4 Ways to Keep Your RV and Boat Safe in Storage

Florida living means sunshine, open roads, and water adventures nearly all year long. Whether you’re cruising in your RV or spending weekends on the boat, there’s always an opportunity to get outside and unwind. But when it’s time to take a break, where do you store your RV or boat?

Leaving it docked or parked out front isn’t always the safest—or smartest—option. That’s where vehicle storage makes life easier. Let’s explore the best ways to keep your vehicle protected and ready for your next getaway.

Photo by Tom Allport on Unsplash

Smart Preparation Tips for RV & Boat Storage

Your investments need your care when they are in storage as well as in use. Disregarding proper maintenance can result in issues and damage down the line. Here are four easy ways to prepare your boat or RV before storing them for an extended period of time.

1. Deep Clean Inside and Out

RV: To prevent corrosion, wash the external surfaces to remove the dirt and other particles. Clean the floors, appliances, and interior surfaces to avoid mold and odors. Make sure the fridge is defrosted and allow it to cool down naturally.

Boat: Clean the boats’ deck, hull, and topsides to remove dirt, algae, and salt. Thoroughly clean the interior, including any upholstery, to mitigate the growth of mold and mildew. Make sure everything is dry before keeping it in storage.

2. Engine and Battery Maintenance

RV: Change the oil and filter to prevent impurities from causing engine damage. If you’re keeping your RV in storage for a long time, disconnect the battery, and store it somewhere dry and cool.

Boat: Disconnect the fuel lines and run the engine until it stops to empty the fuel tank in an outboard motor. Your boat’s battery should be removed and kept somewhere dry and cool. Consider keeping the charge on a trickle charger to keep the charge without overcharging.

3. Inflate the Tires and Inspect Fuel Systems

RV: Ensure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure to prevent flat spots. When storing your RV for an extended period, consider putting it on jacks to relieve the weight on the tires and cover the tires to prevent UV damage.

Boat: Fill the fuel tank but allow space for expansion. A full tank may result in fuel contamination since less air is available to attract moisture. Use a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from degrading while being stored.

4. Cover Your Boat or RV When in Storage

RV: When storing outside, use a high-quality, breathable RV cover to protect against the weather. Make sure the cover fits securely to lessen the possibility of wind damage.

Boat: Use an appropriately sized, quality, breathable boat cover. A suitable cover lets moisture out and prevents mold and mildew from growing while protecting from dust, dirt, and pests.

Secure Your Boat or RV with Reliable Storage Experts in Fort Myers, FL

When you are in between adventures, find a storage facility you can trust to protect your boat or RV. Elite RV & Boat Storage is a trusted partner of the Fort Myers, FL, community. See how vehicle storage can make a difference in your long-term vehicle maintenance!

Katie Mest

About the Author: Katie Mest is a Content Marketing Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors and snuggling in with a crochet project and her cat, Billie.