Long-Term RV Storage: Complete Protection Checklist for Security & Weatherproofing

Storing your RV should preserve it. Instead, many RVers return to find water damage, dead batteries, rodent infestations, or worse — an empty spot where their RV used to be.

Long-term storage requires more than parking and walking away. Done right, your RV emerges from storage ready to roll. Done wrong, you face expensive repairs or total loss.

This guide covers complete RV storage protection: security that deters theft, weatherproofing that prevents damage, and maintenance that keeps systems healthy during dormancy.

Pre-Storage Security Setup

RV owner performing pre-storage inspection

Physical Security Essentials

Entry Points:

  • Lock all doors with deadbolts (not just latches)
  • Add a security bar to the main entry door
  • Lock all emergency exits from inside
  • Consider blocking slide-out openings

Compartments:

  • Replace all CH751 universal locks
  • Lock every storage compartment
  • Use quality padlocks on external bays
  • Lock utility connections (propane, shore power access)

Hitching Security (Trailers/Fifth Wheels):

  • Install coupler lock (blocks ball socket)
  • Add kingpin lock (fifth wheels)
  • Consider tongue/A-frame lock
  • Lock receiver when not attached

Wheel Security:

  • Wheel locks or boots on at least two wheels
  • Opposite corners for maximum effect
  • Bright colors increase visibility (deterrent)
  • Quality locks resist cutting/grinding

Electronic Security

GPS Tracking:

  • Install a hidden GPS tracker
  • Verify cellular coverage at the storage location
  • Activate geofencing (alert if RV moves)
  • Consider a hardwired installation for long storage
  • Test before leaving

Alarm Systems:

  • Ensure battery backup for extended storage
  • Enable away/storage mode if available
  • Verify the notification system works
  • Consider cellular-based (WiFi may not be available)

Cameras:

  • Internal cameras can document an intrusion
  • Battery life considerations
  • May be overkill for secure facilities
  • Trail camera option for periodic documentation

Storage Location Security

Facility Requirements:

  • Fenced perimeter with controlled access
  • Security cameras with recording
  • Adequate lighting throughout
  • Regular staff presence
  • Good reputation in the RV community

Questions for Facility:

  • How is access controlled?
  • What’s the camera coverage?
  • Who has access after hours?
  • What’s the theft history?
  • What does their insurance cover?

Your Responsibilities:

  • Understand what you’re responsible for
  • Maintain your own insurance
  • Don’t rely solely on facility security
  • Visit periodically if possible

Pre-Storage Maintenance

RV battery on tender for storage

Engine and Generator (Motorhomes)

Engine Prep:

  • Change oil and filter (old oil contains acids)
  • Top off all fluids (coolant, transmission, etc.)
  • Add fuel stabilizer to a full tank
  • Run the engine to circulate stabilized fuel
  • Consider diesel anti-gel for winter

Generator:

  • Run with stabilized fuel for 15+ minutes
  • Change oil
  • Fill with fresh stabilized fuel
  • Cover exhaust opening (rodent prevention)
  • Document run time for next service

Battery Care

Best Practice — Remove Batteries:

  • Store indoors above freezing
  • Place on wood (not concrete)
  • Connect to the maintainer/tender
  • Check monthly and top off the charge
  • Label connections for reinstallation

If Leaving Installed:

  • Disconnect negative cables
  • Fully charge before storage
  • Check periodically if accessible
  • Expect a shorter lifespan

Battery Math:

  • Fully charged battery: Freezes at -76°F
  • 50% charged battery: Freezes at -10°F
  • Discharged battery: Freezes at 32°F

Water System Winterization

Complete Drainage:

1. Open all faucets (hot and cold)

2. Drain the fresh water tank

3. Drain water heater (bypass first, then drain)

4. Open low-point drains

5. Flush the toilet until empty

6. Run the pump dry

7. Leave faucets open

Antifreeze Protection:

1. Bypass water heater

2. Add RV antifreeze through the water pump

3. Run through all faucets until pink

4. Pour into all drains (P-trap protection)

5. Add to the toilet bowl and holding tanks

Use only non-toxic RV/Marine antifreeze.

Holding Tanks

  • Empty black and gray tanks completely
  • Flush thoroughly
  • Add RV antifreeze to each tank
  • Leave dump valves closed (seals can freeze open)

Propane System

  • Turn off at the tank
  • Run appliances briefly to empty lines
  • Consider removing tanks (theft prevention)
  • Cover connections (moisture prevention)
  • Check for leaks before next use

Weatherproofing for Storage

Roof Protection

Inspection Before Storage:

  • Clean the roof thoroughly
  • Check all sealants (reseal if needed)
  • Inspect around every vent, AC, antenna
  • Look for soft spots or damage
  • Apply UV protectant (EPDM roofs)

During Storage:

  • Cover if possible (prevents UV, snow, debris)
  • Clear snow after storms (if accessible)
  • Check for ice dam formation
  • Consider a tarp over the roof vents

Exterior Sealing

Check All Seams:

  • Sidewall-to-roof transition
  • Window frames
  • Door frames
  • Slide-out seals
  • Compartment seals
  • Around lights and accessories

Treatment:

  • Reseal any questionable areas
  • Apply seal conditioner to rubber seals
  • Address cracks before they become leaks

Cover Considerations

Full RV Covers:

  • Protect from UV, rain, snow, debris
  • Must be breathable (moisture prevention)
  • Proper fit prevents flapping (damage)
  • Quality covers the last multiple seasons

Pros:

  • Excellent protection
  • Hides contents
  • Reduces inspection frequency

Cons:

  • Moisture can be trapped if not breathable
  • Wind damage if poorly secured
  • Installation can be challenging

Alternatives:

  • Covered storage (no cover needed)
  • Roof-only cover (less expensive)
  • Breathable tarp over vulnerable areas

Tire Protection

Before Storage:

  • Inflate to maximum sidewall pressure
  • Clean tires thoroughly
  • Apply UV protectant

During Storage:

  • Cover tires (UV protection)
  • Place on plywood or mats (not bare ground)
  • Consider jack stands (prevents flat spots)
  • Move periodically if possible (not always practical)

Slide-Out Storage

Fully Retract:

  • Retract all slide-outs completely
  • Clean slide seals before retracting
  • Apply seal conditioner
  • Consider slide covers for protection

Do NOT Store Extended:

  • Seals exposed to the weather
  • Roof becomes irregular (pooling)
  • Entry points for rodents and insects
  • Structural stress over time

Pest Prevention

Rodent Exclusion

Seal Entry Points:

  • Any hole larger than 1/4 inch
  • Gaps around plumbing penetrations
  • Slide-out mechanisms
  • Fresh air intakes
  • Furnace and appliance vents

Sealing Materials:

  • Steel wool (rodents can’t chew through)
  • Copper mesh (rust-resistant)
  • Expanding foam (combine with steel wool)
  • Wire mesh for larger openings

Deterrents

Place Throughout RV:

  • Fresh Cab or similar commercial products
  • Peppermint oil on cotton balls
  • Dryer sheets in drawers and compartments
  • Irish Spring soap (folk remedy)
  • Mothballs (toxic — use with caution)

Reapply Monthly if Possible

Traps

Set Multiple Traps:

  • Snap traps in likely entry areas
  • Check periodically during storage
  • Dispose of catches properly
  • Reset as needed

Avoid Poison:

  • Creates a dead animal odor
  • Can attract other pests
  • Difficult to locate bodies
  • Not recommended for enclosed spaces

Insect Prevention

Before Storage:

  • Clean thoroughly (remove food attractants)
  • Seal all food or remove it
  • Clean crumbs from every surface
  • Check screens and seal gaps

During Storage:

  • Consider bug bombs before sealing
  • Ant traps in prone areas
  • Check during visits

Interior Storage Preparation

Food Removal

Remove Everything Edible:

  • All food (including canned)
  • Pet food
  • Snacks and candy
  • Even sealed items (rodents smell them)

Clean After Removal:

  • Wipe all surfaces
  • Vacuum crumbs from everywhere
  • Clean under cushions and in corners

Appliance Prep

Refrigerator:

  • Empty completely
  • Clean thoroughly
  • Leave the door propped open
  • Deodorizer inside (baking soda)

Other Appliances:

  • Clean microwave, oven, stove
  • Empty and clean coffee maker
  • Ensure nothing can attract pests

Climate Control

If Heated Storage:

  • Set thermostat to 50°F minimum
  • Arrange propane refills if needed
  • Ensure ventilation

If Unheated:

  • Complete winterization
  • Open interior doors (air circulation)
  • Consider desiccant packets (moisture control)
  • Slightly crack windows if safe (ventilation)

Furniture and Fabrics

Prevent Moisture Damage:

  • Lift cushions/stand on edge (air circulation)
  • Open cabinet doors
  • Don’t store fabric items compressed
  • Consider moisture absorbers

Documentation Before Storage

Photo Documentation

Photograph:

  • All exterior angles
  • Each interior room
  • Any existing damage
  • Security devices installed
  • Condition of the roof and seals
  • Storage setup (how you left it)

Purpose:

  • Insurance documentation
  • Before/after comparison
  • Evidence of theft occurring
  • Maintenance reference

Create Inventory

Document:

  • All items left in the RV
  • Serial numbers of valuable items
  • Condition of major systems
  • Recent maintenance performed
  • Date of storage and expected retrieval

Store Inventory:

  • Not in the RV
  • Cloud storage recommended
  • Share with a family member
  • Accessible if needed for claims

Checklist Verification

Confirm Before Walking Away:

  • [ ] All security measures in place
  • [ ] Water system winterized
  • [ ] Engine/generator prepared
  • [ ] Batteries handled
  • [ ] Holding tanks treated
  • [ ] Propane system secured
  • [ ] Roof and exterior sealed
  • [ ] Tires protected
  • [ ] Rodent prevention in place
  • [ ] Food removed
  • [ ] Appliances prepared
  • [ ] Photos taken
  • [ ] Inventory documented

During Storage Checks

Monthly (If Possible)

Quick Check:

  • Walk around the exterior
  • Look for visible damage
  • Check for rodent activity
  • Verify security intact
  • Clear debris from the roof/vents

Quarterly (Minimum)

More Thorough:

  • Everything in monthly, plus:
  • Start and run the engine (motorhomes)
  • Run the generator briefly
  • Check battery status
  • Inspect the interior for moisture
  • Reset traps and deterrents
  • Take updated photos

After Severe Weather

Check Immediately For:

  • Hail damage
  • Wind damage to covers/tarps
  • Tree/branch damage
  • Flooding or water intrusion
  • Any security breaches

De-Storage Checklist

Before Using RV

Exterior:

  • [ ] Remove covers
  • [ ] Inspect for damage
  • [ ] Check roof and seals
  • [ ] Inspect tires (pressure, condition)
  • [ ] Check under RV

Water System:

  • [ ] Flush antifreeze thoroughly
  • [ ] Sanitize the fresh water system
  • [ ] Check for leaks
  • [ ] Test water heater
  • [ ] Test pump and faucets

Mechanical:

  • [ ] Reinstall batteries
  • [ ] Check all fluid levels
  • [ ] Start engine, let it run
  • [ ] Test brakes
  • [ ] Check lights

Interior:

  • [ ] Inspect for rodent activity
  • [ ] Check for moisture damage
  • [ ] Test all appliances
  • [ ] Run AC and heat
  • [ ] Check detectors (smoke, CO)

Systems:

  • [ ] Test slide-outs
  • [ ] Check leveling system
  • [ ] Test awning
  • [ ] Verify LP system (leak check)
  • [ ] Test all electronics

Storage Cost Analysis

Wyoming Storage Options

Outdoor Uncovered: $50-100/month

  • Pros: Cheapest
  • Cons: Full weather exposure

Outdoor Covered: $100-200/month

  • Pros: Roof protection
  • Cons: Still exposed to elements

Indoor Unheated: $200-400/month

  • Pros: Full weather protection
  • Cons: Temperature extremes still occur

Indoor Heated: $400-800/month

  • Pros: Climate-controlled
  • Cons: Expensive

Cost-Benefit Calculation

For a $50,000 RV stored for 5 months:

Outdoor Uncovered: $375 total + winterization + higher risk

Indoor Heated: $2,500 total + minimal prep + lowest risk

Consider:

  • RV value (more valuable = more protection)
  • Climate severity
  • Storage duration
  • Your risk tolerance

Prevention vs. Repair Costs

Storage Preparation: $100-300 in supplies/time

Potential Damage Costs:

  • Water damage repair: $2,000-15,000
  • Rodent damage: $500-5,000
  • Theft loss: Total value
  • Tire damage: $600-2,000

Investment in protection almost always saves money.

Final Thoughts

Long-term RV storage requires active preparation, not passive parking. Every element of this checklist exists because RVers have lost money, time, and irreplaceable possessions by skipping it.

The time you invest before storage pays dividends when you retrieve your RV — ready for adventure instead of ready for repairs.

Document everything, secure everything, and check periodically. Your future self will thank you.

Need a secure place to store your RV when you’re not using it? Rone’s RV Park in Casper offers safe, accessible storage options for guests. Contact us about extended stay and storage arrangements.