Getting Your RV Road Trip Ready - A Post Storage Checklist

The weather is warming, the flowers are blooming, school is over, and the open road is calling once more. It's time to roll out the RV for another year of adventures. But before you hit the road, make sure your RV is ready - especially if you're pulling it out of long-term or overwinter storage. Here are seven tips to make sure your home on wheels is in tip-top shape.

1. Do a full inspection of the interior and exterior

You don't want any nasty surprises while on the road. The first thing you should do when taking your RV out of storage is conduct a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior. Be on the lookout for things like cracks, leaks, pests, mold and mildew as these are all common issues that can occur after a period of unuse.

On the outside, look closely at seals along the windows and doors, as these can sometimes crack from temperature fluctuations. Be sure to check the undercarriage and wheel wells, as these spaces can be attractive to critters in the winter. Lastly, check the roof for any cracks, leaks, sagging places, or other visible damage.

For the inside, open all cabinets and drawers, including closets, maintenance spaces and the fridge. Pay close attention to areas that deal with water, like the bathroom and sink area, keeping an eye out for leaks, mold, or mildew. This is especially important if the interior smells moldy, as it can signify a leak.

2. Check all the moving parts

RVs need to make the most out of every square inch of space to function as your home on the road. This means lots of multifunctional spaces and moving parts. Parts sometimes break, come loose, or get stuck, especially when they haven't been used for a while. As you inspect your RV, be sure to open and close every drawer, latch, spring and pull down both inside and out. Make a list of anything that needs to be fixed. Keep a can of WD-40 or other machine lubricant handy to grease up any squeaking parts.

3. Check your tires

Tires lose pressure over time and even more in cold temperatures, about 1-2 psi for every 10-degree decline. It's best practice to fill your tires before you put your RV in storage, but if you haven't done this, you will need to add air before taking a trip. When checking your pressure, also check for any cracks in the tires, which could indicate leaks, and look at your treads while you're down there.

4. Clean your water system

Give your water system a good clean before use. There are several methods to do this, depending on how your RV was prepared for storage. If you used RV antifreeze in the lines, you still need to flush the system several times and use diluted bleach to get everything out. If you drained your system before storing it, still give it a good flush to remove any dust and debris buildup or potential mold and mildew.

5. Test and reinstall your battery

Your battery should not be left inside your RV during storage; it should be stored separately and in a warm environment. it is best practice to charge your battery at least once a month to reduce battery drain and prolong battery life. Before reinstalling it in your RV, test the battery to see if it is charged. If not, leave the RV running for a while to build the charge back up.

6. Clean your RV

Give your RV interior and exterior a nice wipe-down to remove any dust and dirt buildup. This is also a good way to check for potential leaks, checking for water inside the vehicle after you wash the outside. Make sure you check every nook and cranny, wiping down the inside of cabinets and cubbies and throwing away any leftover trash that may have been left behind. If you stored any linens and towels in your RV, give them a refresh, too, by running them through the dryer or airing them out in the sunshine.

7. Schedule your RV for maintenance

Most importantly, get your vehicle checked out by a professional before taking any trips for the summer. Keep in mind that other RV owners will also be looking to get their vehicles inspected, so it is wise to get something on the books well before a trip rather than leaving it until the last minute.

At Storage Post, we pride ourselves on meeting all your storage needs. We have several locations with extra-large parking spaces for rent, perfect for RV and boat storage. Contact your local store today for details!