How to Properly Store Your RV When It’s Not in Use

Before leaving your RV in storage, work through this checklist:

• Choose a storage location that provides the right balance of cost, convenience and protection.

• Wash and inspect the exterior, including the roof, seals, awning and undercarriage.

• Clean the interior and allow all surfaces and fabrics to dry completely.

• Remove food, trash, toiletries and other items that could attract pests.

• Drain or winterize the plumbing system if the RV may be exposed to freezing temperatures.

• Disconnect the battery or connect it to a compatible battery maintainer.

• Inflate the tires to the manufacturer-recommended pressure and protect them from sunlight.

• Address existing leaks and take steps to control moisture inside the RV.

• Inspect and seal potential entry points for rodents and insects.

• Retract awnings and slides as recommended, lock all doors and remove valuables.

• Check on the RV periodically, especially after severe weather.

Your RV storage location determines how much protection your RV will receive from things like sunlight, rain, snow, falling debris, pests and temperature changes. Before making a final decision, consider the size of your RV, how long it will be stored, your local climate and how often you’ll need access to it.

Your RV storage location determines how much protection your RV will receive from things like sunlight, rain, snow, falling debris, pests and temperature changes. Before making a final decision, consider the size of your RV, how long it will be stored, your local climate and how often you’ll need access to it.

Storing an RV at Home

Pros: Keeping your RV at home is often the most convenient and affordable option, especially if you have a large driveway or a dedicated parking pad. You can check on the vehicle whenever you want, keep up with battery and tire maintenance and start preparing for your next trip without traveling to another location.

Cons: However, home storage isn’t practical for everyone. Confirm that your property has enough clearance and a firm, level surface that can support the RV’s weight. You should also review local ordinances, lease terms and homeowners association rules, which may restrict where or how long an RV can be parked. Consider security and weather exposure as well, particularly if the RV will be visible from the street or parked beneath trees.

Uncovered RV Storage

Pros: Uncovered storage generally provides a designated parking space at a storage facility without a roof or enclosure. It tends to be one of the more budget-friendly facility-based options and can be useful if you don’t have space at home.

Cons: Because the RV remains outdoors, however, it will still be exposed to UV rays, rain, snow and debris. A breathable, properly fitted RV cover, along with tire covers and regular inspections, can provide an added layer of protection.

Covered RV Storage

Pros: Covered RV storage places the vehicle beneath a roof or canopy, helping shield it from direct sunlight, precipitation, leaves and falling debris. It can offer a useful middle ground for RV owners who want more weather protection than an uncovered space provides without paying for fully enclosed storage.

Cons: Keep in mind that the sides may remain exposed, so wind-driven rain, humidity and extreme temperatures can still affect the RV. Ask the facility about height and length clearances before reserving a space, especially if your RV has rooftop accessories.

Indoor RV Storage

Pros: Indoor RV storage generally offers the most comprehensive protection because the vehicle is kept inside an enclosed building. This can reduce its exposure to UV rays, precipitation, debris and sudden temperature changes, making indoor storage especially appealing for long storage periods or high-value RVs.

Cons: Availability may be limited, and indoor spaces typically cost more than covered or uncovered parking. You’ll also need to confirm that the building can accommodate your RV’s full height, width and length, including mirrors, ladders, air-conditioning units and other exterior components.

Cleaning your RV before storage does more than make it pleasant to return to. Dirt, road salt, food residue and trapped moisture can lead to stains, odors, corrosion, mold and pest activity while the vehicle sits. Give yourself enough time to clean everything thoroughly and let it dry before closing up the RV.

How to Clean an RV Interior

• Start at the top and work your way down so you don’t have to clean the same surfaces twice. 

• Vacuum carpets, upholstery, mattresses and the spaces beneath cushions.

• Sweep and mop hard floors, including underneath movable furniture.

• Wipe down counters, tables, cabinets, drawers and frequently touched surfaces.

• Clean the stovetop, microwave and other appliances to remove grease and food residue.

• Empty, clean and dry the refrigerator and freezer. Once they’re unplugged, leave the doors slightly open to prevent odors and mildew.

• Launder removable bedding, towels, curtains and other washable fabrics before storing them in a dry location.

• Check closets, cabinets, drawers and under-seat storage for damp items, crumbs or forgotten belongings.

• Leave clean interior cabinets and doors slightly open to encourage airflow.

• Avoid putting damp rugs, towels or cleaning cloths back inside the RV. Even a small amount of trapped moisture can create a musty smell or encourage mildew during a long storage period.

How to Clean an RV Exterior

Wash the exterior using products designed for your RV’s roof, siding and finish. Clean away insects, bird droppings, sap, road grime and salt, since these can become harder to remove or damage surfaces when left in place. Don’t forget the roof, windows, awning, wheel wells and undercarriage.

As you clean, inspect the roof seams, window seals, doors and exterior compartments for cracks, gaps or deteriorated sealant. Storage won’t stop an existing leak, and a small opening can allow significant water damage over time. Let the exterior and awning dry completely before retracting or covering them, and apply RV-safe wax or UV protectant if recommended by the manufacturer.

RV tires age even when they aren’t moving. Sitting in one position can cause flat spots, while sunlight, heat, low pressure and ground moisture may speed up deterioration. Before storage, check each tire for cracks, bulges, embedded objects and uneven wear, then inflate it to the manufacturer-recommended pressure.

Park on a firm, clean and level surface. If the RV will be outdoors, add fitted tire covers to block UV rays. Depending on the surface and manufacturer guidance, consider placing the tires on clean boards or purpose-made pads instead of directly on soil, grass or asphalt.

For long-term storage, check the owner’s manual or tire manufacturer’s recommendations. You may need to move the RV periodically, but a quick start-up or slight repositioning may do more harm than good if the engine doesn’t run long enough to warm fully. And never use stabilizing jacks to support the RV’s full weight unless they’re specifically designed to do so.

Clocks, alarms and detectors can slowly drain your RV battery even when the vehicle isn’t in use. Leave it discharged for too long, and you may shorten its lifespan or find it dead before your next trip.

For shorter storage periods, use the battery disconnect switch if it fully isolates the battery. For long-term storage, you may need to disconnect and remove it, especially in freezing conditions. Store it upright in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place and use a compatible smart maintainer to prevent it from losing charge without overcharging.

Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions, since care varies by type. Serviceable lead-acid batteries may need distilled water, while lithium batteries often have their own storage-charge and temperature requirements.

Moisture can enter through a small leak, linger after cleaning or form as temperatures change. Trapped inside, it can cause musty odors, mold and damage to upholstery, cabinets and other surfaces.

Repair leaks and let the RV, including the awning, dry completely before storage. Place moisture absorbers in damp-prone areas such as the bathroom, closets and storage compartments, and remember that they fill up and need to be replaced. If you have reliable electricity and safe drainage, a small dehumidifier can provide steadier protection.

Follow the manufacturer’s ventilation guidance rather than automatically cracking a window or vent, which can invite rain, pests or humid air. During check-ins, inspect around windows, roof vents, cabinets and mattresses for condensation, stains or musty smells.

Rodents and insects can enter through surprisingly small gaps and damage wiring, insulation and upholstery. Before storage, inspect around pipes, electrical lines, vents, doors, slide-outs, exterior compartments and the undercarriage.

Seal gaps with materials appropriate for the RV and the specific opening. Replace worn weatherstripping, secure exterior compartments and add RV-safe vent screens where permitted. Never block ventilation or exhaust openings that must remain unobstructed.

Dryer sheets and scented repellents aren’t reliable pest barriers. Your best defense is less glamorous but more effective: remove food and nesting materials, physically seal entry points and check periodically for droppings, gnaw marks or other signs of activity.

If your RV may be exposed to freezing temperatures, winterizing the plumbing system is one of the most important steps you can take before storage. Water left inside pipes, pumps, valves or appliances can freeze and expand, potentially causing cracks, leaks and expensive repairs. Because layouts and procedures vary, always follow the winterization instructions in your owner’s manual.

• Drain the water system. Turn off the water heater and let it cool. Disconnect the water supply, drain the freshwater and holding tanks at an approved location and open the low-point drains according to the manufacturer’s directions. Only drain the water heater after confirming that it’s cool and depressurized.

• Bypass the water heater. Set the water-heater bypass valves to the winterization position before adding antifreeze. This keeps antifreeze out of the tank, reduces the amount you need and makes spring flushing easier.

• Add non-toxic RV antifreeze. Use only antifreeze labeled for RV or marine potable-water systems, never automotive antifreeze. Draw it into the plumbing using the appropriate inlet or pump-converter kit, then run each hot- and cold-water fixture until the antifreeze appears. Add the manufacturer-recommended amount to drains and traps as well.

• Protect additional components. Drain and winterize any exterior showers, washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers, water filters, black-tank flush lines and refrigerator dispensers. Remove or bypass filters when directed.

If you’re unsure how to winterize your RV or it contains several water-using appliances, consider hiring a qualified RV technician. Professional winterization generally costs far less than repairing freeze-damaged plumbing.

If your RV will be stored outdoors, a properly fitted cover can help protect it from UV rays, precipitation, dirt and debris. Choose a breathable cover made specifically for your RV’s size and shape, and secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid ordinary plastic tarps, which can trap moisture, flap in the wind and scratch the exterior finish.

Before covering the RV, make sure the exterior and awning are completely dry. Retract awnings, antennas and slide-outs as recommended, pad sharp corners that could tear the cover and confirm that roof vents and other components won’t be damaged.

Lock all doors, windows and exterior compartments, and remove valuables, registration documents and spare keys. Take dated photos of the RV’s interior and exterior before leaving it in storage, especially if you’re using a storage facility. This gives you a record of its condition and may be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.

Even a well-prepared RV shouldn’t be left entirely unattended for months. Visit periodically to check the tire pressure, battery, cover and security of doors and compartments. Look inside for leaks, condensation, pest activity, musty odors or other signs that something needs attention.

Inspect the RV more frequently after severe storms, heavy snow, high winds or major temperature swings. Remove accumulated snow or debris only when it’s safe and in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance, and replace moisture absorbers as needed. Catching a loose cover, small leak or early sign of pests can prevent a minor issue from becoming an expensive repair.

With the right preparation and occasional check-ins, your RV can remain protected and ready for your next trip. Use our Storage Locator to find a SmartStop facility near you, and explore the SmartStop blog for more expert tips on vehicle storage, seasonal organization and making the most of your space year-round.

What should I do before putting my RV in storage?

Before storing your RV, clean the interior and exterior, remove food and valuables, inspect for leaks, protect the tires, maintain or disconnect the battery and seal potential pest entry points. You may also need to winterize the plumbing system if the RV could be exposed to freezing temperatures.

Should I cover my RV while it’s in storage?

If your RV will be stored outdoors, a breathable, properly fitted RV cover can help protect it from sunlight, precipitation and debris. Avoid using an ordinary plastic tarp, which may trap moisture, scratch the finish or come loose in strong winds.

How do I keep moisture out of my RV during storage?

Repair leaks and allow the RV to dry completely before storage. Use moisture absorbers or a safely drained dehumidifier where appropriate, follow the manufacturer’s ventilation recommendations and periodically inspect the interior for condensation, stains or musty odors.

When should I winterize my RV?

Winterize your RV whenever it may be exposed to freezing temperatures. This generally involves draining the water system, bypassing the water heater and circulating non-toxic RV antifreeze through the plumbing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How often should I check on my RV while it’s in storage?

Check on your RV periodically throughout the storage period and after severe weather or major temperature changes. Inspect the tires, battery, cover, locks and interior for leaks, condensation, pests or other emerging problems.