The Basics of RV Parking and Storage

As we slide into Autumn and the Winter months here in Northeast Ohio, RV enthusiasts begin preparations for storing their RV’s until Spring when the nice weather returns and the fun begins again! There’s a lot to consider when considering long term RV storage and here at Access Outdoor Storage we have seen and experienced a lot of great ideas and some bad ones too when storing your RV for the winter months.

One of the initial things that we see RV owners thinking is that they have to park their RV’s on level ground. Actually, the opposite is true: when parking your RV for extended periods of time you want to park in a space that is pitched to one side so that melting snow and rain on your RV can easily run off. You can also use parking blocks or hydraulic lifts to raise one side of the RV for extended parking.

Additionally, make sure the routine maintenance on the RV is current before parking long term over the winter months. It’s better to top off your gas tank or to use a gas treatment additive for extended periods of non-use. Also, disconnecting the battery is an important step for long term storage of your RV. You can disconnect the battery and keep it with you in a dry place or even leave it in the RV so that it is fresh and ready to go in the Spring.

It’s always good to make sure all three holding tanks (freshwater tank, gray water tank, black water tank) are emptied and cleaned out, and make sure the valves are left open so any residual water can drain out and not freeze over the winter. Make sure all the water lines are blown out with an air compressor or you can use a non-toxic RV anti-freeze and draw into the water lines to keep them from freezing.

It’s a great idea to put a coat of wax on your RV to protect the paint and finish when storing for a long time. Also remember to place tire covers over your tires or use a tire dressing on the tires because some of them will be facing the sun and you’ll want to protect them from sun exposure which may cause dry rot on your tires. Additionally, make sure your tires are properly inflated before parking for an extended period of time over the winter months.

It’s important to thoroughly clean your RV and remove any food items from the RV to remove the temptation for small animals wanting to get into the vehicle. You can also place mice traps to catch any intruders before they do any damage inside the RV.

Covering your RV is an important step when storing your RV – and be sure to use extra straps to secure the cover as we all know how windy the winter months can be in Northeast Ohio.

Another consideration is to park your RV in a storage facility where the vehicle will be parked close to other RV’s. The reason is that it tends to not let snow build up between the RV’s. Additionally, keeping minimal space between parked RV’s can help as a threat deterrent.

The Best Outdoor RV Storage Facility For Long Term Parking in the Cleveland, Akron, Medina area

Access Outdoor Storage is your best choice for outdoor storage or your RV in the Cleveland and Northeast Ohio areas. We are RV enthusiasts and have anticipated your needs for RV storage and can provide customized storage plans with 24 x 7 access and your own parking spot on our hard-packed gravel yard.

We are near most major highways in Northeast Ohio including I-71, I-480, I-90, I-80 (Ohio Turnpike), I-76, I-77, I-271, I-277, I-490, I-380, and our outdoor storage facility is less than a mile from many fueling stations, heavy truck repair businesses, convenience stores and a commercial tire facility (Goodyear).

Please call 330-220-4499, or use the form on this page for more details.