How to Prepare Your RV for Long-Term Storage
- Highway 75 Parking
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
If you’re not planning to use your RV for a few months, it’s important to store it the right way. Long-term storage protects your RV from damage caused by weather, pests, and time. Without the proper steps, you could face expensive repairs later.
At Highway 75 Parking, we provide secure RV storage for both short-term and long-term needs. We know how valuable your RV is, and we want to help you keep it in great shape. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to do before putting your RV in storage for the season.
Why RV Storage Matters
An RV is a big investment. Like a house or car, it needs regular care. But when you’re not using it for a while, it becomes easy to forget about maintenance. Leaving your RV parked outside, uncovered, or unprotected can cause:
Sun damage to the roof, tires, and paint
Leaks from worn-out seals
Pest problems
Battery and tire wear
Mold and mildew from trapped moisture
That’s why long-term RV storage—especially at a secure facility like Highway 75 Parking—is a smart move.
Step-by-Step Guide to RV Storage Prep
Here’s a simple checklist to follow before storing your RV long-term:
1. Clean the Interior and Exterior
Start by giving your RV a good cleaning inside and out.
Inside: Remove all food, trash, and personal items. Wipe down counters, sweep floors, and clean appliances to avoid attracting pests.
Outside: Wash off dirt, bugs, and road grime. Wax the exterior to protect the finish from sun and rain.
A clean RV won’t just look better—it will stay in better condition over time.
2. Protect Against Pests
Rodents and insects look for warm, quiet places to hide during colder months. Make sure your RV doesn’t become their next home.
Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and pipes.
Close all vents and cover them with screens or special vent covers.
Place mothballs or pest repellents inside storage compartments and under the RV.
Remove all food and clean out the fridge and pantry.
3. Turn Off and Unplug
Before storing your RV, turn off or disconnect anything that draws power.
Turn off propane tanks and cover them for safety.
Unplug all electronics.
Remove the battery or disconnect it to prevent it from draining. Store it in a dry place and check it every few weeks.
4. Take Care of Tires
Tires can lose air or develop flat spots if your RV sits too long.
Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.
Move the RV every few weeks if possible, or rotate the tires.
Use tire covers to protect them from UV rays.
Consider using tire blocks or jacks to take weight off the tires if storing for a long period.
5. Check the Roof and Seals
Leaks are one of the biggest problems RV owners face after long-term storage.
Inspect the roof, windows, doors, and vents.
Reseal any cracks with RV-safe sealant.
Clean out gutters and roof drains.
Highway 75 Parking recommends doing this step at least twice a year—once before storing and once before taking your RV out for a trip.
6. Drain Water Systems
Water left in your RV can freeze and cause pipes to burst, even in mild winters.
Drain the fresh water, black water, and gray water tanks.
Empty the water heater.
Run antifreeze through the plumbing if you're storing in freezing temperatures.
7. Cover Your RV
Even if you’re storing your RV in a secure facility, a cover can offer extra protection.
Use a breathable RV cover made for your model.
Avoid using tarps, which trap moisture and can damage the finish.
Cover vents, tires, and wiper blades too.
8. Keep It Ventilated
To avoid mold and mildew, make sure your RV has proper airflow.
Leave cabinet doors and drawers slightly open.
Use moisture absorbers like DampRid in the bathroom and kitchen areas.
Leave roof vents cracked with vent covers to keep rain out but let air flow.
9. Maintain Insurance and Registration
Even while in storage, make sure your RV is insured.
Some storage lots require proof of insurance.
Check your policy to see if it covers theft or damage while stored off-site.
10. Choose the Right RV Storage Facility
Where you store your RV matters just as much as how you prepare it.
Highway 75 Parking offers features that make long-term RV storage safer and easier:
Gated access with 24/7 surveillance
Wide spaces for easy parking and maneuvering
Both covered and uncovered options
Convenient location off Highway 75
Competitive rates for long-term renters
Storing your RV in a secure, professional facility gives you peace of mind—and protects your investment.
Tips for Checking In on Your RV
Even in storage, it’s a good idea to check on your RV every month or two.
Inspect the seals and roof for signs of water leaks.
Check tire pressure and battery condition.
Look for any signs of rodents or pests.
Run the generator briefly to keep it in working order.
If you store with Highway 75 Parking, we make it easy to access your RV anytime.
Reserve Your Spot Today
Keep your RV protected while it’s off the road. Contact Highway 75 Parking to learn more about our RV storage options or to book your space now.
Why Choose Highway 75 Parking?
At Highway 75 Parking, we prioritize convenience, your safety and peace of mind.
Our facility is designed with truck drivers in mind, offering:
• Ample, Well-Lit Parking Spaces: Ensuring visibility and reducing risks of accidents and theft.
• Advanced Security Measures: Including multiple surveillance cameras monitoring the entrance and main lot.
• Convenient Location: Strategically situated along Highway 75 just 7 miles north of the Walmart Distribution Center at 2849 SE Washington Blvd in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.
Choose Highway 75 Parking for a secure, reliable, and driver-friendly parking experience.
3849 SE Washington Blvd
Bartlesville, OK 74006
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