A recreational vehicle is a great investment, and like any home or vehicle, it requires preventative maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently and maintains its value. When you are not on the road, it is important to find the right RV storage to ensure that the elements and external factors do not wreak havoc indoors or out. Here are some tips to maximize your VR experience.
Beware of rodents
When you store your vehicle, rodents such as squirrels and mice may move around without your paying attention. Once inside, they can begin to chew through the wiring and damage engine components. Start your engine every now and then to make sure you don’t get compromised. Additionally, rodents can enter through small cracks in the landing gear; Evaluate your vehicle and make sure the gaps are filled with expanding foam or silicone. Also, make sure you have removed food and debris.
Exterior
If you store your vehicle outside, it can be exposed to harmful UV rays that dry out rubber and vinyl and cause paint to fade. While covered RV storage is ideal, it is not always the most feasible option. If this is the case, consider investing in an outer shell made from a breathable material. This long-term, cost-effective solution will help maintain vehicle quality. Also, assess the corners and crevices of the vehicle to make sure there are no areas where water can seep in.
Inside
If your motorhome has a refrigerator, make sure to clean it thoroughly and use a deodorant in the different compartments. If you have a freezer, be sure to defrost it. It’s also a good idea to turn off the main circuit breaker if you don’t plan on having it plugged into an outlet for an extended period. If you can’t provide covered storage, close blinds or curtains so the sun doesn’t diminish the quality of carpets and upholstery.
Engine and other areas
For the engine and generator, be sure to change the oil and oil filter. While in storage, oil can cause problems for engine components due to acid build-up. For the battery, if you do not plan to run the engine during this period, be sure to remove and store it so it does not drain its charge.
Tires also need good maintenance. Before leaving the vehicle in RV storage, inflate the tires to factory recommended levels and make sure they are not exposed to sunlight. Prolonged sunlight can cause external and internal damage that may not show up until you are driving on the road.
Following these steps will ensure your RV is in tip-top shape when you’re ready to hit the road again. You have spent a lot of money on this investment, so try to treat it like a house or commercial property. Following these simple steps will prevent more costly and time-consuming repairs down the road.