Returning to your RV after camping to find it infested with rodents can ruin a trip. Rodents can chew through wires, cause extensive damage, and even spread hantavirus.
Prepping your RV for storage is vital to prevent mice and other pests from damaging the interior. It includes cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and draining all tanks.
Clean the Exterior
If you are storing your RV for long periods, you must wash the exterior so that dirt and grime don’t eat away at the paint. A thorough wash also helps you check for damage, rust spots, and other wear points that may worsen.
Drain the water tanks and lines, flush the plumbing, and add engine and windshield washer antifreeze. It would be best if you also vented your RV by opening up any windows and cabinets that can be opened and using a breathable cover to keep moisture out of the RV. It will help prevent mold and mildew. Also, remove any perishables from the refrigerator and dispose of them properly. If necessary, you should also consider getting an oil change.
Remove Perishables
Taking perishables like food or beverages out of your RV before storing them for an extended time at a facility like GoHome Port is a good idea. It aids in preventing mold and mildew, which can damage your RV’s interior. Utilizing a gasoline stabilizer, empty water tanks and lines is crucial to prevent deposits from forming.
Also, inflate the tires to their recommended pressure before storing your RV. It will help to prevent them from flat-spotting over time. Lastly, make sure to drain the RV battery and put a battery maintainer in it if you’re storing your RV for an extended time. It will also help to wash the vehicle’s exterior to remove dirt and grime from frequent travel.
Inflate the Tires
RV tires take a beating on the road and are more prone to damage during long storage periods. Inflate them to their manufacturer’s recommended pressure and cover them if possible. Underinflated tires crack and flatten over time due to the punishing effects of ozone and uneven surfaces. Overinflated tires become rigid and can lead to poor handling and road damage.
Rodents and bugs love to nestle in nooks and crannies, so remove all food particles from your RV and plug any open holes. Dehumidifiers can help prevent moisture buildup that may attract critters. If you don’t have space for a dehumidifier, place a salt or baking soda bowl in your RV. It will keep the air dry and smell better as well.
Clean the Interior
Ensure that your RV’s interior is clean before storing it. Clearing out storage areas can make them more accessible and help you find things quickly on the road. Make sure to empty boxes, floor hatches, and cupboards of anything that can smell or harbor mold, mildew, or bugs.
Keeping a few cleaning products in the RV is helpful, especially for surfaces like vinyl or fiberglass. Microfiber cloths are ideal for avoiding scratches and smudges. A folding handle broom with a dustpan is essential for sweeping the floor of your RV.
It’s also important to regularly clean window and door seals with a specialized cleaner that is safe for these materials. Doing so can help prevent the seals from drying out, which can lead to water leaks.
Remove the Battery
Before you put your RV into storage, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly. Road grime can corrode metals, and dust can build up on surfaces. A good washing can prevent these problems.
It would be best if you also cleaned the interior of your RV before storing it. It includes vacuuming the floors, polishing the windows, and washing the linens. It will help prevent mold growth in your RV during storage.
Make sure to disconnect the battery before putting your RV into storage. Always-on systems like propane leak detectors continuously pull energy from the storm, causing it to lose charge over time. You should also take a photo of the battery compartment and label which cables connect to which. That will make it easier to reconnect the battery in the spring.
