If you own an RV or camper, you know one thing to be true—your rig spends a lot of time in storage. Sure, you’d love to be out exploring the countryside more often, but real life tends to get in the way. Even if you spend a few weeks per year on trips, you’ll still be storing your RV more often than not. That said, having a good storage plan in place can make RV life more convenient, and it can help keep your RV in better condition for years to come. Take a look at these RV and camper storage ideas to get started.
Need a reliable cover for your RV? American Carports, Inc. offers affordable, fully customizable metal RV carports. Shop now!
Don’t Make These Mistakes
To get started, we are going to highlight a few mistakes that you’ll want to avoid when storing your RV or camper:
- Leaving the windows open. If you get back from a trip on a beautiful summer day, you might have the windows open in the RV while you are cleaning it out and getting it ready to be stored for a while. That’s great – just don’t forget to close them when you are done. Leaving the windows open will invite water inside, and that’s never good news.
- Forgetting perishable food. You might be able to leave a few staples in the RV, such as canned goods, but you’ll want to take almost everything else out when it comes to your food supply. Leaving perishable items behind can make for an unwelcome surprise before your next trip, and you may even attract some critters (if they can find a way in).
- Not locking the door. Even if your RV or camper is parked on your property, you can’t assume it will always be safe. Get in the habit of locking the door while it is stored so no one is able to easily let themselves in.
Park in a Covered Spot
Establishing a covered parking spot for your RV will go a long way toward protecting its condition. While RVs are designed to be exposed to the elements, leaving them out in the weather all year long is just asking for premature deterioration. If you can add a metal RV carport to your property, you’ll have an affordable solution that will keep your RV out of the weather and in great condition for upcoming trips.
Keep the Curtains Up
Hopefully, you will be able to keep any unwanted moisture out of your RV while it is stored. That’s the goal, but real life isn’t always so kind. Keep the curtains up in your RV while it is parked so sunlight can get in during the day. If there are some damp spots, the sunlight may prevent the development of mold. Of course, in addition to leaving the curtains up, it’s also a good idea to check in on the RV from time to time to make sure it’s staying dry inside.
Think Like a Rodent
As you get ready for a long period of storage, take a careful look around the exterior of your RV and seek out spots that might let little critters inside. Remember, small rodents and other animals can often squeeze through very tight spaces, so even the smallest crack could be an issue. Seal the rig up to the best of your ability to keep rodents out and to prevent yourself from finding an unwanted surprise when spring rolls around.
Consider the Condition of Your Tires
This tip doesn’t apply to campers, but it is important for any RV that has tires, such as a motorhome or trailer. When you store the rig for a long period of time, that period of inactivity can be hard on your tires. RV tires are expensive to replace, so it’s in your best interest to care for them while in storage.
For starters, check the air pressure and make sure there is plenty of air in the tires before you leave it parked (the air pressure might be a bit low after a long trip). Also, try to move the vehicle from time to time during the storage period to alter which portion of the tire is resting on the ground. Finally, do what you can to keep the tires out of direct sunlight, as the UV rays are hard on the rubber. If needed, you can purchase tire covers to help guard against sun damage.
Order a Metal Carport from American Carports, Inc.
A metal RV carport is one of the top RV and camper storage ideas to provide your vehicle with the shelter it deserves. Keeping the rain, snow, and sun off your RV while it is stored will help preserve its condition and should cut down on maintenance requirements down the road. Plus, with American Carports, Inc., you can customize your RV carport exactly to your liking with our Build & Price tool so that it meets your exact needs. We look forward to serving you!
