Properly preparing your RV for long-term storage is essential for maintaining its value and ensuring it is ready to go when you are. Colorado conditions present specific challenges that make thorough preparation particularly important.
Clean Your RV Thoroughly
Start with a complete interior and exterior cleaning. Wash the exterior to remove road grime, bug residue, and bird droppings that can damage the finish over time. Clean the interior thoroughly, removing all food and perishables that could attract pests. Wipe down all surfaces and vacuum floors, cushions, and storage compartments.
Pay special attention to the refrigerator and freezer. Clean them completely, leave the doors propped open, and place a box of baking soda inside to absorb any remaining odors. An improperly cleaned refrigerator is one of the most common sources of mold and unpleasant surprises when returning to storage.
Winterize the Plumbing System
Colorado winters can bring temperatures well below zero, making winterization critical for any RV in storage. Drain all water from the fresh water tank, water heater, and all plumbing lines. Use RV antifreeze rated for the temperatures expected in your storage location, running it through every faucet, shower, and toilet until you see the pink fluid flowing.
Do not forget the washing machine if your RV has one, and run antifreeze through the ice maker water line. A single frozen pipe can crack and cause extensive water damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair.
Battery Maintenance
Remove batteries and store them in a climate-controlled location if possible. If your storage facility offers electrical hookups, you can use a battery maintainer to keep your batteries topped off throughout the storage period. Batteries left to discharge completely often suffer permanent damage and need to be replaced.
Clean battery terminals before storage and apply a protective coating to prevent corrosion. Check electrolyte levels in flooded lead-acid batteries and top off with distilled water if needed. Proper battery care can extend battery life by several years.
Protect Against Pests
Mice and other rodents are a persistent threat to stored RVs in Colorado. They can chew through wiring, insulation, and upholstery, causing expensive damage. Seal every possible entry point with steel wool or expanding foam. Place rodent deterrents inside the RV and in the engine compartment. Avoid poison bait inside the living area as a dying rodent can create even bigger problems.
Tire and Mechanical Care
Inflate tires to the maximum recommended pressure to prevent flat spots during storage. If possible, use tire covers to protect against UV damage. For extended storage periods of six months or longer, consider placing the RV on jack stands to take weight off the tires entirely.
Change the engine oil and filter before storage so your RV sits with clean oil rather than contaminated fluid that can cause corrosion. Top off the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from degrading during storage.