Yelm Boat & RV Storage Blog
The off-season is the perfect time to give your boat or RV some well-deserved rest—and a little extra care. Whether you’re tucking your boat away for the winter or parking your RV for a break between trips, proper storage can keep your vehicle in top condition. At Yelm Boat and RV Storage, we provide secure, convenient spaces to protect your investment, but you can also take a few extra steps to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure. Why Proper Storage Matters Storing your boat or RV properly helps prevent: Weather damage from exposure to sun, rain, or snow Pests or rodents from making your vehicle their new home Wear and tear on tires, engine parts, and interiors The better your storage prep, the easier it will be to get back on the road or water when the season starts again! Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Your Boat or RV 1. Clean Thoroughly Before you store your boat or RV, give it a thorough cleaning inside and out. This helps protect the exterior and removes debris that could attract pests. Wash the hull of your boat and clean the RV exterior Clean and dry the interior, paying attention to fabrics and upholstery Don’t forget the tires—clean them off to prevent buildup 2. Empty All Tanks and Systems For both boats and RVs, it’s essential to drain any water, fuel, or waste systems to avoid issues like freezing pipes or mold buildup. Drain the freshwater and wastewater tanks Empty fuel tanks or add a fuel stabilizer Check and maintain your battery 3. Cover It Up Protect your boat or RV from dust, dirt, and weather damage with a good-quality cover. Invest in breathable, weather-resistant covers Secure the cover tightly, but allow for airflow to prevent moisture buildup Use protective covers for wheels and tires as well 4. Check the Tires Tires can take a beating when stored improperly, so make sure to: Inflate tires to the proper pressure Use tire covers to protect from UV rays If possible, lift your boat or RV off the tires to avoid flat spots 5. Secure and Lock Everything Lock all doors, windows, and compartments before leaving your boat or RV. Even when stored in a secure facility, a little extra security never hurts. Use high-quality locks and chains for added protection Consider a wheel lock or hitch lock to prevent theft Why Choose Yelm Boat and RV Storage? At Yelm Boat and RV Storage, we offer the ideal space for storing your boat or RV: Spacious, outdoor storage with easy access Secure, fenced facility with 24/7 surveillance Flexible rental options for short-term or long-term storage Convenient location for easy drop-off and pickup Ready to Store Your Boat or RV? Whether you’re preparing for winter storage or taking a break between trips, Yelm Boat and RV Storage is here to make the process simple and secure. Contact us today to reserve your spot and protect your investment until your next adventure!
Storing your RV properly is essential to maintain its condition and prolong its lifespan. Whether you are storing your RV for the season or for an extended period, it's important to avoid common mistakes that could lead to damage. At Yelm Boat and RV Storage, we offer safe and secure storage options for your RV, but the way you prepare your vehicle is just as important. Here's a guide to the top mistakes to avoid when storing your RV: 1. Failing to Clean Your RV Before Storage One of the biggest mistakes RV owners make is putting their RV into storage without properly cleaning it first. Dirt, food crumbs, and grime can cause lasting damage over time. Clean the exterior thoroughly to remove dirt and grime, and make sure to clean the interior as well. Don’t forget to remove any trash, food, and personal belongings to avoid attracting pests. 2. Neglecting to Check for Leaks Before storing your RV, thoroughly inspect it for any leaks or signs of water damage. Check the roof, windows, and seals to make sure they are in good condition. Leaks can lead to mold, mildew, and costly repairs, so it's essential to address them before storing your RV. 3. Leaving the RV’s Battery Installed Leaving the RV's battery installed during storage can lead to it losing charge or even damaging it. It's best to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. If you plan to store your RV for an extended period, consider investing in a battery maintainer to keep it in optimal condition. 4. Not Emptying the Tanks Leaving the water and waste tanks in your RV full during storage is a mistake. Be sure to drain both the freshwater and wastewater tanks completely. This helps prevent mold growth, keeps your pipes in good condition, and prevents the tanks from freezing during the winter months. 5. Forgetting to Cover Your RV Exposure to the elements can cause serious damage to your RV over time. UV rays from the sun can fade and crack the exterior, while rain and snow can cause rust and mold. Be sure to cover your RV with a high-quality, breathable cover to protect it from the weather. This helps preserve the paint and keeps your RV looking great. 6. Storing Your RV with Flat Tires Storing your RV with flat tires can cause permanent damage to the tires. Always check your tire pressure before storing your RV. If necessary, inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You can also consider using tire jacks or supports to relieve pressure on the tires. 7. Not Using Fuel Stabilizer If you're storing your RV for a long period, you should use a fuel stabilizer in the gas tank. This helps prevent the fuel from deteriorating, which can lead to engine problems when you start the RV again. Add the stabilizer to the fuel tank before storing it, and run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilizer is fully mixed with the fuel. 8. Leaving Windows and Vents Open It may seem like a good idea to leave your RV's windows or vents slightly open for ventilation, but this can invite pests or cause damage. Ensure all windows, vents, and doors are securely closed before storage to keep out moisture and pests. 9. Ignoring Regular Maintenance Checks Even when storing your RV, it’s important to perform regular maintenance checks. Start the engine occasionally, check tire pressure, and inspect the overall condition of your RV. This helps ensure that everything is in working order when you’re ready to hit the road again. 10. Not Using a Professional Storage Facility One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not using a professional storage facility for your RV. While storing your RV in your driveway or an unsecured location might seem convenient, it exposes your RV to theft, vandalism, and weather damage. Yelm Boat and RV Storage offers secure, convenient, and weather-protected storage options to keep your RV safe. Store Your RV with Confidence at Yelm Boat and RV Storage Avoid these common mistakes and ensure your RV stays in top condition during storage. At Yelm Boat and RV Storage, we provide a safe and secure environment for your RV, offering peace of mind that your vehicle is in good hands. Contact us today to find out more about our storage options and how we can help you store your RV properly.