Storing an RV Outside in the Winter in Kingston, MA

Proper RV storage means protecting it from deterioration and damage caused by nature. It takes time and work to store an RV correctly, so before winter is the ideal time to get started. Here are some tips for storing your RV outside in the wintertime.

The RV and its features

It’s important to prepare for outdoor RV storage in Kingston, MA. Yes, even though it’s a vehicle and it is used to being exposed to all kinds of weather, parking it long-term over winter requires you to take a few extra preventative steps. These include:

• Wash the RV: Thoroughly clean outside and all around your RV. Mildew is going to be a top concern. To remove mildew and caked-on debris, wash awnings, tires, wheel wells, windows and doors with an approved cleaning solution. Wipe all seals, and replace if damaged. Make sure the RV is completely dry before covering it or parking it inside.
• Do maintenance on tires and moving parts: Blocking or jacking up the tires will help keep flat spots from forming during periods of non-use. And lubricating moving parts, like bearings, is highly recommended before storing. You can protect your tires from the elements by installing tire covers. Lighter colored covers can keep tires cooler and help preserve them.
• RV covers: If you use a cover, like a tarp, for RV storage in Kingston, MA, it should be breathable so moisture doesn’t turn into condensation beneath it. Moisture is notorious for rusting and corroding RV parts, and it allows mold to thrive.
• Beware of moisture inside: Just like it wreaks havoc under RV tarps, moisture can accumulate on the inside of your parked RV—especially in an RV you don’t plan to use for months. Mold is unhealthy to breathe in, and it can also destroy the RV’s interior. For this reason, place a container or two of silica gel (or another moisture control product) inside. While a dehumidifier is a good alternative, you may not want to leave an electrical appliance unattended for too long between checks.
• Propane tanks: For safety’s sake, remove propane tanks for the winter. Cap off propane lines and store tanks separately in a ventilated area.
• Pest proofing: Pests like mice, other rodents, insects and reptiles may see your stored RV as the perfect winter vacation home for their families. Once inside, they will tear up carpets, window treatments, furniture, cabinets and anything else in their path. To prevent a pest infestation over the winter months, inspect all around the RV for holes, cracks or openings of any size, and seal them up.

What to do about items inside

Before putting your RV in storage, remove all perishable food and beverage items from the refrigerator and cabinets and vacuum up crumbs. Other things like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, medicines and other similar items will deteriorate over time, as well as attract pests. Make sure to clean and vacuum everywhere inside your RV before storing it.

Here at A Plus Storage Corporation, we have parking space to accommodate outdoor RV storage in Kingston, MA. Call us today for rental information!

Categorised in: RV Storage