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Top 10 Tips to Store An RV
01/15/2009
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As much as RV enthusiasts would like to enjoy their rigs year-round, most put their RVs into storage for a season. The folks at Thetford have provided some timely storage suggestions. Owners who keep these top 10 helpful tips in mind before storing can rest assured that when its time to travel, the rig will be ready for the next adventure.
1) Scout a Storage Location — An RV can be stored outside or in, at a storage facility, private residence or field. While the location is a personal choice, owners should be aware of regulations in their chosen area to avoid fines or worse.
2) Clean Out Personal Items — Before putting the RV into storage, owners should remove all food from the refrigerator and cabinets. Bedding, towels and kitchen items as well as books, games and other essentials that may be needed should be taken out or packed away for the season.
3) Thoroughly Clean the Entire RV — When the time comes to take the rig out, nobody wants to encounter a dirty, mold-infested mess. Deep cleaning the bathroom, kitchen and refrigerator as well as sweeping the floor and airing out mattresses can ensure a fresh RV on return.
4) Empty and Rinse All Holding Tanks — To prevent costly plumbing damage, all holding tanks should be drained and rinsed at a dumping station. Special RV anti-freeze designed for potable water systems can also be used to prevent freezing pipes. Controlling odor in the tank is easy with a high-quality product such as Thetford's 6-Month Storage Tank Deodorant. The first of its kind, the non-formaldehyde, liquid is 100% biodegradable and compatible with antifreeze. It also lubricates, seals and cleans tank residue.
5) Make Pre-Storage Repairs — Owners should take care of any minor or major problems before storing an RV that could be made worse by inactivity or inclement weather. It's also important to check on the stored RV and periodically monitor the status of its tires, engine and general condition to make an easy transition into the next season.
6) Prevent Condensation — Roof vents and windows should be fully closed to deter leaks and condensation from forming in the rig. A chemical-type dehumidifier can be used to aid this situation. A fully closed RV also prevents mice or other critters from entering.
7) Check Tire Pressure — All tires should be filled up to their maximum pressure rating. They can also be covered to avoid weather or sun damage.
8) Close the LP gas tank valve — This is a simple step but it can be easily overlooked. Keeping this valve open during storage is dangerous and wasteful.
9) Fill the Gas Tank — Keeping the gas tank full helps prevent condensation. A fuel stabilizer should also be added to gasoline-powered RVs. Owners can change the oil and filter to help prevent corrosion over time from the used oil's acidic compounds.
10) Remove Batteries — It's best to remove the house and starting battery(s) from the RV and store them in a garage. A discharged battery is more likely to freeze than a fully-charged one. All batteries should be charged at least once a month, or kept on a maintenance charger, during storage and their water level monitored.
Storing an RV doesn't have to be a rigorous process. As long as owners employ common sense and pay attention to these key tips, they'll transition smoothly through the seasons. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Thetford Corp. is the world's leading supplier of sanitation and refrigeration products for RVs. Thetford, (800) 543-1219; www.thetford.com.
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How much propane is in the tank?
01/04/2009
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Ever wonder how much propane you have in a tank? An electronic stud finder can be used to determine the level of LP-gas in tanks. Move it along the tank until the indicator changes; that is the level of the LP-gas.
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