Snowbirds & RV Travelers
Even though fall is a beautiful season, it also can bring a whole lot of work. Those pretty orange and red leaves are soon going to fall from the sky, along with a lot of other debris that will be landing on the roof of your RV and getting into all the nooks and crannies.
If you leave the debris, which could be made up of tree sap, bird dropping, branches, for too long you will end up with a difficult mess to clean up. When you do try to remove the mess you may even end up ruining the finish of your RV – which could wreck the roof and cause water leakage.
Before you put away the RV for a longer period of time, it's a very good idea to purchase an RV cover or seek some shelter to store it in.
If you keep the RV shielded from the harsh elements, you'll have a much better chance of extending the life of not only your roof and seals but also your paint job. Look for a cover with UV protection for an added layer of deterioration prevention.
The last thing to keep in mind if you're going to be storing your RV past the fall, you need to be aware of freezing temperatures. You will definitely need to get out all the water out of your holding tanks and pipes before the cold snaps hit. If water freezes and expands in your RV, you will be faced with a massive mess – and expense – for you to face later.
Here is a prep list to help you get your RV ready for fall.
- Clean everything and take everything out. Wash the bathroom, cupboards, and kitchen (including the sink, refrigerator, and stove). Don't leave any crumbs or packaging behind, who knows what they'll look like or who we'll get into them before spring. Friends of ours opened their trailer this spring and found more ants than I realized roamed the earth. It's also a good idea to take out all the bedding and towels so everything smells fresh next time you open the doors.
- Empty your RV of any water. Make sure your holding tanks are empty and clean if you are going to be storing the rig for any length of time.
- Do your regular maintenance checks. Check the oil, change the filter, inflate the tires and check the batteries. If this is out of your comfort zone, take the RV to your favourite RV technician before you store it.
- Wash the exterior. Keeping the RV clean will help prevent deterioration. And depreciation!
- Store your RV under cover. After all the hard work of getting your RV ready for storage, storing it under a cover or in a building will ensure your RV stays pristine and ready for your next camping trip.
You're ready for fall storage now.
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