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How to Prepare Your RV for Storage

How to Prepare Your RV for Storage

An RV travels along a scenic highway, accentuated with mountains and green trees in the background.

Whether it’s because winter is around the corner or because you’ve wrapped up your most recent camping trip, chances are you now need to put your RV somewhere that isn’t your driveway. You love it, sure, but it’s not great to just let it sit there and take all mother nature has to throw at it.

RV’s are the gateway to some of our favorite experiences, new memories, and places yet to be traveled. They also take up a lot of space when they aren’t in use and most HOA’s do not allow RV parking in planned communities.

Arizona Self Storage & RV Storage has an answer for what to do in the downtime between trips, while also preparing your RV for storage. In our secure storage facilities with covered RV storage options throughout Arizona, you can rest assured that your treasured RV will be protected.

Outdoor Boat and RV Storage

First, let’s dig into the differences between the various RV storage types, as they can make long-term differences on your recreational vehicle, regardless of how you prepare them for storage.

In Arizona, you’ll want to protect your RV, boat or car from weather extremes that can damage your vehicle if not properly stored and protected.  There are several outdoor, covered or indoor storage options for whatever recreational vehicle you need sheltered, from boats and trailers to 40’ RVs. To find the unit right for you, it’s worth knowing the specifics of each of these options.

Uncovered RV Storage

A close-up photo of an RV's front wheel while it is kept in storage on a gravel lot. Other RV trailers are stored next to it in the background.

Uncovered RV storage is the most economical option available for large vehicle storage — the greatest advantage of this type of storage is simply the ability to keep your RV somewhere besides your home. Without cover, this will create an opportunity for sun damage if your vehicle is left exposed to its harmful rays for long periods of time. However, this scenario is no different than if it is left out in the sun from the comfort of your driveway. 

Covered RV Storage

A level above uncovered RV storage, the covered alternative helps guard your vehicle against most of the effects of the desert sun. In the rare occasion that a storm or similar natural event occurs, the covering also protects your RV from the elements. When it comes to the longevity of your RV, it never hurts to take extra precautions in keeping it safe and looking good while you’re away.  Arizona Self Storage & RV Storage offers a trickle charge at most covered RV storage spaces making this selection  the preferred storage option for most customers.  

Partially Enclosed RV Storage

Officially considered covered storage, this storage option takes advantage of some of the benefits found in our RV storage facilities. A partially enclosed RV parking spot offers one or more protective walls in addition to a covered roof, ideal for protecting your vehicle against fierce winds that carry dust or sand.  This elevated RV storage option is desirable to those wanting additional protection from the elements.

Indoor RV Storage

Indoor RV storage and boat storage provides absolute coverage from the outside elements, making it an ideal choice for preserving your recreational vehicle and avoiding the wear-and-tear of outdoor storage. Indoor storage is the premier option for protecting vehicles and providing customer comfort while at our storage facility.  Most boats, vehicles, jet skis and smaller RVs can easily be stored in our large drive-up storage units.  This option provides complete protection and privacy for your special vehicles and saves significant money in the long run by protecting items from the harsh Arizona sun and elements.  

Premium Indoor RV Storage Barn

Arizona Self Storage is proud to offer a unique storage experience at our Sahuarita location, with our premium indoor RV storage barn. This fully-enclosed structure provides an air-cooled environment for your recreational vehicle to be stored in, and also includes advanced features such as trickle charging and dumping stations for your convenience. When you want the ultimate storage experience for your RV in the Green Valley and Sahuarita areas, Arizona Self Storage in Sahuarita has you covered.

Prepping Your RV

A man power washes the outside of their RV under a blue sky covered in clouds. 

Preparing your RV for storage is of the utmost importance when it comes to preserving your vehicle. Whether you are storing it for a couple of days or an entire offseason, following these steps will ensure that your RV is fresh and ready to go next time you utilize it.

Empty and Clean the Refrigerator

This simple, but easily forgotten aspect of storage preparation can mean the difference between a fresh-smelling RV and one that smells spoiled upon return. It’s not enough to take out the spare food — all crumbs and spills should be wiped up, too. Small amounts of residue can turn into mold or invite unwanted pests into your RV.

Vacuum it Out

You run the same risk as the refrigerator if you neglect to vacuum before parking your RV for a few months. Every inch of your floor space, counters, cabinets, and bathrooms need to be crumb- and mess-free, otherwise you might return next season to learn that some unsightly pests have made your vehicle their home.

Cover Up the Tires

Extended periods in the sun can degrade and crack tires, creating opportunities for the tires to fail during use. To avoid this scenario on the road, do the legwork in advance to prevent this situation entirely. Purchase tire covers or find ways to create a makeshift shade in order to protect them from sun damage. 

Superior RV Storage in Arizona

Arizona Self Storage & RV Storage believes in providing a safe, secure and convenient RV storage experience for our customers throughout the beautiful state of Arizona.  We offer many types of storage options to fit your needs and budget.  Our Litchfield Park RV storage facility is equipped with complimentary use of an RV wash bay and vacuum system, fresh air and water fill stations, dump stations and more.  Most facilities offer use of RV dump stations and our covered RV storage spaces provide critical trickle charge to keep your RV humming and ready for adventures.  For extra convenience, we provide extra wide drive-aisles that are built specifically to accommodate even the largest RVs.  Arizona Self Storage & RV Storage provides the best RV, boat and vehicle storage options throughout Arizona.  You will not be disappointed!

If you have any questions about availability at our Arizona storage facilities, or specific inquiries about our policies or process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or check our frequently asked questions online. We look forward to serving you!

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