Avoid These Common Mistakes When Prepping Your Boat or RV for Storage
Joe Collins
October 14th, 2023
Storing your boat or RV doesn’t have to be a scramble, or a regret. Before you hit the off-season storage button, let’s sidestep some of the goof-ups that can cost you time, money, or even major headaches. At MoreSpace Sunrise Self Storage, we’re all about helping you protect your prized wheels and decks. Here’s your guide:
Skipping a Thorough Clean
You might think a quick rinse is fine until you find mildew, stains, or even corrosion next spring. For boats, salt, grime, and organic debris can silently wreak havoc over time. For RVs, leftover crumbs can attract pests, mold, or musty odors.
What you should do: Wash everything, inside and out, dry thoroughly, and clear out food, fabrics, and anything that could harbor mold or rodents.
Leaving Dirty or Old Fuel
Gas tanks need love too! Much like boats storing dirty fuel causes engine issues, your RV isn’t immune.Old fuel can gum up injectors, and partial tanks allow condensation buildup.
What you should do: Fill up to around 90% and add a quality fuel stabilizer. Then run the engine for a few minutes so everything gets properly mixed and ready for next season.
Forgetting Maintenance Checks and Drainage
Simple checks go a long way. Missing leaky seals or cracks can lead to rotting wood, water damage, and mold, especially on RVs. For boats, leaving the drain plug in invites water and mold into the bilge.
What you should do: A walkthrough where you inspect seals, refill cracks, drain all water lines, and ensure bilge plugs on boats are removed.
Neglecting Battery & Plumbing Prep
Batteries left on can discharge, freeze, or corrode, and leaving plumbing lines full can lead to burst pipes in colder or fluctuating California temps.
What you should do is: Disconnect and store your battery in a cool place, or use a trickle charger. Drain or winterize plumbing systems with antifreeze in RVs, or fog the boat engine if storing long-term.
Using Inadequate Covers or Skipping Them Entirely
A travel cover is not a storage cover. For boats, heavy-duty storage covers are needed to protect from sun, dust, and critters. RVs need breathable, well-fitted covers to avoid heat stress on seals and body panels.
What you should do is: Choose a quality, UV-resilient cover tailored for storage, not travel. It is also helpful for it to be a vented styles that allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Poor Storage Location & No Aisles
Just parking it any old place? A poorly chosen storage spot invites pests, theft, water damage, and cluttered access.
What you should do is: Store at a secure, well-lit, gated facility, and use MoreSpace Sunrise Self Storage for exactly that. Plus, when packing your unit, leave an aisle so you can access trinkets or prep for trips without unstacking the world.
Your Storage Prep Checklist:
- Wash, dry, de‑crumb, de‑dust
- Fill to ~90%, add stabilizer
- Check seals, drain lines, remove drain plugs
- Disconnect/store battery, winterize plumbing
- Use storage-grade, fitted, vented cover
- Choose secure facility with good access
Final Word:
Prepping doesn’t have to be a chore, but skipping essential steps can turn your “low-maintenance storage” into an expensive surprise come spring. Prep smart now, especially with MoreSpace Sunrise Self Storage, and you’ll be ready to hit the road or water with zero hassle down the line.
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