How to Prep Your RV for Long-Term Storage: The Full Guide

Planning for RV Storage: Setting Yourself Up for Success

Whether you are storing your RV for 30 days or 6 months, preparation is what separates RVs that come out of storage ready to roll from those that need weeks of repairs before they are road-worthy again. Based on our data from 10,431 verified storage facilities across 48 states, improper preparation is the leading cause of preventable damage during storage — outpacing weather, theft, and facility-related incidents combined.

This guide covers complete interior and exterior preparation, engine and battery care, pest prevention, slide-out maintenance, and duration-specific advice for 30-day, 90-day, and 6-month-plus storage periods. Class A, B, and C motorhomes and travel trailers all follow the same fundamental checklist, with notes where procedures differ.

Interior Preparation: Complete Step-by-Step

Refrigerator and Food Storage

1. Remove all food, condiments, and beverages — even sealed and canned goods that can freeze and burst in cold storage
2. Defrost the freezer completely and wipe all surfaces dry
3. Clean the refrigerator interior with a mild cleaner, then dry thoroughly
4. Prop the refrigerator and freezer doors open with a small prop or folded towel — this prevents mold and mildew from forming in the sealed interior
5. Turn the refrigerator off and set it to the "off" position (do not leave it running in storage without power)
6. Place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb any residual odors

Water Lines and Fresh Water System

A frozen water line can cause thousands of dollars in damage. This is the most critical interior prep step:

1. Turn off the water heater at least 30 minutes before draining
2. Open the low-point drains on both hot and cold lines (typically located underneath the RV) — let them drain completely
3. Open all faucets (kitchen, bathroom, shower) — both hot and cold — to release pressure and allow complete drainage
4. Flush the toilet until it runs dry
5. Open the water heater drain valve and let it drain completely
6. Use an air compressor (30–50 PSI) to blow out all lines starting from the furthest point from the water inlet
7. Add 1–2 cups of RV antifreeze (propylene glycol, non-toxic) to each drain trap, the toilet, and the shower drain to protect the P-traps
8. Turn the water pump off

Grey and Black Tank Preparation

• Dump and flush both tanks completely — never store with waste in the tanks
• Add a tank treatment chemical to the black tank to prevent odor and facilitate spring cleaning
• Leave the grey tank valve closed (to prevent sewer gas from entering the RV)
• Leave the black tank valve closed as well
• Do not add RV antifreeze to the holding tanks — it kills the beneficial bacteria in tank treatments

Interior Cleaning and Pest Prevention

• Vacuum all surfaces thoroughly, including under cushions and in cabinets
• Wipe down all hard surfaces with a mild cleaner
• Remove all upholstery cushions, bedding, and pillows if possible — store indoors to prevent mold and compression damage
• Stuff steel wool into any gaps around plumbing penetrations, wiring openings, and behind cabinets where pipes enter walls
• Place Victor Tin Cat enclosed mouse traps throughout the interior (living area, bedroom, bathroom, storage bays)
• Scatter peppermint oil sachets or dryer sheets in drawers and cabinets — rodents dislike strong scents
• Place a few mothballs in a sealed container with holes in storage bays (do not place loose — the fumes are toxic and leave odor)
• Close all roof vents and cover with vent covers designed to keep pests out while allowing air circulation

Exterior Preparation

Tire Pressure and Tire Care

Tires are often overlooked during storage prep — and they should not be:

• Inflate all tires to the maximum cold PSI listed on the tire sidewall (not the door placard which lists vehicle max)
• Install UV-resistant tire covers on all tires — UV degradation causes sidewall cracking even in dry climates
• Park on a firm, flat, well-drained surface — avoid parking on grass or soft ground that can cause tires to sink and create uneven stress
• If storing for 6+ months, consider placing the RV on jack stands (or stabilizer pads) to relieve load from the tires — sustained weight causes flat-spotting that can become permanent on truck-rated tires
• If you cannot use jack stands, move the RV forward or backward 1 foot every 30–45 days to rotate the tire contact patch

Leveling Jacks

• Retract all leveling jacks fully before storage
• Coat jack ram surfaces (the shiny metal portions) with a thin layer of jack lubricant or petroleum jelly to prevent rust pitting
• Never store with jacks extended — this puts unnecessary stress on hydraulic seals

Slide-Out Maintenance Before Storage

Slide-outs are expensive to repair and vulnerable to seal damage if not properly prepared:

• Clean and inspect all slide-out seals before retracting — debris caught in the seal causes tears when the slide is operated
• Apply a silicone-based seal conditioner to all rubber seals to prevent cracking and maintain flexibility
• Retract all slides before storing — extended slides collect debris, put stress on motors and seals, and are harder to cover properly
• Once retracted, inspect the slide-out edges for any gaps or daylight — a gap indicates a seal issue that needs attention before winter
• Lubricate slide-out rails and gears per manufacturer specification

Awning Preparation

• Clean the awning fabric completely — retract with any mold or dirt trapped inside and it will be worse in spring
• Allow the awning to dry fully before retracting — storing a wet awning guarantees mold
• Retract and secure the awning fully — wind can deploy a partially retracted awning and cause significant damage
• Apply an awning protectant spray to the fabric to repel UV and moisture

Roof Inspection and Sealant

A failed roof seal can allow water intrusion over an entire winter storage season — resulting in wall delamination, floor rot, and mold that costs $5,000–$20,000 to repair:

• Walk the roof carefully (use a spotter and distribute your weight) and inspect all seams, vents, AC unit bases, and antenna mounts
• Apply self-leveling lap sealant to any cracks, gaps, or areas where old sealant has pulled away
• Check around all vent stacks and refrigerator vents
• Cover the AC unit with an aftermarket cover designed for your unit to protect the shroud and keep debris out of coils

Engine and Battery Preparation

Motorhome Engine Preparation

1. Add fuel stabilizer to a full tank of fuel. Run the engine for 15 minutes to circulate stabilized fuel through the entire injection system
2. Change engine oil and filter — used oil contains acidic combustion byproducts that corrode bearings and cylinder walls during long storage
3. Check and top off all fluids: coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, differential fluid
4. Check and inflate all tires including the spare
5. Run the generator under load for 2 hours before storage — generators need to be exercised to prevent stale fuel deposits in the carburetor

Generator Storage Procedures

• Run the generator under load (50%+ of rated capacity) for 2 hours within the month before storage
• Add fuel stabilizer to the generator fuel tank and run for 10 minutes
• Change the generator oil if due (consult manufacturer schedule)
• For long storage (6+ months): run the carburetor dry by shutting off the fuel valve and letting it run until it stops. Restart monthly if possible, or have the fuel system serviced in spring.

Battery Care During Storage

RVs typically have two battery systems: the chassis battery (starts the engine) and the house battery bank (powers 12V systems when not plugged in). Both require attention:

• Charge both battery banks to 100% before storage
• Disconnect the negative terminal on both banks if not connecting to a smart charger
• Connect a smart battery maintainer (not a basic trickle charger) to both banks if shore power is available at your storage facility
• Check voltage monthly — below 12.2V signals the start of sulfation damage
• For lithium (LiFePO4) house batteries: store at 50–80% charge per manufacturer recommendation; they do not need a maintainer

LP/Propane System Shutdown

• Turn off all propane appliances
• Close the main propane tank valve(s) at the tank
• For long-term storage in cold climates: leave the regulator hose connected but valve closed — cold temperatures can cause condensation to freeze inside an open system
• If storing indoors or in an enclosed structure, check with the facility — some facilities prohibit propane tanks on-site and require removal
• Have propane tanks inspected for leaks and proper valve function if they are more than 2 years past their last inspection date

Duration-Specific Storage Advice

Task	30-Day Storage	90-Day Storage	6+ Month Storage
Fuel stabilizer	Optional but recommended	Required	Required (double dose)
Water system winterization	If freezing temps possible	Yes	Yes — full antifreeze
Battery disconnect	Optional	Recommended	Required
Smart charger	Not needed	Recommended	Required or remove batteries
Tire jack stands	Not needed	Optional	Strongly recommended
Slide-outs retracted	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pest prevention	Basic	Full	Full + monthly check
Monthly check visits	Not required	Once	Monthly
Generator run	Not needed	Once during storage	Monthly or run dry

RV Cover Selection Guide

For outdoor or covered storage, an RV cover adds meaningful protection against UV, bird droppings, and weather. Key considerations:

• Breathable fabric is essential — polypropylene covers allow moisture vapor to escape, preventing condensation and mold. Completely waterproof covers trap moisture inside.
• Fit matters — a cover that fits your RV's exact length and style (Class A, Class C, travel trailer) performs far better than a loose universal cover
• Reinforced corners and vents — look for reinforced corner pockets and built-in vents to handle wind without tearing
• Zippered access panels — allow you to access the RV door without removing the entire cover

Final Prep Checklist Before Drop-Off

• All food, beverages, and perishables removed
• Refrigerator cleaned, dried, doors propped open
• Water system fully drained and antifreezed
• Grey and black tanks dumped and treated
• All slides retracted, seals conditioned
• Awning retracted and secured
• Roof sealant inspected and repaired
• Tires inflated, tire covers installed
• Leveling jacks retracted and lubricated
• Fuel stabilized, engine oil changed
• Batteries charged, disconnected or on maintainer
• Propane valves closed
• Generator exercised and fuel stabilized
• Pest prevention installed throughout interior
• All windows, vents, and openings sealed against pests
• Photos taken of full exterior and interior condition for insurance documentation

A thorough prep before storage protects your investment and ensures your RV is ready to use the moment you retrieve it. Use our verified RV storage directory to find quality facilities near you, and see our guide on RV storage insurance to ensure you are properly covered while your vehicle is in storage.