No matter where your travels take you this year, at some point, you’ll need to store your RV. With such a valuable investment, it’s essential to know how to protect your RV in storage.

Happy Goat RV Storage is Austin’s top-rated choice for protecting your traveling rig. With a friendly staff and a high-tech facility, we are the perfect spot for your RV. Learn more or book your space today.

How To Protect Your RV In Storage

Just as you button up everything in your house when leaving on vacation, you also have plenty to do to protect your RV in storage. Everything from weather to rodents can impact your rig’s integrity and value when you aren’t using it.

To make sure you have a functional, comfortable RV when you’re ready to roll, here are the top five ways to protect your rig while it’s in storage.

1. Clean Inside and Out

We can’t understate the importance of a thorough cleaning for your RV before you store it. You could come back to a host of costly and time-consuming problems if you skip or hurry through the cleaning process.

Interior Cleaning

You are always going to have a closed-up smell after storing your rig for a few months. But you can minimize it by paying attention to the following tasks:

Vacuum the floors, upholstery, and blinds.

Dust and polish the woodwork. 

Spot clean stains on flooring and furniture.

Empty and clean the refrigerator. Empty and defrost the freezer. 

Leave your fridge and freezer doors open so they dry thoroughly.

Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge.

Be sure you remove all food from your RV when putting it in storage to avoid drawing rodents and other pests. They can leave messes and damage that may ruin your plans when you’re ready to hit the road again.

Close the curtains and blinds to avoid sun damage to your RV’s interior. And open up cupboard doors to help air circulate throughout the space. When it’s time to pack up for your next trip, you will have minimal work to do inside your RV.

Exterior Cleaning

Give your vehicle a complete exterior wash and wax, per manufacturer guidelines. This will help protect the outside of your RV to help ensure a longer lifespan. For awnings, make sure to clean them well and allow them to dry completely before closing them up for the season. 

Empty and clean your tanks, and if you store your rig in a place that could have freezing temperatures, be sure to winterize them, too. Last year’s winter storms showed us that even here in Texas, winterizing is essential. 

Take some time to check seams and seals before storing your vehicle, and close vents to prevent moisture and dust from getting inside. Finally, consider using a cover for your rig. Be sure to use one specifically for RVs that has breathable material. This step is crucial to protect your RV if you’re storing it outdoors.

If you are short on time or just don’t want these cleaning chores, consider hiring an RV post-trip service. This option is a great way to protect your RV in storage without any effort at all.

2. Choose a Reputable Storage Facility

You have put a lot of time and money into your RV. It may be something you use just on the weekends, or you may live in it most of the year. Either way, when your RV is not in use, it deserves a happy home while awaiting the next adventure. When choosing a self-storage option, be sure to ask the following questions:

• • How much access will I have? Ideally, you should be able to get to your RV any time around the clock. Look for a facility that allows you access to your vehicle 24-7.

• What is the security setup? Modern technology allows RV storage facilities to offer excellent security measures. From high-quality perimeter fencing to video surveillance and personal passcodes, storage sites provide excellent options.

• Are other services available? Let’s face it. Sometimes you don’t want to do it all. Many RV storage sites now offer additional amenities and services, such as vehicle washes, dump sites, and post-trip cleaning.

3. Pay Attention to the Tires

If you happen to live near your RV’s storage facility, try to drive your rig every few months to keep your tires from developing flat spots. When that isn’t an option, store your RV on jacks or blocks to keep pressure off the tires. 

4. Protect Your Batteries and Fuel

When storing your RV over the winter, it’s a good idea to disconnect the batteries and keep them somewhere cool and dry. Periodically check their charge and give them a boost if needed. Fully-charged batteries are less likely to freeze during cold spells.

If your RV will be sitting for a long time, consider adding a fuel stabilizer. This product helps avoid the gumminess that can occur when gasoline sits in the tank too long.

5. Verify Your Insurance Coverage

Many RV owners try to save money during the off months by pausing their insurance policy. It sounds good on paper, right? Why do you need comprehensive insurance when you’re not driving anywhere?

Unfortunately, completely canceling your policy is very risky. Depending on where you choose to park your rig, it could be at risk of theft, damage, or vandalism. And if you have no coverage in place, your investment is in jeopardy.

Talk with your insurance agent about policy options that will still protect your RV in storage. You may be eligible for storage-only coverage that will save you some money while still protecting your vehicle.

If you store your RV at home, don’t be tempted to rely on your homeowners insurance to protect it. Homeowners policies don’t always provide coverage for RVs stored on your property, and you don’t want any awful surprises if a windstorm drops a tree on the roof.

Again, be sure to discuss this with your agent or broker to ensure that you have sufficient protection. Some storage facilities also offer storage insurance coverage.

Happy Goat RV Storage: Your Rig’s Home Away From Home

For a high-end storage solution at an affordable price, Happy Goat RV Storage is the perfect option. With 24-7 monitoring and member access, our Austin, TX facility gives you peace of mind and protection of your valuable rig.

We invite you to take a look at everything we have to offer and book your space today.