Get Your Boat, RV, and Vehicle Storage-Ready
Owning recreational vehicles like boats and RVs brings lots of fun and lasting memories with your family. Whether it’s going on a road trip or spending weekends by the lake, these vehicles are a key asset to your adventures, shepherding along endless adventures.
In order to be a responsible vehicle owner, your RV, boat, or other ride needs regular care, especially when it’s time to park it in storage. Proper storage procedures help keep your boat, RV, motorcycle, or any other vehicle in great shape.
In this guide, we’ll cover important tips for storing boats and RVs all year long so your vessel is ready for the next getaway.
Why Should I Prepare My Vehicle for Storage?
Once boating or RV season ends, you can park your vehicle until the next time you decide to head out. However, storing them isn’t as simple as parking and walking away—it’s important to take steps to help protect them from weather, pests, and other outdoor obstacles so you can enjoy your vehicle for years to come.
To keep your boat or RV in great shape, you’ll need to check the tires, change the fluids, flush water from the systems, and look over the engine carefully. Read on as we break down all the tips and tricks to regular care and storage preparations to help make sure your vehicles stay ready for your next big trip.
Preparing for Vehicle Storage
No matter what type of vehicle you plan on storing, it’s essential to thoroughly clean it prior to parking in your vehicle storage unit. This will help keep it looking great and ward off damage from dirt, moisture, or pests. Here are some basic cleaning tips for how to get your vehicle ready for storage:
- Take out the trash. Empty out all trash bins and food storage to help keep pests from discovering a meal in your vehicle.
- Clean the exterior. Wash away dirt, grime, and debris. This is also a great opportunity to inspect your vehicle for any minor damage that should be repaired.
- Dry everything thoroughly. Allow your vehicle to dry completely before storing it. For boats, use moisture-absorbing products inside to prevent mold and mildew.
- Cover your vehicle. If you don’t have covered storage, invest in a high-quality waterproof cover for your boat or RV. This will help shield it from rain, snow, and dirt.
Maintenance Checklist for Vehicle Storage
While every vehicle presents its unique steps for proper maintenance, there are a number of commonalities across the mechanics of all means of transportation. Regular maintenance helps make sure that everything runs smoothly when you’re ready to take it out again. Here are some general maintenance steps to follow for boats, RVs, and automobiles:
- Top off fluids. Change the oil to help the engine stay lubricated and prevent buildup. Add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent the fuel in your vehicle from going stale and causing engine problems.
- Remove the battery.Disconnect and remove the battery. Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from discharging or freezing.
- Check tire pressure. Low tire pressure can cause tires to crack over time. If relevant to your vehicle, inflate them to the recommended pressure or place something between the tires and the ground to maintain pressure during long-term storage.
- Store in a dry area. Avoid storing your vehicle in damp or humid conditions, which can cause rust or mold.
How To Siphon Gas
No matter if you’re storing your boat, RV, or automobile, it may be smart to siphon the gas from the tank if you plan on storing it for an extended period. Here’s some tips on how to siphon gas:
- Gather your supplies.You’ll need a siphon pump, which is available at most auto parts stores.
- Insert the siphon. Place one end of the siphon tube in the gas tank and the other end in a gas container.
- Siphon the gas. Pump the siphon until the tank is empty.
- Dispose of the gas. Never dispose of gasoline in the trash or down the drain. Instead, take it to a recycling center.
RV Maintenance Checklist
For any motor home you embark on road trips with, there is an additional list of to-dos to help it stay in shape during storage. Here is an RV storage checklist to follow in addition to the above items, including some essential travel trailer storage ideas:
- Check the coolant. Inspect the coolant level and top it off.
- Flush water tanks and heaters. Drain all water systems to prevent freezing and damaging pipes.
- Use antifreeze. Run antifreeze through your RV’s water system to protect pipes and tanks from freezing temperatures.
- Check the roof. Look over the roof for any cracks or leaks. Make sure all vents and seams are properly sealed to prevent water damage.
- Secure the doors and windows.Make sure all windows and doors are closed tightly and sealed to keep pests out.
- Stabilize your trailer. For camper storage, use stabilizing jacks to distribute weight evenly and prevent pressure on the tires.
Boat Maintenance Checklist
Moving on to water-bound modes of transport, here are essential steps to take to help lower any boat maintenance costs you may incur next time a lake trip rolls around.
- Care for your boat motor. Inspect the boat motor, flush it out, and replace any fluids to help prevent rust or corrosion. Run the engine briefly to circulate the oil.
- Eliminate moisture. Make sure that your boat is completely dry before storing it. Moisture can cause mold and mildew inside your boat. Place moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers inside to keep things dry.
- Add fogging oil. Fogging oil helps prevent rust in the carburetor and other metal parts of the engine.
Park Your RV at Anytime Storage
If you’re looking for a reliable place to store your RV, boat, or automobile, consider renting a vehicle storage unit at your local Anytime Storage facility. With the right preparation and storage solutions, you can keep your vehicles ready for the next season without sacrificing space in your garage or driveway.
At Anytime Storage, we offer affordable, secure vehicle storage spaces that cater to all your recreational and commercial vehicle needs. Whether you need boat storage or camper parking, our well-maintained storage units are just a phone call away.
Contact us today to find the best storage space for your vehicle, and find us at a location near you!