A recreational vehicle is a large investment, and like any home or vehicle, it requires preventative maintenance to ensure it runs efficiently and maintains its value. When you’re not on the road, it’s important to find the right RV storage to ensure the elements and outside factors don’t wreak havoc on the interior or exterior. Here are some tips to maximize your VR experience.

Beware of rodents

When you put your vehicle away, it’s possible for rodents like squirrels and mice to get inside while you’re not paying attention. Once inside, they can begin to chew through wiring and damage engine components. Start your engine from time to time to ensure you are not compromised. Also, rodents can enter through small cracks in the undercarriage; Evaluate your vehicle and make sure the gaps are filled with expanding foam or silicone. Also, make sure you have removed all 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 of a breathable material. This long-term, cost-effective solution will help maintain vehicle quality. Also, check the corners and crevices of the vehicle to make sure there are no areas where water could seep in.

Inside

If your motorhome has a refrigerator, make sure to clean it thoroughly and use a deodorizer 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 breaker if you don’t plan to have it plugged into an outlet for a long period of time. If you can’t provide covered storage, close the blinds or shades so the sun doesn’t diminish the quality of the carpet 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 buildup. For the battery, if you don’t plan on running the engine during this period, be sure to remove it and store it so it doesn’t run out of charge.

The tires also need good maintenance. Before leaving the vehicle in RV storage, inflate the tires to the factory recommended levels and make sure they are not exposed to sunlight. Prolonged sunlight can cause external and internal damage that may not show until you are driving on the road.

Following these steps will ensure that your RV is in tip-top shape when you’re ready to hit the road again. You’ve spent a lot of money on this investment, so try to treat it like a home or commercial property. Following these simple steps will prevent more costly and time-consuming repairs in the future.