Owning a boat or RV brings plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. However, when it’s time to store these valuable assets, proper preparation and care are crucial for keeping them in tip-top shape for years to come. Follow these tips for boat and RV storage that will help ensure they remain in great condition for your next journey:
- Clean and Inspect Thoroughly
There’s nothing worse than taking out your RV or boat after storing for the winter to find it a complete mess, or that it is now damaged due to mold or pests. Prevent that by giving your vehicle a thorough interior and exterior cleaning as your first step in storage.
When cleaning the outside of your boat or RV, make sure to remove all dirt, grime, and salt. For boats, pay special attention to the hull to prevent corrosion and buildup.
As far as the interior, you will want to remove trash and give everything a good wipe down, getting rid of mold, mildew, pests, and spills you find along the way. Remove all perishable items, including any that may be stored in the refrigerator. Thoroughly vacuum to round out your cleaning.
As you clean, check for any signs of damage or wear and tear. You’ll want to address any issues you find before storing to prevent them from worsening.
- Conduct Maintenance Checks
Ensure that your boat or RV receives the maintenance they need to be ready for your next adventure, including:
- Topping off all fluids, including fuel, oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from deteriorating.
- Providing tire care for your vehicle. For RVs, inflate tires to the recommended pressure. If possible, you will want to move your RV periodically during storage to prevent flat spots.
- Disconnecting the battery to prevent drainage. For long-term storage, consider using a trickle charger to maintain the battery’s charge.
- Winterizing your boat or RV’s engine and plumbing systems to guard against damage from freezing temperatures.
- Prevent Pests
Keep insects, rodents, and other pests at bay by sealing any gaps or openings. Use rodent repellents, traps, or natural deterrents like peppermint oil to keep rodents away. While in storage, you’ll also want to periodically check on your boat or RV for signs of pests and take immediate action if any are found.
You should also take measures against human pests and use high-quality locks on all doors, compartments, and hitches.
- Take Care of Documentation and Insurance
By addressing documentation and insurance before storing your RV or boat, you protect your investment and ensure that it will be in the best possible condition when you’re ready to use it again. Complete these steps to keep everything covered:
- Create an inventory of all items stored in your boat or RV, including serial numbers and photos of the items.
- Check to make sure that your insurance policy covers storage. Inform your insurance provider of the storage location and the length of time that the vehicle will be in storage.
- Organize and store all maintenance records and receipts in a safe place. This will be helpful for future maintenance and resale.
- Choose the Right Storage Solution
Now comes arguably the most important part of RV and boat storage – where to store it. Storing your boat or RV indoors is ideal, as it offers the best protection from the elements, reducing the risk of damage from sun, rain, snow, and wind. If you store outdoors, make sure to take additional protective measures such as using high-quality, breathable covers to protect against dust, moisture, and UV rays.
Storage City Self Storage offers clean, secure RV and boat storage in Rapid City and Box Elder! Our Rapid City location on Creek Dr. features outdoor RV and boat storage with 24/7 gate access. Our newly available luxury RV and boat storage in Box Elder offers 14×50 enclosed units with water fill up and dump stations, 20 amp interior power, lights, power overhead door, and security gate entrance.
Call us at (605) 394-9442 to reserve your boat and RV storage today!