Now that it is winter, if you own an RV, you’ll likely not use it for a few more months. Indeed, you’ll probably place the RV in storage for the season’s duration. And while you might think that storage presents low risks, you still must care for the vehicle. Let’s examine some of the things you can do to take care of your RV during its winter storage.
Yes, storing your RV during winter might eliminate certain vehicle risks. However, other hazards might take their places. Therefore, you’ll need to adapt the vehicle to its new surroundings.
Why Risks Exist in Storage Facilities
You might place your RV in a garage or barn this winter. Or, you might cover it with a tarp and leave it parked in your driveway. Regardless of where you place the vehicle, risks will always beckon. They could threaten the vehicle and its value.
For example, a fire might break out in your garage and damage the RV. A tree might fall on it in the driveway, or rodents might invade and damage the interior or engine. Someone might even attempt to steal it. In these cases, the costs might be significant. However, if you maintain comprehensive RV insurance, you might still have protection for unpreventable damage.
Still, if you neglect the vehicle while it sits in storage, other deterioration might occur. Wear and tear in various systems, from the engine to the radio, might cause failures. However, these damages might not have any insurance coverage at all. That’s because you might have been able to prevent the damage otherwise. Thus, it remains imperative that you protect the vehicle while you store it.
Preventing Storage Damage
A few practical steps might help you keep your RV secure this winter:
- Before storing the vehicle, ensure it has an appropriate balance of fluids and gas. Make any repairs to broken systems, and thoroughly clean the interior.
- Keep the vehicle covered. Even if you place it in a garage, covering the item with a tarp might add extra protection.
- Arm the security system on the vehicle. Consider adding an alarm onto the garage or car port.
- Check on the vehicle periodically. It never hurts to crank up the engine and let the vehicle run for a few minutes. This can help keep the engine and battery in good shape.
Most importantly, do not cancel your comprehensive insurance. While you might be able to reduce certain coverage, like your liability and collision protection, comprehensive insurance should remain in place. It will help pay for damage resulting from accidents not related to moving wrecks. Therefore, it might prove key to protecting your vehicle while it stays in storage.