3 Things That Can Happen When An RV Is In Storage & What To Do About Them
Posted on: 29 July 2016
The key to preparing your RV for storage during the off-season is to understand the various things that can happen to it while it's in storage. That way, you won't open the door of your RV in the future, only to find a mess that will need to be dealt with before you can enjoy the RV again. Obviously, you'll need to drain the holding tanks and disconnect the battery, but that's not all you'll need to do. Here are 3 other common problems that can happen to an RV, along with how to prevent them and how to solve the problems if they do happen.
Pest Damage
Problem—Mice are able to squeeze into very small spaces the size of only one-quarter of an inch, which is about the size of a #2 pencil. Once inside, mice can nest and breed inside the RV. They can chew on electrical wires, damage insulation, and leave foul-smelling excrement throughout the RV, including inside the walls.
Prevention—Remove all food from the RV so mice are not attracted. To prevent mice from entering the RV and claiming it as their home, seal off all holes and cracks that are larger than a quarter of an inch. To do this, place brass wool into all holes and cracks. Brass is ideal because it will not rust like steel can.
Solution—If you find mice when you return, it will be a good idea to hire an extermination service. Mice can be difficult to find in order to eliminate them all without professional help. And since mice leave excrement, you'll need to thoroughly clean the RV, especially the upholstery and carpeting.
Sun Damage
Problem—The harsh sun can cause the tires and rubber seals to dry rot. This can cause some air to leak out of the tires, which can cause a flat spot on each of the tires due to the weight of the RV. These flat spots cause weakened tire walls. Tires that are damaged can cause a dangerous situation when you drive the RV out of storage.
Prevention—Clean the tires to remove all dirt and debris. Purchase covers for each of the tires to protect them from the harsh sun. This will make it easier for you to inspect the tires for damage in the future. Alternatively, you can put the RV in an interior storage facility.
Solution—Definitely check the tires for signs of dry rot and flat spots when it's time to get the RV out of storage. It's a good idea to have a professional inspect the tires for you. If you use an RV storage facility, the attendee may be able to do this for you. If not, ask a local mechanic to check things over. If there's any sign of damage, it would be a good idea to replace the tires before you leave for your next excursion.
Water Damage
Problem—Cracks and damaged rubber seals on the roof and around the windshield and windows can allow moisture to get into the RV. This can cause water damage inside the RV, which can lead to the growth of mold and/or mildew.
Prevention—Seal all cracks with caulking and inspect all rubber seals for signs of damage, especially if the RV will be outside. If the RV is older or you believe that there are a significant amount of cracks, consider storing your RV inside a climate-controlled facility.
Solution—If you notice mold and/or mildew when you return, you should hire a mold remediation service. Other types of water damage, such as warped paneling or cabinetry, will need to be repaired.
Keep these ideas in mind as you prepare to store your RV at a place like United Moving and Storage.
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