It’s summer. Probably not the time that you want to be thinking about fall and winter being just around the corner and everything that represents for residents in the northeastern states. However, planning ahead to prepare and store your RV is required in order to protect your investment from a harsh New England winter. Recreational vehicles are not cheap and maintenance is no picnic in the park either, so a preventative, proactive approach to taking care of your motorhome is required in order to get many years of productive and reliable service. Placing your RV at a self-storage facility is an important part of proper care and safety.
Affordable Storage in Fall River provides a wide variety of services to our local customers. In addition to providing Fall River storage units for year-round storage, temporary storage, moving storage and even commercial storage opportunities, we also offer moving truck rentals, vehicle storage and RV storage in Fall River at our secure facility. RV storage starts at just $50 a month and we have a wide range of self-storage units that can also be rented for ATVs, small boats and other recreational equipment storage during the off-season. Give us a call at 508-675-1177 for a free estimate or for information on renting space.
Winterizing Your RV for Storage
There are five core areas that you need to protect in order to prevent issues from happening to your motorhome while it is placed in RV storage in Fall River. While some of these common problems might not even be a consideration in your area, it is still a good idea to at least look into it and take the necessary steps to protect your RV at the self-storage facility. The old saying that reminds us that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, is never more true than when talking about storing recreational vehicles, such as motorhomes, boats and other equipment.
Step #1 – Pest Control
No matter where you store your RV, the potential is high for wild creatures to climb on it and look for a place to make a warm nest. Squirrels, mice and other rodents, in particular, are well known for nesting inside of stored vehicles. While it might just sound like you’ll have a mess to clean up in the spring, the truth is that rodents can do a lot of damage, such as chewing through wiring and rubber or plastic components. Inspect the underside of your motorhome for any holes or gaps and fill them with expanding foam or silicone. Remove all food or anything else that might attract pests and clean the RV really good before putting it into storage. Consider preventative treatments, such as mothballs or dryer sheets, which some people claim works to prevent mice and other small rodents from coming in to nest.
Step #2 – Prepare the Interior
If you have a refrigerator and freezer inside of your recreational vehicle, make sure to give yourself time to defrost and clean the unit. Don’t just close the doors or you could end up with a lot of odors by the time you are ready to use it again. When you arrive at the self-storage facility, make sure to prop the doors open and put some baking soda inside the refrigerator and freezer areas to absorb odors. Turn off the main electrical breaker and shut off the LP-gas supply at the tank, since neither of these features will be used while in storage. Close up all of the blinds, curtains and shades to prevent UV sun damage to carpets and cushions. Take this time to clean A/C filters, place vent covers on the overhead vents and remove batteries from flashlights, clocks and other tools to prevent leakage during storage.
Step #3 – Prepare the Exterior
Start by washing the outside of your motorhome to remove any dirt, debris or chemical that could have collected throughout the camping season. Consider adding a coat of wax to protect the finish while you have your RV in storage in Fall River. Check the exterior by inspecting seams and all areas for cracks, openings and other issues that could become a potential problem while the motorhome is in storage. Clean off all awnings and put anything inside that will fit for extra protection. Check out the self-storage facility to find a spot that will be solid and as level as possible. Avoid parking in tall grass, wooded areas or under trees, as that’s just begging for all sorts of trouble. Consider investing in a cover for your RV for even more protection while in storage.
Step #4 – Complete the Winterization Process
Winterize your RV according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Make sure tires are properly inflated and covered to prevent damage, disconnect and properly store your battery after doing basic battery maintenance to prevent freezing over the winter. Change the oil and oil filter on your vehicle’s engine and also on the generator, if you have one. Check the antifreeze level in your radiator, as well as the levels for your engine oil, power steering, transmission, windshield washer and the brakes. Make sure to add a fuel stabilizer, according to the manufacturers instructions and run the engine long enough for the stabilizer to get through the entire system. Perform any other tasks recommended by the manufacturer before putting your RV in storage in Fall River.
Contact Affordable Storage for information on Fall River storage units, RV storage, moving truck rentals and other opportunities at our convenient self-storage facility. You can call us at 508-675-1177 for a free estimate or to find out about availability.