Labor Day has come and gone, which means RV owners who only travel during the summer are looking at the usual RV maintenance tasks before long-term storage. If you’ve taken your last RV trip for 2024, check out some of these tips for ensuring it is ready for storage.
“Spring” Cleaning for the Fall and Winter
Putting in a little elbow grease now will save you time and potential headaches next spring when you pull your RV out of storage. Clear out your refrigerator and give it a good scrubbing so you won’t have a stinky mess when you open it next year. Speaking of food items, check through the entire unit, in the cupboards and under the seats, to make sure all foods are removed, including canned goods. Vacuum and deep-clean the interior and wipe down all surfaces with a mild detergent. Give the exterior a thorough wash and waxing.
Preventing Pests
If you store your RV in an area where pests such as rats and mice are present, you might consider deploying various pest deterrents, as rodents can cause a lot of damage and have even been known to eat electrical wiring.
There are many products on the market today aimed at keeping your pest problem to a minimum, including non-poisonous products like peppermint oil, which rodents will avoid, Irish Spring soap, the scent of which is also not attractive to rodents, and dryer sheets have all been used to some degree of success when they are frequently refreshed.
Managing Moisture
If there is one thing RVs are notorious for, it is moisture issues. In a poorly ventilated unit, the best-case scenario is that any built-up moisture will only lead to a musty smell. That odor is often associated with mildew and mold growth, which can occur in the walls, ceiling, carpet and furniture – anywhere that moisture is present.
Before storing your RV, drain the water system. For areas of the country that experience below-freezing temps, this is particularly important, as frozen pipes and storage tanks can burst if the water hasn’t been completely drained.
An even worse scenario is moisture buildup that leads to rotting structures, such as the subfloor or wooden structural wall materials. Moisture buildup in the electrical system can lead to corroded wiring and connectors. There have even been cases where poor RV maintenance led to electrical fires.
To prevent these problems, completely dry all your surfaces after you have cleaned them and ventilate the unit before putting it in storage. Repairing compromised sealant will also prevent outside moisture from coming in while it is stored. You can look into moisture absorbers, which include silica gel packs and other products such as the popular DampRid disposable absorber with activated charcoal for extra odor removal.
It’s a good idea to check with a local mechanic who specializes in RV maintenance. They can look over mechanical components, such as the engine and various fluids, coolants and oils. They will make sure the battery has a full charge and check the brake pads and rotors to make sure summer travel hasn’t been too harsh on them.
For more tips on what to do with your RV before putting it away for winter, reach out to us at Gray Diesel & Equipment Services.