In recent years, RV ownership has increased exponentially by more than 62 percent, with more than 30,000 motorhomes manufactured monthly. Most people use their RVs recreationally, while others commit to full-time RV living. If you fall into the former category, you might be looking for somewhere safe to store your RV and keep it safe when it’s not used.
At I-10 RV Storage, we offer various storage solutions to meet clients’ needs. If you want to keep your motorhome safe, we can guarantee it will be at our covered RV storage facility. However, RV storage is only part of the responsibility of owning a motorhome.
You also need to know how to ensure your RV functions as it should after it comes out of storage. That’s why our team has detailed how to complete an interior RV inspection, an exterior RV inspection, and many other inspections. Through a thorough inspection, you can ensure your motorhome is fully operational and ready for your next adventure!
After your motorhome comes out of storage, you should inspect the outside for obvious cracks, leaks, and other damages. If your RV is stored outside, the weatherstripping around the windows and doors must be checked. While checking the exterior, you will notice if any sealant appears to be peeling or cracked. If this is the case, you should re-seal and caulk your windows. You will also need to inspect and see if other exterior parts, such as the slide-out seams, body, and roof, need new seals.
Inspecting the rest of the exterior for water damage is also a good idea. However, ensure you are cautious while doing an exterior RV inspection, especially while on your RV’s roof, to prevent falling and injuring yourself. Moreover, for those who own a towable camper, it’s worth checking the parts and hitch components for damage and rust. If rust or damage is present, consider replacing them immediately to avoid breaking down with a broken hitch.
It might not seem like it, but your RV tires can become flat or damaged when in storage. That’s why you will need to inspect your RV tires after storage. Often, the weight of the RV can wear out the thread, and certain environmental conditions can eat away at the metal and rubber.
Problems with RV tires can include cracks, cuts, blistering, debris stuck between the treads, and swelling. When checking your RV tires, be sure to check the wheels as well. Sometimes, tools may be required to assess the wheels. For example, checking the tread depth requires a ruler, as you will need to establish if you have 2/32 of an Inch of tread depth—anything lower would require replacement.
You should also remember to do a tire pressure check when inspecting your tires. Whether RVs have been stored outdoors under cover or not, drops in temperature, especially in colder conditions, can cause the tire pressure to drop rapidly. If the pressure is low but the tires are undamaged, simply fill them up.
The RV mechanical systems must also be inspected thoroughly. The inspection should always include checking that lights, power steering, and controls are fully functional and fluid levels are at optimal levels.
The brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, engine oil, engine coolant, and transmission fluid should all be on the list to check and top up. Ideally, you will want to have your RV serviced before taking any trips, and a mechanic can ensure these fluids are topped up.
Provided all fluid levels are topped up, you can start the engine and inspect the RV further by reviewing all the readings on the gauges and seeing if any service lights are activated. To address any issues found with leaks, power steering, or the service lights, you will need to take your RV for a full engine check by a mechanic.
It is normal for RV batteries to run flat when in storage. To check if this is indeed the case with your motorhome, you’ll need to run an RV electrical inspection, which entails turning the power off before testing the RV’s battery health. If the battery health is fine and itjust needs a charge, do so; if the battery doesn’t switch on, it might be dead and need replacing.
Once battery tests have been completed, you can restore the power and check if your lighting and internal appliances are responding well. To make circuit testing easier for you, you can utilize a clamp meter, a multimeter, and a non-contact voltage tester.
You should also charge the propane detectors, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide testers as part of your electrical systems inspection. This is a legal requirement and a top priority, as these detectors could save lives in an emergency.
While most RV owners think this is pointless, the opposite is true. Interior inspections after storage are key to ensuring several issues are addressed within the RV before it’s too late and becomes costly to repair.
As part of the inspection, you should conduct a thorough RV cleaning from floor to ceiling with RV-safe products. Another point in the inspection concerns draining the dehumidifiers in the RV if you have any. You will also need to clean the inside of cabinets and check for any signs of pests, such as rodents or insects. If you find any, you must use repellent solutions before filling your pantry with new food products.
Next, you must top up any camping supplies and first aid essentials and throw out any old foods that may be left in your cupboards. Lastly, you must install fresh filters in the water filtration system, as you should never reuse filters after prolonged periods as they may be contaminated.
Having functional, smooth-running water and a water system that doesn’t give you problems is essential to RV life. Thus, after you take your motorhome out of storage, you must do an RV plumbing check and water system inspection. Even after your initial storage inspection, these checks should be done regularly to prevent many problems, including rust and mold.
To inspect the water pipes, turn on the faucets and shower system and look for leaks. Secondly, check that the waste tanks and their parts are free of cracks and leaks. If you find any, they need to be fixed. If antifreeze was added to the water system while the RV was in winter storage, you will need to remove all traces before using the RV.
To remove antifreeze, you must use a water pump to run fresh water through the tanks and pipes until clear water comes from all the RV’s faucets, showers, and toilets. For environmental health and safety reasons, ensure that the antifreeze runs into tubs and is then safely disposed of at a dump station or auto parts store.
An RV propane system inspection ensures that all propane-burning appliances are operational. It involves appliance testing and leak detection tests. When testing, ensure all your appliances that require propane are off, and then inspect each one with a flashlight.
To do this, check for insects and remove dirt from the burner tubes, if there is any. In addition, do a gas leak check by putting soapy water around the valves and see if it starts to bubble. If it bubbles, you have a leak, and you need to fix it.
You should also ensure no propane lines, hoses, or seals show cracks. Your LP container should always be at 80% full capacity, and appliances should be tested multiple times to ensure they run properly before beginning your next trip.
If your RV is stored outside, an RV awning inspection, slide-out maintenance, and an RV roof inspection may be required. However, RVs kept inside can also experience problems, so regardless; you should inspect each of these things.
When inspecting the roof, check for sagging, rips, cracks, and discoloration. Within the RV, check where walls meet the roofline for any areas of concern. If any are present, it may indicate that your roof is struggling and may need repairs.
Additionally, before inspecting your roof, ensure your RV allows for its roof to be walked on. A clear sign is that if an RV has a ladder, you can walk on the roof, and if there is no ladder, it would be unsafe and should be avoided.
After looking over the roof, you need to inspect an RV’s awning. To do this, extend it fully and check the fabric for tears, mold, and proper tension. You also need to look for rust or damage. For slide-outs, extend them fully, inspect seals for cracks, and check their operation for smoothness. If you encounter any issues, these will need to be addressed.
Inspecting your RV after storage ensures longevity and allows you to make fast repairs before the damage becomes too costly. All of these checks also ensure that your safety is always a priority. However, to minimize how much you need to fix after an RV inspection after your motorhome has come out of storage, consider storing it in a trusted facility, where the chance of damages can be lessened.
At I-10 RV Storage, we have only the highest quality facilities and offer Arizona RV Storage and Phoenix RV Storage at competitive rates. We also believe the customer comes first and will help you find the best storage solution for your motorhome. Contact us to learn more about our rates and facilities.
