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Boat and RV Storage Tips

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Boat and RV Storage Tips: Keeping Your Recreational Vehicles Safe During Offseason

Owning recreational vehicles like boats and RVs can lead to lifelong memories for you and your loved ones. But with great fun comes great responsibility, and being a good vehicle owner involves taking good care of your vessels. Proper preparation and maintenance for the offseason are crucial to keep your valued vehicles in top-tier shape for the coming years.

We’ve compiled some essential tips and tricks for responsible vehicle ownership during the offseason so you can ensure your recreational vehicles are ready for use when vacation season starts again.

Why Should I Prepare My Vehicles for Winter?

Proper vehicle storage is no walk in the park. Whether you want to continue driving your RV through snowy conditions or use boat and RV storage facilities until spring has sprung again, preparing your vehicle for freezing temperatures and precipitation is vital. While this will involve oil changes, inspecting tires, and fluid checks, be sure to check your vehicle’s manual to be confident you aren’t missing anything.

Cleaning Your Vehicle

Before locking up your vehicle for the season, be sure it has been thoroughly cleaned in preparation for long-term storage. Otherwise, you may return next year to find that unwelcome visitors have made your vessel their home.

Take out the trash. Empty trash cans and remove any food stored onboard, wiping down and vacuuming all surfaces.
Hose it down. On the exterior, remove any accumulated dirt, grime, and debris. As you clean, look for any noticeable signs of damage that must be repaired before storing.
Let it dry. Be sure your vehicle has been thoroughly dried before placing it into storage. For boats, moisture absorbers should be placed in the interior.
Keep it under cover. Once cleaned and inspected, boats should be draped in a waterproof cover if you don’t have covered boat storage.

Proper Maintenance for Your Vehicle

Keeping up with the mechanics of your vehicle is imperative to being a responsible vehicle owner. Maintenance checks remain relatively constant whether you’re dealing with a motorboat or a motor home.

Top off fluids. Change out oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Top off the fuel in your engine and add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent deterioration.
Drain your water. Flush out and drain the water tanks and heaters, and run antifreeze through your water system and drains.
Disconnect the battery. Remove the vehicle’s battery and store it somewhere cool and dry.
Check the engine. Examine your engine for any necessary maintenance that should be conducted. Drain the engine and refill it with fresh fluid.
Inspect your tires. Test the air pressure of your tires, filling any that feel low. To help hold pressure, place a barrier between your tires and the ground.

Storage for Recreational Vehicles

Over the long stretch of the winter season, finding a reliable spot for indoor boat storage and covered RV storage is of the utmost importance when it comes to the longevity of your vehicles. Keeping large vehicles outdoors during the winter exposes them to freezing temperatures and elements that can lead to cosmetic and mechanical damage. Depending on your residence, you may lack the space to keep your vehicle in a garage or covered up on your property, in which case you should consider seeking out an RV or boat storage facility.

Self Storage Plus offers inexpensive, secure boat and RV storage solutions across the East Coast so you can have room to pursue life. With features including extended access hours, gated access, and electrical hookups, you’ll have everything you need to conveniently and dependably store your vehicle. Discover our spaces at a location near you, and contact us today to get started!

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