How to Store Your RV Camper Properly

For some campers, the season is never over. But, others may use their RV on a part-time basis. So, what do you do with your RV travel trailer or fifth wheel when you are not camping? Here are some tips to help you properly store your RV.

Many travel trailers and fifth wheel RV campers are too large to store in a normal size home garage. It is possible to build a special garage for your RV. This is actually the best way to store your camper while you are not using it. This type of storage will keep it save from all but the harshest of winters. It is even possible to run electricity and then have heaters to keep your trailer from freezing during the cold winter months. If you can keep your RV in a heated storage garage, you will not be required to do the prep before taking it out the next year.

The next best storage for your RV is a carport. It may have to be extra tall, however. This will not prevent freezing, but it will keep the sun damage down and keep it relatively dry. If you use this type of storage in combination with one or more large tarps, your RV should weather the cold winters just fine.

Sometimes, these types of storage facilities are not available for your RV. If this is the case, there are some steps that should be taken to make sure your camper will be usable and in good shape when you want to use it next.

Be sure all the holding tanks are empty, clean and sanitized. There should be no water, whatsoever, stored in your RV during the winter. This will cause the pipes to burst and will be an added expense before the trailer can be used again.

Look through all the cabinets and storage compartments in the RV. Remove any perishable foods and transfer them into your home kitchen. If there is a danger of freezing, all canned goods should be removed from the cabinets in your camper, as well.

To prevent drain on the battery, be sure to turn off all electrical appliances. This should include the refrigerator and any interior lights than may have been inadvertently left on during your last camping trip. Turn off the circuit breakers to make sure everything is off. It is also advisable to prop the refrigerator door open and put an open box of baking soda or a few charcoal briquettes inside. This will remove any residual odors.

To prevent sun damage, close or pull down any window shades. You do not want your upholstery to fade or crack white your RV is in storage. Any rain covers that are usually folded up in your camper should be left out for ventilation while not in use. And, if there are propane tanks, be sure to turn them off for the winter. And remember, your tires can be damaged by the sun, as well. So, cover them up, as well.

Storing your travel trailer or fifth wheel RV camper can be a challenge, because of their height. But, storing them correctly can mean the difference between being able to use them again the next year, or not. Hopefully, these tips will help you store your RV correctly and be able to use it for years to come.