When you are storing your RV for the off-season, there are several essential steps you should take to protect it from damage and deterioration. Here are four things you can do to make sure your RV is in good shape when it is time to take it on the road again.

Fight Moisture Buildup and Mold Growth

If your RV will be in storage for more than a couple weeks, moisture buildup poses a potentially serious threat to your RV's interior. It is important to make sure moisture can escape while your RV is stored so condensation is not present to promote mold growth. The easiest way you can protect your RV from mold growth is by leaving the overhead vents cracked to allow moisture to escape.

Fridges and freezers are often the main source of condensation problems in a stored RV. You should always defrost the freezer compartment and thoroughly clean out the refrigerator. Leave the refrigerator open while your RV is stored, and put an open box of baking soda in the fridge and freezer to absorb odors and moisture from the air.

Prevent Rodent Damage

If rats or squirrels manage to make their way into your RV while it is in storage, they can cause significant damage to the RV's wiring. Rodents often find their way into your RV through holes in the undercarriage you may not even be aware of. Expanding foam can be used to easily seal holes under your RV, preventing rodent access.

A thorough inspection of your RV's cabinets and drawers is the only way to make sure rodents will not make a surprise entry. Move your RV in a well-lit spot and caulk all holes you can see daylight through. You should also inspect the water line access hole, and seal it with spray foam if there is enough room around the water line for rodents to squeeze through.

Flush and Winterize Plumbing

If you are storing your RV during the cold season, taking a few steps to protect your plumbing from freezing can save you from costly repairs in the future. The first step is to flush both the waste water and fresh water tanks, as well as the hot water heater. You can make sure there is no water sitting in the piping by opening all the cold and hot water taps in the RV, and flushing your toilet multiple times. Do this until the toilet does not refill and no more water is coming from the faucets.

After the plumbing has been flushed, it is time to add antifreeze to the system. RV winterizing antifreeze is pink in color and non-toxic, making it safer to handle in larger quantities. To add the antifreeze to your RV's plumbing, use a water pump conversion kit to pump antifreeze into each fixture in the fresh water system. Start with the highest fixture, which is usually the kitchen faucet, and move to the lowest.

Protect Your Tires From Future Blowouts

The longer your RV is left in storage, the more wear the tires will experience from the constant weight of the RV. To avoid sudden blowouts, it is important to store your RV somewhere where the tires will be protected from direct sunlight. Unloading as much weight as possible and storing your RV on blocks will further reduce the stress the tires have to deal with. Taking your RV for a short drive every three to four months will help to prevent flat spots.

Learning the steps for proper storage is essential to avoid expensive RV repairs. Keep these tips in mind when you are storing your RV so you can be sure it will remain in good condition during the winter. Also, storing your RV with professionals, like at Advanced Realty, means you could ask the manger for other tips for your specific RV.

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