Checklist: Preparing RVs for Arizona’s Extreme Weather

The 2023 monsoon season for Arizona has been a ho-hum one, especially when compared to the previous summer. Instead, the desert has experienced record-setting heat, which offers an important reminder that storms aren’t the only form of extreme weather RV owners need to be ready for.

Heat, wind and sudden, strong downpours can wreak havoc on landscapes which could then impact vehicles, making it important for RV owners to keep the possibility of extreme weather in mind when storing their vehicle — for brief or prolonged periods of time.

Here is a checklist to follow to ensure that nothing is forgotten when preparing RVs for Arizona’s extreme weather.

Conduct a thorough cleaning. It’s important when putting an RV in storage to always thoroughly clean it first. That process involves emptying the fridge and cabinets, checking the front seats for trash and leftover snacks, and making sure no loose tidbits of food are left in couches, stashed near beds or otherwise forgotten about in random storage containers. Excessive heat, like the heat experienced during Arizona’s record-breaking July, could accelerate or compound the deterioration of foo, send critters looking for shelter (where bits of food would be a welcome sight), and create an unsightly mess that needs to be cleaned up upon an owner’s return.
Inspect seals. Heat is a nasty antagonist. Arizona residents have seen its impact on car battery life, paint and other materials that deteriorate before their time. It is recommended that RV owners routinely inspect windows and the roof for vulnerabilities. Any weak areas should be sealed before the vehicle is left in storage for any amount of time, as wind or rain could lead to leaks in areas that aren’t properly shored up.
Maintain vehicle performance. Before heading out on the road for another adventure, RV owners should make sure all seals and gaskets are checked and attended to. The last thing any roadtripper wants to experience during extreme weather — from heat to thunderstorms — is engine problems. During that same check, RV owners should make sure all fluids are full and fresh, if they need to be changed, and tires are inflated to their optimal pressure for the best performance.
Pest control. Each individual RV owner may have his or her preferred pest control measures, and whatever they are, they should be used when putting an RV in storage. No one wants to start their next adventure with additional “guests” they didn’t plan on hosting. Anyone hoping to avoid the use of harsh chemicals for pest control may consider using peppermint, which is said to repel rodents, ants and other unwanted insects.
Prioritize security. Choosing a storage facility with premium security allows RV owners to have peace of mind when they aren’t exploring the open road, during times of extreme heat or inclement weather. At I-10 RV Storage, we take security seriously and offer 24-hour video surveillance, a security guard patrol and keypad-access gates for entry into our facility. Every storage facility is different, so RV owners are encouraged to ask about security measures before committing to a space.