7 Things You Should Do Before Storing Your RV For The Winter

If you're just starting your adventure with spending summers on the road in your RV, you're undoubtedly hoping to have many great years of on-the-road adventures. Naturally, you'll want to keep your RV in the best possible shape, so now's the time to familiarize yourself with proper winter storage techniques designed to ensure that your vehicle is in tiptop shape for that first road trip of the season. Following are seven things you should do before storing your RV for the winter. 

Wash and Dry All Linens

Thoroughly wash and dry all sheets, towels, and curtains before putting your RV in storage for the winter. Although you can certainly store these items in your own home during the time your RV is in storage, you may want to keep them in the RV for optimal convenience -- and after all, doing so leaves you with one less step when the time comes to get your RV ready for on-the-road adventures. Keep in mind, however, that unless your linen items are completely dry, you may face mold and mildew issues when the time comes to use them. If you're going to be storing them in your RV, err on the side of caution and set the dryer for an extra 10 minutes or so to ensure that they are completely dry. 

Thoroughly Drain Your RV's Plumbing System 

Even small amounts of water left in your RV's plumbing system can cause damage if freezing temperatures are part of the picture, so be sure to drain it thoroughly before putting it to bed for the winter. Consider doing so even if you've chosen a climate-controlled storage unit because this will protect your RV in event of an unfortunately timed power outage. The most reliable way to safeguard your RV's plumbing from cold weather damage is to pump RV-specific anti-freeze through it after blowing out the lines with compressed air. 

Clean and Unplug Appliances 

Thoroughly clean the unit's refrigerator, defrost the freezing compartment, and sprinkle the interior with baking soda prior to storing it for the winter. Clean all other appliances thoroughly, and leave the doors of both your refrigerator and microwave slightly open to allow air circulation to reach the appliance interiors -- this will decrease chances of the formation of mold and mildew colonies. Also, unplug all appliances after they've been cleaned and turn off the vehicle's main circuit breaker. 

Inspect and Oil Locks and Hinges 

Inspect all of the locks on your RV to ensure that they're in good working order, with no loose hinges. Apply a graphite spray lubricant to the locks to prevent them from becoming rusted while in storage, and use a mechanical-grade oil such as WD-40 on the hinges of doors and cabinets to keep them from drying out. 

Open Cabinets and Remove Drawers 

After thoroughly cleaning the interiors of cabinets and drawers, remove the drawers and place them on the bed or other flat surface for storage through the winter. Leave cabinet doors open to provide air circulation -- otherwise, you risk the buildup of mildew and mold, just like you do when refrigerator doors are left closed. 

Close Windows and Blinds 

If you will be storing your RV in an outdoor location, closing windows and blinds prior to storing your RV will ensure that interior surfaces such as flooring, wooden cabinetry, and furniture upholstery will not be damaged by the UV rays of the sun. 

Service the Furnace and Air Conditioning Systems

Preparing your RV for storage provides an excellent opportunity to get the vehicle's heating and cooling system in optimal condition. The filters should be changed, and the systems should be looked over by a professional to ensure that everything is in good running order.  For more information on how to prepare your RV for winter storage, please feel free to contact your local RV storage business at your convenience or check out a site like http://www.movewithunited.com

 

 


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