3380 Rustin Street, Sioux City, IA 51105
RV parked on a road
October 1, 2017

What To Do Before Parking Your RV for the Winter

If you have an RV of your own, you know that the time may come when you’re not going to be able to use it for a little while. Whether the summer driving season is over or you just need to get back to work, we can help you store that RV of yours here at Elite Self Storage. If you want to make sure that your RV is in good shape when you take it out for your next trip however, there are a few steps you’ll want to take. Here are some ways to make sure that your vehicle is ready to go once you’re done storing it.

Prepare For The Upcoming Season

When storing an RV for a long period of time, you need to take into account what kind of weather is approaching. For warm weather, make sure that you cover the windows of your RV to keep light and heat out of it. Adding ventilation that can let stored up heat escape could also be a good idea. Winter weather can bring a few more complications. Cover the windows to increase insulation and consider a ventilation solution that can prevent a buildup of condensation. It’s also a good idea to remove water from every tank. Then you can fill the lines with non-toxic antifreeze. This can help you ensure that the most critical parts of your RV are in top shape when you need it again.

Make Sure That The Toilet Bowl Is Half Full

If you’re parking your RV for a long time, the water in your bowl might begin to evaporate. Filling the bowl halfway can help keep seals moisturized for a longer period of time, which can help you avoid problems when you get back behind the wheel later.

Place Baking Soda in P-Traps

Putting baking soda in your vehicle’s p-traps can help reduce the likelihood of any bad smells after long-term RV parking. You don’t want to be greeted by an odor when you take your RV out for a road trip in a few months.

Take a Close Look at Your Electrical Systems

You don’t want to leave anything unnecessary on while your RV is parked. Turn off any circuits that aren’t being used to avoid excess battery drain. Getting your RV out of storage and needing a jump start can be an annoyance. Also make sure that your generator is off if it’s not going to be in use for a while.

Clean Your RV Thoroughly

You don’t want to find a mess when you come back to get your RV after parking it for a while. Clean the sink, showers, counters, and anywhere else where dirt and grime can accumulate. Definitely look out for crumbs from food, so that your vehicle doesn’t end up playing host to some unwanted guests like bugs and mice while you’re away. On that note, clean out your fridge and freezer before parking in one of our storage units. You don’t want food to spoil when you’re away.

Take Care of Your Tires

If you want your tires to be in top shape after long term RV parking, leave your vehicle parked on concrete. This will reduce the likelihood of chemical breakdown compared to other surfaces, like grass and gravel. It’s also a good idea to inflate your tires to the maximum pressure allowed.