The Ultimate Guide to Storing Your RV in the Off-Season

When choosing where you plan to store your RV when you’re not planning on using it, you have the option of leaving it parked at your residence, in an RV storage lot, or in an indoor storage unit.

This guide to storing your RV in the off-season will walk you through your options and give you important information to make sure you are properly taking care of your RV no matter which option you choose.

Parking at Your Residence
Using an Outdoor RV Storage Lot
Invest in Indoor Storage

Parking at Your Residence

You may want to treat off-season storage like business as usual. Depending on how you park and your local climate, this may not be feasible and could even pose major risks to your RV. Your area’s risk of snowstorms, thunderstorms, hurricanes, sub-zero temperatures, or other major weather events should factor into your decision-making. If you have a garage or covered shelter to park your RV, you can prevent some weather-related damage.

An uncovered outdoor space, although cheaper than paying for indoor storage, requires more regular maintenance and additional supplies. If you decide to take on this challenge, be sure to invest in an RV cover. This will help prevent dirt, rain, and snow from getting all over your RV.

In order to prevent additional damage from outdoor storage, make sure you:

Drain all water from the tank and use antifreeze to prevent pipes from bursting
Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place
Use a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas in your tank in good condition
Clean the inside of your RV and make sure all potential entry points are sealed to prevent bugs and rodents from making your RV their home
Make sure you’re parked on a solid surface (not grass) and cover and level your tires
Check on your RV every few weeks to make sure no issues are starting to form
Scrape any snow that’s settled on top of your RV

For more essential information, check out this resource to help you Winterize Your RV.

Using an Outdoor RV Storage Lot

RV storage lots are a great solution for those who want their RV parked in a secure space during the winter months, but don’t have a space available to them at home. You can choose between covered and uncovered spaces. Choosing an uncovered space will save you upwards of $100 a month, but the downside is that you will still have to do all of the necessary winterization procedures listed above. Depending on how far away this storage lot is from your residence, committing to checking up on your RV every few weeks may be tough. But by following proper winterization guidelines, you prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your RV. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Invest In Indoor Storage

Some RV storage lots offer indoor storage solutions. By splurging on indoor storage space, you don’t need to worry about the winterization process or visiting every few weeks to make sure your RV is okay. Chances are, the storage facility has some sort of security to ensure your RV is safe, but either way, it is best to invest in an RV lock for peace of mind.

Even better than a standard indoor garage space is a climate-controlled space. By investing in a climate-controlled space, your RV is completely out of the elements. This is the safest way to store your RV, both in terms of preventing damages and reducing the possibility of theft. Your climate-controlled RV storage unit will only be accessible by you, which gives you additional peace of mind. 

When you store your RV in an indoor space, you’ll want to prepare a little differently. Make sure you:

Clean and condition all rubber seals to prevent dirt and debris from settling in the cracks.
Switch off the battery and electrical entirely to protect your RV battery life.
Remove all bedding, towels, and clothes from the RV. These can trap odors and mildew.
Leave the rooftop vent open to prevent the possibility of mold or mildew from forming inside your RV.  

No Matter What You Choose, Store Your RV Safely

With the options of residential parking, an outdoor RV storage space, or indoor storage solutions, you have many ways to keep your RV safe when not being used in the off-season. As long as you follow safe storage procedures for the parking location you chose, your RV should make it through the winter unscathed. Check out this resource to find RV storage near you, or read this article if you want to take your RV out of storage and use it this winter.

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