RV Storage: How to Prepare for Long-Term Storage

Your RV is a significant investment for you, so making an effort to protect it makes sense. Sometimes, however, there can be confusion about the long-term storage of RVs. Proper preparation before storage and where you store it are two factors that have a big impact on the lifetime of your RV and your satisfaction with it. This is a great time of the year to start thinking about preparing for RV storage.

1) Batteries

Many RV’s have batteries and those need attention. If you have the ability to run electricity to the stored RV (shore power), it is much simpler. Even then, make sure you have a high-quality 4 stage charger that will keep your batteries from being overcharged. A battery tender could also be a great tool to put in place.

If you won’t be running shore power, fully charge the batteries and plan to check them every 3 to 6 months. If your RV is going to be stored with house batteries in place, either use the kill switch or disconnect it. Always remember to disconnect the negative lead first.

2) Mold and mildew

Southwest Florida is very humid and the battle against mold and mildew is a constant. One of the most effective and easiest ways to combat this is to store your RV in a climate-controlled environment. Our Elite Motor Storage at The Hideout is one way to do it. We offer several different car condo unit sizes to house any recreational vehicle—everything from SUVs to trailers to Class A motorhomes.

If you choose to use something like our Outdoor Storage, start by inspecting the roof. If you see any signs of wear in the caulking or seams, those should be repaired before storage. Also, check around sinks and toilets to make sure there are no leaks and drain your holding tanks. Check the seals around windows and doors, as well as inspect any ventilation ducts. Products like DampRid may also be a good addition to your RV storage plan.

3) Protect the outside

Whether you are storing outside or in a climate-controlled environment, a good washing is a best practice. This helps ensure that bird droppings, chemicals, bugs or other environmental hazards don’t have months to damage your paint.

If you are storing outside, a breathable RV cover could also be a wise investment. The UV rays from the sun can damage your paint and dry out rubber and vinyl seals. They can even damage your tires. The cover cuts those harmful UV rays while allowing moisture to escape, keeping your sun solution from creating a mold problem.

4) Pests

Nobody wants to return to their RV and find that insects and rodents have made it their home. Cleaning the RV inside is the first step. Removing food and crumbs that can attract rodents and any standing water that may attract insects will help. Next, find entry points and block them. This could be where your shore power cord is coming in, exterior vents or even sink/shower drains. Don’t overlook the underbelly of the RV either. Sealants, expanding foam or even steel wool can be used to seal any points your find. Using insect killers is fine, just remember they’ll need to be cleaned up before your family and pets use the RV next time. Some RV owners say cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil are an effective repellent that doesn’t have potentially harmful side effects.

Whether your RV storage plans are indoors, like our Elite Motor Storage, or outdoors, The Hideout is here to help you protect your investment. Contact our storage experts to find out what we can do to meet your needs.

Jorge TrevillaJorge Trevilla
20:44 25 Nov 23
Best most professional storage I have ever used. Thank you. 🥇
PaulPaul
19:16 13 Nov 23
The Hideout is the ultimate in storage not just due to their fabulous facilities but even more so when it comes to their staff. Heather in the office has been indispensable and has gone way above and beyond to help my team and my client ensure that problematic deliveries made their way to the unit without any hiccups.Paul SullivanNationwide Garage, Inc.
Stephen FerrisStephen Ferris
18:20 13 Nov 23
Want to give a great shout-out to Heather, The Hideout's Office manager: She has been a treasure beyond measure!Way above her enumerated responsibilities, Heather has unfailingly assisted in receiving packages, and even very large shipments that are to be deposited in an owner's unit when the owner is not available (Ask me how I know! ).I am having a large expanse of my unit walls covered with slatwall, and the supplier initially (unknown to anyone) delivered an incorrect color - which then had to be retrieved by the shipper - and finally had to be replaced with the correct material.Through all of this Heather was unfailingly helpful, calling to let me know of the delivery, alerting me to any issues, and generally being my eyes and ears throughout the deliveries and pickup.One could not ask for more in the way of above-and-beyond assistance: Kudos to Heather for all her help!!!Steve FerrisHideout Unit Owner
Jacqueline KatzJacqueline Katz
23:43 01 Nov 23
Great safe place to store a 5th Wheel. Service was excellent, they make it easy. We will definitely use them again.
kendall elliottkendall elliott
14:29 31 Oct 23
Rhett RobisonRhett Robison
14:32 18 Sep 23
Carey MattCarey Matt
03:42 01 Sep 23
Very friendly and helpful staff!! Heather is awesome!!
Beverly HolmesBeverly Holmes
14:23 24 Aug 23
Phyllis Fischler GrayPhyllis Fischler Gray
15:56 02 Aug 23
Hideout was a convenient place to keep my boat and trailer. No problems with access, and staff was always friendly and helpful when I had questions or needed to update information.
william drakewilliam drake
00:35 02 Aug 23
I've been storing boats rvs and trucks for over 40 years, this complex is far superior than the rest. The owner and office manager are always on hand to answer any questions or help anyway needed. They consistently go above and beyond expectations. Great job!
Shara MattShara Matt
14:17 01 Jun 23
I have to say this place just keeps getting better. I first moved here in 2016. My class c was there when Irma hit and not a single issue. My RV cover didn't even come off. I needed a place for my small class c. This was it. Very secure. I didn't worry about anything because at that time I was by the canal and if anyone got past the security gator they were lucky. (He was huge). Just recently had my travel trailer there and I didn't think customer service could have gotten any better because it's exceptional. I wouldn't use any other facility.Thank you for being there where it's needed.
Derrick WatkinsDerrick Watkins
14:08 01 Feb 23
Stored my boat at this facility for almost 2 years and have no complaints. The owner (who I've never met in person) helped me with a few setup challenges and he was extremely quick to respond. For as big of an operation, his customer service skills are A++. The only reason I am leaving the facility is to sell the boat I had in storage and upgrade to a different one. Once I have purchased my new boat, I am giving them a call to set me up with another storage space. Place has been super secure, and automated. Never an issue. Thanks guys!
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