End of Summer: RV, Boat, and Trailer Storage and Parking Tips

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As summer weather comes to an end you may be thinking of where you can store your summer toys like your RVs, boats, and watercraft (Jet skis, kayaks, canoes) and any accessories like trailers you have used to transport them. You’ll want to choose the best storage space for these items and store them properly so they will be in great shape when the warmer weather returns. At Storage Post, we offer storage options in a variety of cities and metropolitan areas, so you can store your items closer to your home or closer to your destination—whatever you prefer.

Preparing Your RV for Storage

There are many RV types and brands so make sure to check the manufacturer's manual for your model's specific storage recommendations and the correct winterizing guidelines for your model.

  • Cleaning: Before storing your RV for the winter, clean it from top to bottom inside and out. Be sure to clean up any critter-attracting crumbs, use a disinfecting spray on all surfaces, vacuum thoroughly, and empty your refrigerator (leave it open to prevent mold and mildew). Cleaning the outside of your RV will prevent scratching the exterior paint if you put a cover over it as well as reduce oxidation.
  • Cover holes:Cover small holes around the vehicle (ie, exhaust pipe) to prevent small animals taking up residence in your RV over the winter months. 
  • Change oil:Oil may cause damage to your RV's engine if it is left in storage for a long period of time.
  • Add gas:Top off your gas tank to prevent condensation in your fuel lines and then add stabilizer to prevent the fuel from breaking down chemically. 
  • Disconnect batteries:Use a battery disconnect switch or remove your RV’s batteries (and store in a warm, dry place) to eliminate the worry of a dead battery when you are ready to start the vehicle up again.
  • Pay attention to tires:Unload your vehicle so that minimum weight is on the tires. Then inflate your tires to recommended operation pressure plus 25% (without exceeding the rim manufacturer’s inflation capacity). If possible, place your vehicle on blocks to remove the weight from the tires.

Preparing Your Boat for Storage

There are many boat types and brands so make sure to check the manufacturer's manual for your model's specific storage recommendations and the correct winterizing guidelines for your model.

  • Cleaning: Before storing your boat for the winter, clean it from top to bottom inside and out, including cleaning off barnacles and buildup from hull and props.
  • Change oil and check system:Change oil, replace filters, flush the coolant system, and add antifreeze.
  • Add gas:Top off your gas tank to prevent condensation in your fuel lines and then add stabilizer to prevent the fuel from breaking down chemically. 
  • Disconnect batteries:Use a battery disconnect switch or remove your RV’s batteries (and store in a warm, dry place) to eliminate the worry of a dead battery when you are ready to start the vehicle up again.
  • Support the hull:Use jack stands and blocks or a trailer to properly support the boat and keep the integrity of the hull shape during storage.

Store Your Summer Toys at Storage Post

At Storage Post, we offer a wide variety of indoor, outdoor, and climate controlled storage units for storing all of your summer toys. Each of our facilities are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with excellent security features. Come visit your local Storage Post today.