What You Need to Do to Prepare and Store Your Recreational Vehicle for the Winter in Fall River

recreational-vehicle-storageWhen the cool winds of autumn begin to blow the colorful leaves from the trees, it’s time for recreational vehicle owners to begin to prepare for winter RV storage. While some parts of the country get to use their RVs year round, those of us living in the northeastern states know its best to park the RV until things start to thaw out in the spring.

Winterizing your RV is one thing, but there are other things that you need to do to prepare and store your recreational vehicle through the winter months. Today we will talk about RV storage tips that will help you to properly protect and secure your vehicle until you are ready to use it again. You will soon discover that there’s a lot more to proper winter RV storage than just pouring a bottle of antifreeze into the water system.

Where to Store Your Vehicle

The most important step in protecting your RV during the winter months is to find a safe and secure place to park it. While you could park it in your driveway or somewhere on your property, many of the towns and cities in Massachusetts have laws against just randomly parking recreational vehicles for safety and environmental reasons. Parking your RV under trees or in areas where snow, grass and brush could quickly build up can damage your vehicle. Your best bet is to store your RV at a professional storage facility.

Affordable Storage in Fall River has a wide variety of storage options and opportunities for RV owners living in the Southeastern Massachusetts or South Coast region. You can prepare and store your recreational vehicle without worry, knowing that your RV is being kept on a secure, well-lit property with a 24/7 manager on-site. Contact Affordable Storage in Fall River for information on RV storage, self storage units and storage options for other types of vehicles and boats.

Protecting the Coach

Now that you have a safe place to store your RV for the winter, it’s time to think about protecting the coach. Here is our 10-step guide to help you properly prepare and store your recreational vehicle.

STEP ONE – WASH the COACH

Wash and clean both the inside and the outside of your RV before putting it into storage. Not only will this prevent damage that can be caused by chemicals or dirt that remain on your vehicle during the winter months, but it also prepares your vehicle for the first use of the spring after the snow melts away. Make sure to properly dry the awning fabric and any other fabrics that could retain moisture before you take your vehicle to Affordable Storage in Fall River. Consider covering your coach with a breathable cover to protect it during storage.

STEP TWO – INSPECT the COACH

This is a great time to thoroughly inspect your coach to make sure there aren’t any tears or rips in the fabric and make any necessary repairs. Look over all of the body and roof seams, as well as the windows and doors to make sure there aren’t any openings or cracks. Make sure to use a dealer authorized sealer to repair any cracks that you see in the seals. Check underneath the coach for cracks or openings as well.

STEP THREE – CHECK the TIRES

One of the most important RV storage tips is to check the tires. Make sure that the tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure maximum. If you will be storing your vehicle outdoors, make sure to cover the tires to protect them from the sun. If you do not remove the tires while storing the vehicle, speak with the storage facility to find out if you can move the vehicle periodically to avoid getting flat spots. Chock the wheels both front and rear and leave the parking break off.

STEP FOUR – DOT the I’s and CROSS the T’s

Go over everything else on the vehicle and make sure everything is properly put away. Check all locks, hinges and moving parts and make sure to lubricate them properly with WD 40. Check to make sure that all of your LP gas appliances are turned off and shut off the main supply valve. To prevent the batteries from discharging, remove the LP gas leak detector fuse for winter RV storage and remember to replace it in the spring. Cover all of your vents, including the water heater, furnace and refrigerator to prevent insects from coming into the RV during storage.

Go through your RV to make sure you have done everything to prepare and store your recreational vehicle for the winter months. Check for any food items, perishables or anything else that could freeze and expand. Leave all of your cabinets, drawers and doors open and defrost the freezer when you clean out the refrigerator, leaving the doors open. You can sprinkle the inside with baking soda to absorb odors. Unplug all of your appliances and turn off the main breaker.

RV Storage Tips for Affordable Storage in Fall River

Make sure to check the dimensions of the location where you will be parking your RV. Most recreational vehicles need at least 30-40 feet, but make sure that there is enough room to get in an out easily. Make sure that your RV license plates and tags are current and be prepared to provide proof of vehicle registration and insurance for your vehicle. Speak with the representative on-site to find out if there are any other rules or restrictions for your particular type of vehicle. For more information about winter RV storage at Affordable Storage in Fall River call anytime at 508-675-1177.