I tell people to think of RV storage as putting their home into hibernation mode, not just parking a really big vehicle. Every system in your RV needs to be properly shut down and protected.

Winterize Everything (Even in South Carolina)

Even though we don't get brutal winters here in South Carolina, you still need to winterize your RV's plumbing system for RV storage. One hard freeze is all it takes to burst pipes and cause thousands in damage, and we do get cold snaps that can catch people off guard.

Drain all the water tanks, blow out the lines with compressed air, and add RV antifreeze to the system. Don't skip this because you think our winters are mild. I've seen plenty of freeze damage from people who thought they could take shortcuts.

Also, drain and clean all appliances. Think about the water heater, ice maker, and washing machine if you have one. Any water left sitting can cause problems even without freezing, from stagnant smells to bacterial growth.

Protect Your RV's Battery and Electrical System

Batteries are probably the most common RV storage problem I deal with. People leave them connected, don't maintain charge levels, or just ignore them completely. Then they wonder why their RV won't start or why they need to replace expensive battery banks.

Disconnect the battery or install a battery disconnect switch. If you're storing your RV in a place with an outlet, consider using a battery maintainer to keep your battery healthy when in storage. If not, at least make sure batteries are fully charged before storage and check on them periodically.

Also turn off all electrical systems, unplug everything, and make sure no phantom loads are draining power. That little LED on your stereo might not seem like much, but it can kill a battery over months of storage.

Tire Care That Actually Matters

Tires sitting in one position for months develop flat spots, lose pressure, and can suffer UV damage. For proper RV storage, you want to take weight off the tires and protect them from sun exposure.

Use tire covers to protect your RV from dry rot. If possible, store your RV with a tarp to add additional protection. Consider lifting the RV on blocks to take the weight off the tires completely, especially for longer storage periods.

Check tire pressure before storage and add a bit extra to account for natural pressure loss over time.

Keep Rodents and Pests Out

This one makes people squeamish, but rodent damage is a real problem with RV storage. Mice and rats love RVs because they're like little houses with plenty of places to nest, and they can cause incredible damage to wiring, insulation, and furnishings.

Seal all openings with steel wool or mesh. Consider doing so for your exhaust pipes, vents, and any gaps where cables enter. Don't use poison because you don't want dead animals decomposing inside your RV. Use traps or repellents instead.

Clean out all food, toiletries, and anything that might attract pests. Make your RV as unappealing to rodents as possible.

Protect Interior Surfaces and Systems

Your RV's interior needs protection during storage, too. Clean everything thoroughly before storage, leftover food, moisture, and dirt can cause odors, mold, and deterioration over time.

Leave cabinet doors and drawers slightly open for air circulation.

Run your generator periodically if you're storing your RV where you can access it. Generators need exercise to stay in good condition, and carburetor problems from sitting are expensive to fix.

What We've Learned at Slate Storage

At Slate Storage Boat RV on 2120 Coltharp Rd in Fort Mill, we specialize in RV storage and see what works and what doesn't. RV owners who have the best experiences usually take storage preparation seriously and choose storage options that match their RV's needs.

If you're looking for RV storage in Fort Mill, come by Slate Storage Boat RV. Your RV is too valuable to gamble with inadequate storage or preparation.