For many travelers, owning a motor home is a dream come true. The freedom to hit the open road and explore the world at your own pace is an experience like no other. However, when it comes to storing your motor home when not in use, things can get a bit tricky. Proper storage is essential to ensure that your motor home remains in good condition and ready to hit the road whenever the travel bug strikes. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about motor home storage.
First and foremost, the most important aspect of motor home storage is finding a suitable location. Ideally, you will want to store your motor home in a covered area such as a garage or storage unit. This will provide protection from the elements and help prevent damage from the sun, rain, and snow. If a covered area is not available, you may need to invest in a quality RV cover to protect your motor home while it is parked outside.
When choosing a storage location for your motor home, it is crucial to consider access and security. Make sure that the storage facility is easily accessible and that you have permission to come and go as needed. Additionally, look for a facility that offers security features such as gated access, surveillance cameras, and security guards to help protect your investment.
Once you have found a suitable storage location, the next step is to prepare your motor home for storage. Start by giving your motor home a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Remove any perishable items, clean out the refrigerator, and empty all tanks to prevent mold and mildew growth. Next, inspect the exterior of your motor home for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Make any necessary repairs before storing your motor home to prevent further damage while in storage.
Before parking your motor home for an extended period, it is important to properly winterize the vehicle to protect the plumbing system from freezing temperatures. This involves draining all tanks, blowing out water lines, and adding antifreeze to the plumbing system. Failure to properly winterize your motor home can result in costly repairs and damage to the plumbing system.
Once your motor home is clean, repaired, and winterized, it is time to park and secure it in the storage location. When parking your motor home, be sure to level the vehicle and engage the parking brake to prevent it from rolling. If storing your motor home outdoors, use wheel chocks to prevent movement and consider placing blocks under the tires to protect them from flat spots.
To further protect your motor home while in storage, consider investing in additional security measures such as wheel locks, hitch locks, and alarm systems. These extra precautions can help deter theft and vandalism and provide peace of mind while your motor home is parked.
In addition to secure storage, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain your motor home while it is in storage. Check on your motor home periodically to ensure that it remains in good condition and address any issues that may arise. This includes checking for leaks, pests, and other potential problems that can arise from long periods of storage.
When it comes time to take your motor home out of storage and hit the road again, be sure to properly dewinterize the vehicle. This involves flushing the plumbing system, refilling tanks, and checking all systems to ensure that everything is in working order. Conduct a thorough inspection of your motor home before departing to catch any issues that may have occurred while in storage.
In conclusion, proper motor home storage is essential to protecting your investment and ensuring that your motor home remains in good condition for years to come. By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your motor home is safe and secure while in storage. So, whether you are storing your motor home for the winter or preparing for your next adventure, be sure to take the time to properly store and maintain your motor home. Your future self will thank you when you hit the road again in a well-maintained and reliable motor home.