After years of hard work, you finally got the RV of your dreams. But now, the sweltering summer months are threatening the condition of your dream motorhome.
When temperatures exceed 100 degrees, fading paint, cracking vinyl, and destroyed tires all slither their way into the realm of possibility. As temperatures soar, your RV’s resale value seems to tank.
If outdoor RV storage is unavoidable, you may be asking yourself, “Are there ways to ensure my RV stays protected in the extreme heat?” The short answer? Yes.
Summers of record highs don’t have to be a death sentence for your RV. Follow these helpful tips for storing your RV in hot weather and keeping it in the best shape.
Choosing the Right RV Storage Solution
If you plan to spend the summer jet-setting abroad, you’ll need to find a storage solution for your RV.
While enclosed RV storage options, like a 10’x30′ or a 20’x20′ drive-up storage unit, may seem like your best bet for minimizing your RV’s UV exposure, the standard drive-up storage unit still won’t protect your RV against the harmful effects of extreme heat.
Because non-climatized storage units can reach temperatures 30 degrees higher than the outside temperature, your tires are still at risk of warping, tire pressure fluctuations, leaks, and dry rot in an enclosed storage unit (despite the additional shade this storage type lends).
When choosing between indoor (enclosed RV storage) and outdoor storage (covered and uncovered RV storage), average temperatures shouldn’t be the only factor you account for. You’ll also need to consider location, security, and cost when evaluating your RV storage options.
For affordable storage options, RV owners should look at a peer-to-peer storage marketplace like Neighbor, one of the leading providers of both indoor and outdoor RV storage options.
Uncovered Outdoor Storage
Uncovered outdoor storage could look like parking your RV in your driveway (Refer to this guide for more information on whether your state prohibits RV parking on residential properties).
Uncovered outdoor storage could also look like parking your RV on an unpaved lot located on your property or your neighbor’s (Check out Neighbor to find RV storage options in your own neighborhood)
Uncovered RV storage could even take the form of parking your RV in an off-site storage lot.
While convenient and affordable, uncovered outdoor storage isn’t without its risks. If the RV storage space you’ve selected is uncovered, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect your RV from the sun and hot weather. Ways to protect your RV against sun damage include the following:
- Use an RV cover
- Wax your RV
- Invest in curtains and window coverings
Note: With a cautious approach (and the right RV cover), safe outdoor storage is possible.
Covered Outdoor Storage
A type of outdoor storage, covered storage offers more sun protection than uncovered storage–but not as much protection as enclosed RV storage. With the accessibility of outdoor storage but the added UV protection of enclosed storage, covered storage is a good middle-ground option.
Because the roof of your RV is most directly exposed to the beating summer sun (and, therefore, is the part of your RV most vulnerable to UV damage), covered storage will help you avoid rips and cracks in the roof sealant.
Indoor/Enclosed RV Storage
While more difficult to find, indoor RV storage is the ideal storage option for risk-averse RV owners. If you’re worried about both UV damage, as well as heat damage, climate-controlled indoor RV storage is your best shot at preventing damage to your RV, whether it’s a Class A or a Class C.
Protecting Your RV’s Exterior During Outdoor Storage
If indoor, climate-controlled storage is out of budget (or out of reach), you’ll need to prepare your RV for the summer months ahead. These helpful tips will ensure your RV comes out of storage looking just as pristine as it did going in.
Invest in an RV Cover
RV covers offer protection from the sun, rain, dust, and debris. When choosing a cover, consider size, breathability, UV damage resistance, reinforcement in vulnerable areas, and zippered access doors.
Various RV covers are available, including Class A and Class B-specific RV covers. The best covers, like the Designer Series Class A Cover from CoverCraft, are composed of multiple layers for enhanced protection.
Wax the Exterior
Waxing the exterior of your RV will protect it from UV rays and keep it cool during storage. It will also help maintain the paint, preventing chipping or cracking due to heat or dry weather.
Tire Covers
Tire covers can prolong the life of RV tires and ensure their safety for road use. The most common type of RV tire cover is heavyweight vinyl, designed to resist elements like wind and moisture and made with an elastic band for a secure fit.
Preparing the Interior for Hot Weather Storage
Now that your exterior is ready for storage, you can focus on moving inside. Preparing the interior for hot weather storage involves pest prevention and humidity control, which is essential for keeping your RV safe and clean.
Maintaining Proper Ventilation
Adequate airflow helps prevent mold growth and moisture buildup. To ensure proper ventilation, opening vents and windows will ensure consistency between the outdoor temperatures and the RV’s interior temperatures, preventing condensation build-up.
Humidity Control
Humidity control can prevent mildew growth in humid regions.
Placing a 5-gallon bucket of water in the center of the RV will stabilize the humidity levels. Fans and moisture absorbers can also regulate humidity inside an RV during storage.
Pest Prevention
Ensuring that pests don’t inhabit your RV is as simple as cleaning living spaces, sealing cracks, using traps, and installing screens on exterior vents. Screens on exterior vents prevent unwanted guests from entering while the vents are open.
Regularly inspect your RV for signs of pest activity and take appropriate measures to address any issues.
Solar Shades
Solar window shades can block sun rays to keep the RV cool and protect its interior from discoloration. Installing these window shades is easy and can be done within a few minutes.
Managing Appliances and Systems
Scared of opening your RV’s appliances only to find that an ecosystem of moldy food and ravenous pests has taken form?
If you fail to prepare your appliances for storage, you may be faced with this nightmarish type of clean-up post-storage.
Prior to storing, clean and empty out the RV refrigerator to prevent the proliferation of mildew and mold. Disconnect the refrigerator from power and leave the door open for proper air circulation. Regularly inspect the refrigerator, as routine fridge maintenance is critical in deterring pests.
Air Conditioner
Running the AC can prevent cracking, chipping, or mildew growth inside the RV. Setting the AC system to 85 degrees can maintain a comfortable temperature without overworking the system.
Proper AC maintenance also involves cleaning the filters to ensure optimal performance and prevent unnecessary strain on the AC system.
Water Tanks
Draining water tanks can prevent mold growth and keep tanks in optimal condition. To drain your tanks, open the drain valve and allow the water to flow through the sink drains. Alternatively, you can fill your tanks with soapy water to prevent seals from drying.
Regularly inspect all your water tanks, including black and gray tanks, for any signs of mold, mildew, or other issues, and address them promptly.
Battery and Propane Safety
When preparing for storage, you’ll need to be mindful of combustibles to prevent dangers like a fire or, even worse, an explosion.
Turn off or unplug all electrical devices in the RV, and recharge batteries as needed. Deactivate the propane system during storage for safety purposes. Disconnecting the propane system is also a step toward deterring insects and defending against any potential gas leaks.
Regularly check your batteries and propane system to avert disaster.
Summary
While extreme temperatures (both extreme hot and extreme cold) can wreak havoc on your RV, excessive heat proves to be much more destructive to a recreational vehicle.
Don’t play with fire (or firey temperatures). Do your due diligence to heat-proof your RV before temperatures skyrocket
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to store your RV outside?
Storing your RV outside may require regular maintenance to prevent mold, leaks, sun damage, and pests. However, when your RV is prepared properly, outdoor storage is a very viable and effective option.
How hot can an RV get in the sun?
On a warm day, temperatures inside a parked RV can reach over 100 degrees in minutes and as high as 109 degrees on hotter days. This is why it is important to prepare the interior for these temperatures during hot weather storage.
