What Features Should You Look for in an RV Storage Facility?
The facility you choose should have plenty of amenities to give you peace of mind knowing that your RV is in a well-maintained facility. Ask the managers at the facility about their policies, make sure the facility is well lit, has security cameras posted, and a computer accessed gate to allow the onsite managers to know who enters and exits the property.. It is essential to make sure that the entire facility is fenced. In addition, buying a cover for your RV can prevent it from elemental threats like snow and ice. If you take the right precautions, your RV will be safe during the winter weather.
How Do You Prepare an RV to go into Storage?
You will need to winterize your vehicle properly to make sure that it stays in good condition in the colder months so that it is ready to go once spring arrives. First, it may be a good idea to remove and bypass in-line water filters, as the chemicals you will add to your systems to winterize it can damage water filters. This is a great reminder to change out these filters once you are ready to go next spring. Another important thing to remember is to not let any waste sit in your vehicle while it is in storage, as it can freeze and cause serious damage. This means that you should drain your gray and black water tanks, and then clean the blackwater tank with a special cleaner to discourage any bacterial growth. Next, remove the water from your water and water heater lines. Do not ever drain the water heater line when it is hot - wait until it is cool first. Before adding antifreeze, make sure to bypass the water heater, as you do not want any antifreeze to get into the water heater. From there, add in antifreeze so that your hoses and pipes do not freeze up over the winter. After a final once-over, your RV is ready for storage. If any of these steps sound too complicated, there are plenty of services available that will help you winterize your RV.
How Do You Prepare an RV to Come Out of Storage?
If you are ready to start another fun season with your RV, it is time to take it out of your storage facility. Before you get going on your next exciting adventure, there are a few things you should do to make sure your recreational vehicle is as ready as you are to hit the road. Taking your RV out of storage does not have to be something you dread doing if you learn how to do it efficiently. Here are some tips for preparing your RV when moving it out of your storage unit. First, visually inspect the vehicle to make sure nothing needs to be repaired or cleaned from your previous season of use. Keep an eye out for any insect nests in the intake or exhaust tubes, or any flat tires, etc. Most importantly, you want to make sure your vehicle is safe to use. Check the carbon monoxide, smoke, and propane detectors, and make sure you have a working fire extinguisher. Next, inspect all the major systems, like the propane and power. For the power system, inspect all battery connections keeping an eye out for corroded terminals. If you notice any corrosion, check that the shore power is disconnected, and wear safety goggles and latex gloves, then begin cleaning the terminals. Charge the batteries and check any fluid levels. Next, inspect your propane system. Make sure all propane appliances are off, and look at your water heater, and remove any debris that may be blocking the burner tube. Inspect all seals and hoses to make sure they are still intact, then open the valve all the way and check for any leaks. You can now test all your appliances to make sure they are working. Flush your freshwater system, and test all faucets, including your shower and toilet. Give the entire interior of your recreational vehicle a thorough cleaning, removing any built-up dust and grime, and look for any signs that pests may have been in your RV during the offseason months it was in storage. Restock your RV with any essentials that you know you will need later in the season. Finally, give the outside of your vehicle a good scrub to make it look great when you take it out of storage and on your first trip of the season. Once you have taken all these steps, you RV is ready to get going, and if make these steps part of your routine each year when you take your RV out of storage, you'll save yourself a lot of work and maintenance throughout it’s lifetime. Also, getting a move on this early in the season gives you time to schedule and complete any maintenance or repairs you may find that you need after you inspect the vehicle as well as prevents any surprise fixes you’d otherwise encounter in the middle of a RV adventure.