April 4, 2026

RV Storage Checklist: How to Prepare Your RV for Storage

Putting your RV into storage without proper preparation is one of the most expensive mistakes an owner can make. Skipping steps leads to mold, rodent damage, dead batteries, seized brakes, flat-spotted tires, and plumbing disasters that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to fix.

The good news: preparing your RV for storage doesn't require special skills or expensive tools. It just requires following a systematic checklist. Whether you're storing for a month or an entire season, this guide covers every step to keep your rig in great shape until your next adventure.

Part 1: Exterior Preparation

The outside of your RV takes the biggest beating during storage, especially in outdoor or covered storage. These steps protect your finish, seals, and structural components.

1. Wash the Entire Exterior Thoroughly

Start with a complete wash, including the roof. Road grime, bug splatter, bird droppings, and tree sap are all mildly corrosive. Left on your RV for months, they etch into paint and fiberglass. Use an RV-specific wash (not dish soap, which strips wax) and a soft-bristle brush or wash mitt.

2. Inspect and Repair Roof Seals

While you're up on the roof washing, inspect every seal and seam. Look for cracks, gaps, or lifting in the sealant around vents, antennas, skylights, and the roof-to-sidewall joint. Water intrusion is the number one cause of structural damage in RVs, and it almost always starts with a failed roof seal. Reseal any problem areas with the appropriate sealant. This 30-minute task can prevent thousands in water damage repair.

3. Apply a Coat of Wax

After washing, apply a quality RV wax or UV protectant to the painted and fiberglass surfaces. This creates a barrier against UV damage, oxidation, and moisture. For fiberglass-sided RVs, a polymer-based protectant works better than traditional carnauba wax.

4. Cover or Protect the Tires

UV exposure and ground contact are hard on tires during storage. At minimum, cover each tire with a UV-blocking tire cover. If possible, park on blocks of wood or tire cradles rather than directly on asphalt or concrete, which can leach chemicals into the rubber.

5. Retract the Awning

Never leave your awning extended during storage. Wind can shred an extended awning in seconds, and pooling rain or snow can stretch or tear the fabric. Retract it fully and make sure it's latched securely. If your awning fabric is dirty or has mildew, clean it and let it dry completely before retracting — storing a damp awning guarantees mold.

6. Close All Vents and Windows

Double-check that every window, roof vent, and access panel is closed and latched. Even a small gap lets in rain, dust, insects, and rodents.

7. Apply an RV Cover (If Storing Outdoors)

If you're using outdoor storage, a quality RV cover is worth the investment. Look for a breathable, UV-resistant cover sized for your rig. Avoid tarps — they trap moisture, scratch finishes, and don't breathe. A good RV cover costs $150–$400 and can extend the life of your exterior by years.

Part 2: Interior Preparation

The inside of your RV needs attention too. Trapped moisture, forgotten food, and stale air create perfect conditions for mold, mildew, and pests.

8. Remove All Perishable Food

This seems obvious, but it's the most commonly skipped step. Remove everything perishable from the refrigerator, freezer, cabinets, and pantry. Even sealed dry goods like crackers and cereal attract mice. Non-perishable canned goods are fine to leave, but remove anything in boxes, bags, or wrappers.

9. Clean the Refrigerator and Leave It Open

Clean the fridge and freezer thoroughly. Leave the doors propped open to prevent mold and odor. Place a box of baking soda inside for extra odor absorption. If your fridge runs on propane, make sure it's turned off and the propane supply valve is closed.

10. Deep Clean the Interior

Vacuum all floors, wipe down counters and surfaces, clean the bathroom, and empty all trash. Any crumbs or residue you leave behind becomes a food source for pests. Pay special attention to under cushions, behind furniture, and in storage compartments where crumbs accumulate.

11. Place Moisture Absorbers

Humidity is the enemy during storage. Place moisture absorber products (DampRid or similar) in the main living area, the bedroom, the bathroom, and any enclosed storage compartments. For longer storage periods (3+ months), consider using a rechargeable dehumidifier or silica gel products.

12. Close All Blinds and Shades

UV light through windows fades upholstery, carpet, and cabinetry over time. Close all blinds, curtains, and shades to block direct sunlight.

13. Remove Valuables

Don't leave electronics, personal items, jewelry, or important documents in your stored RV. Even secure facilities can experience break-ins, and your homeowner's or renter's insurance may not cover items stolen from a stored RV.

14. Seal Potential Pest Entry Points

Mice can squeeze through a gap the size of a dime. Inspect the underside of your RV for any openings around plumbing, wiring, and slides. Stuff steel wool into small gaps (mice can't chew through it) and seal larger openings with expanding foam. Inside, place mouse deterrents like peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls or commercial rodent repellent in cabinets and under sinks.

Part 3: Mechanical Preparation

Your RV's engine, drivetrain, and mechanical systems need attention before storage too. Neglecting these steps can lead to expensive repairs when you're ready to hit the road again.

15. Fill the Fuel Tank and Add Stabilizer

For motorhomes, fill the fuel tank to at least 90% capacity. A full tank prevents moisture from condensing inside the tank, which can cause rust and contaminate fuel. Add fuel stabilizer according to the product directions and run the engine for 10–15 minutes after adding stabilizer to circulate it through the fuel system. Untreated fuel can go stale in as little as 30 days.

16. Change the Oil (For Motorhomes)

If your motorhome is due for an oil change or has been used heavily, change the oil before storage. Used oil contains acids and contaminants that can corrode engine internals during extended storage.

17. Disconnect or Maintain the Battery

Batteries slowly discharge during storage. A fully discharged battery can freeze in cold weather and suffer permanent damage.

• Option A — Disconnect and trickle charge. Disconnect the battery cables (negative first, then positive) and connect a quality battery maintainer.
• Option B — Remove the battery. For long-term storage in freezing climates, remove the battery entirely and store it in a cool, dry place on a maintainer.
• Option C — Solar maintainer. A small solar panel battery maintainer can keep your battery charged without requiring an electrical hookup at your storage facility.

18. Check and Adjust Tire Pressure

Inflate all tires to the manufacturer-recommended pressure. Tires lose pressure slowly during storage, and underinflated tires develop flat spots — especially in cold weather. If storing for 3+ months, consider raising the RV on jack stands to take weight off the tires entirely.

19. Release the Parking Brake (If Safe)

On motorhomes stored for extended periods, releasing the parking brake prevents the brake pads from bonding to the rotors — a condition called “brake seizure.” Use wheel chocks instead to prevent rolling. If you're on a slope, use your judgment.

20. Lubricate Slide-Out Seals and Moving Parts

Apply slide-out seal conditioner to the rubber seals on all slide-outs. Lubricate the leveling jacks, stabilizer jacks, and any moving mechanical components with appropriate lubricant to prevent corrosion during storage.

Part 4: Systems Preparation

Your RV's water, propane, and electrical systems need specific attention before storage.

21. Drain the Fresh Water System

Drain the fresh water tank, water heater, and all water lines. Open all faucets (hot and cold) to let remaining water drain. Standing water breeds bacteria and can freeze in cold weather, cracking pipes and fittings. Don't forget the low-point drains — most RVs have two (one for hot lines, one for cold).

22. Drain and Flush Holding Tanks

Drain both the gray (sink and shower) and black (toilet) holding tanks. Flush them thoroughly. Leaving waste in the tanks during storage creates terrible odors and can damage tank sensors.

23. Winterize the Plumbing (If Freezing Temps Are Possible)

If there's any chance of freezing temperatures during your storage period, winterize your plumbing system by pumping non-toxic RV antifreeze through all water lines, faucets, the toilet, and the water heater bypass. For a detailed walkthrough, see our RV winterization guide.

24. Turn Off the Water Heater

Whether electric or propane, turn off the water heater. If it has an anode rod, this is a good time to inspect and replace it if needed.

25. Turn Off the Propane Supply

Close the valve on each propane tank. This eliminates the risk of leaks during storage and is often required by storage facilities for safety reasons.

26. Turn Off All Appliances and Electronics

Switch off the refrigerator, water heater, furnace, air conditioner, water pump, and any other appliances. Unplug anything that draws phantom power.

Part 5: Final Steps

27. Check Your Insurance Coverage

Confirm that your RV insurance policy covers your rig while in storage. Most policies do, but verify that comprehensive coverage (theft, vandalism, hail, fire, flooding) is active. Your storage facility will likely require proof of insurance before accepting your RV.

28. Document the Condition

Take photos and video of your RV's exterior and interior before storage. Document the condition of the roof, sidewalls, tires, and any existing damage. This record is invaluable for insurance claims if damage occurs during storage.

29. Leave Contact Information

If your storage facility doesn't already have it, provide your phone number and email so they can reach you if there's an issue — storm damage, a security incident, or a maintenance concern.

30. Set a Maintenance Reminder

If you're storing for more than a month, set a reminder to check on your RV periodically. A monthly visit to check tire pressure, inspect for leaks or pest activity, and verify the battery is charging gives you peace of mind and catches small problems before they become big ones.

Quick-Reference Printable Checklist