You finally get home from a great camping trip. The chairs are packed away, the cooler is empty, and the RV is ready for a break. It is tempting to park it and forget about it until the next trip. But a little attention now can save you a lot of trouble later.
Whether you are putting your trailer away for a few weeks or storing your motorhome through an Alberta winter, these straightforward tips will help protect your investment and make the next getaway easier.
1. Give it a proper clean before parking
Start inside. Empty the fridge and cupboards, take out the garbage, and wipe down the counters. Even a few forgotten crackers can attract mice. Clean up crumbs, remove bedding or towels that may hold moisture, and leave the refrigerator door slightly open once it has been switched off and dried.
Outside, wash away road grime, mud, and bug residue. Pay attention to the roof, awning, and seals. Let everything dry completely before closing it up. Trapping moisture under an awning or inside a cabinet is a good way to find mildew later.
2. Keep moisture from becoming a problem
Alberta weather can change quickly. Warm afternoons, cold nights, snow, and spring thaw all put RVs through temperature swings. Before storage, check window seals, roof seams, vents, and door gaskets for cracks or gaps. Deal with leaks before they have months to get worse.
Use a suitable moisture absorber if your RV needs one, and follow your manufacturer’s guidance on ventilation. Avoid leaving damp clothes, carpets, or camping gear inside. A dry RV is much more pleasant to open in the spring.
3. Winterize the plumbing before freezing weather
If your RV will sit through freezing temperatures, proper winterization is essential. Drain and flush the holding tanks, empty the fresh-water system, and protect the water heater, pump, fixtures, outside shower, and plumbing lines according to your RV’s manual. Many owners use RV-rated, non-toxic plumbing antifreeze; others follow a manufacturer-approved compressed-air method.
Do not guess at the procedure. Different RVs have different valves, bypasses, appliances, and plumbing layouts. If you are unsure, have a qualified RV technician winterize it. Fixing frozen plumbing in spring is far more expensive than doing the job properly in fall.
4. Look after the batteries
Batteries can lose charge while an RV sits unused, especially when small electrical loads remain connected. Fully charge the batteries, follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions, and disconnect or maintain them as appropriate. Battery requirements differ for lead-acid and lithium systems, particularly in freezing temperatures.
If you remove a battery, store and charge it in a safe location using a compatible charger. Check it periodically rather than assuming it will be fine until spring.
5. Protect the tires and park securely
Check tire condition and inflate to the correct cold pressure for your RV and tire specifications. Look for cracking or damage, and consider tire covers to reduce sunlight exposure. Use suitable wheel chocks and follow the RV manufacturer’s directions for stabilizers and levelling. Do not rely on the parking brake alone.
Before leaving, make sure the awning is fully secured, steps are retracted, windows and storage compartments are locked, and loose exterior accessories have been put away.
6. Make the RV less inviting to pests
Mice can squeeze through surprisingly small openings. Check around utility lines, underbelly openings, and other possible entry points. Seal gaps with materials appropriate for the RV, without blocking required ventilation or appliance openings.
Remove all food, pet treats, paper products you do not need, and anything else that might become nesting material. Check for signs of pests during visits. Taking a few minutes to inspect now can prevent chewed wiring and unpleasant surprises later.
7. Think about fuel, propane, and valuables
For a motorhome, follow the chassis manufacturer’s recommendations for fuel and engine storage. Turn off propane appliances and valves as directed, and confirm the storage facility’s rules for propane cylinders. Never run fuel-burning appliances or a generator in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area.
Take valuables, electronics, important papers, and spare keys home with you. Even at a secure storage facility, it is smart to minimize what you leave inside.
8. Visit your RV once in a while
A quick walk-around can catch issues before they turn into repairs. Look for flat tires, damage, leaks, loose covers, unwanted visitors, and snow or debris buildup. After a major storm or thaw, an extra check is worth the trip. If you use an RV cover, make sure it is breathable, fitted properly, and approved for your unit.
9. Make a simple spring checklist
Before the first trip, reinstall and test batteries, check tire pressure and condition, inspect seals, test the lights and brakes, sanitize and flush the water system, and check smoke, carbon monoxide, and propane alarms. Test the appliances and slide-outs according to the manuals. Give yourself time to deal with anything that needs attention instead of discovering it the morning you planned to leave.
Choosing a storage spot matters, too
Good preparation is half the job. The other half is having a practical place to leave your RV. Look for a well-maintained yard, convenient access, suitable parking space, and security measures that give you confidence while your unit is parked.
Heatherdown RV Storage offers a fenced, monitored gravel storage yard near Onoway, serving RV owners from Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Lac Ste. Anne County, and nearby communities. The facility offers multiple space sizes and asks customers to measure the full length of their RV or trailer before booking. Proof of vehicle insurance is also required.
Planning to store your RV? Contact Heatherdown RV Storage at 780-967-2667 or send us a message to ask about space availability, access details, and current storage terms.
