Winter Storage Tips

[Angewella]

My husband and I will be preparing our RV for winter storage. We're new owners and while I can find all sorts of helpful information on winterizing, I have some questions on very basic storage tips. For instance, is it better to store bedding inside the RV or should I store it in my home? Do you keep pots/pans/utensils in the drawers and shelving or should I take them all out? Our RV will be stored in an open storage space but under a cover. Is it wise to additionally cover the furniture with sheets or other coverings? Finally, what are some tried and true methods for keeping rodents away? We will likely use some sort of aromatic deterrent underneath the RV (I guess there is some sort of essential oil spray application) but is it better to place pieces of bar soap or dryer sheets or something else? Thanks for your patience with this newbie's questions!

[BFlinn181]

We leave bedding and everything but food in the RV during storage. If you crawl around under the RV and stuff any openings with bronze 'wool' it will deter rodents. I still set a couple of traps just as back up. Old sheets for dust covers on furniture can make Spring
recommissioning go faster.

I leave jalousie side windows cracked open and a rooftop vent open under a vent cover to provide air circulation. Refrigerator and all cabinets and closets are left open to allow ventilation and to prevent moisture build up.

Remove batteries from any remotes and smoke detectors and other battery powered devices.

[Angewella]

Thank you for the great tips! I'm learning that moisture is definitely not our friend when storing so these are great reminders!

[EV2]

Keeping pests out is obviously the best plan, but as nothing is ever foolproof, placing numerous glue traps inside where they can easily be checked, retrieved, and disposed is an important insurance as the last line of defense.

[Lynnowensmom]

Last winter was our first winter with out MH. We store it in the barn and although we have three resident cats in there we still had a problem with rodents. I went on the war path and bought CabFresh, Irish Spring soap and electrocution mouse traps. After our Siamese cat and I cleaned out the coach, I deployed my secret weapons. Cat confirmed no more mice and the barn smells like an Irish spring!! Happy hunting, Lynn

[LarrySharon]

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

We leave bedding and everything but food in the RV during storage. If you crawl around under the RV and stuff any openings with bronze 'wool' it will deter rodents. I still set a couple of traps just as back up. Old sheets for dust covers on furniture can make Spring
recommissioning go faster.

I leave jalousie side windows cracked open and a rooftop vent open under a vent cover to provide air circulation. Refrigerator and all cabinets and closets are left open to allow ventilation and to prevent moisture build up.

Remove batteries from any remotes and smoke detectors and other battery powered devices.

So does that keep the interior from getting mold so as not to use a air drier or something like that by leaving a vent open or a window cracked?

[BFlinn181]

In 4 Ohio winters I've never had a moisture or mold problem. Nothing is left closed to trap moisture. As humidity goes down outside, it goes down inside.

[NLOVNIT]

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

In 4 Ohio winters I've never had a moisture or mold problem. Nothing is left closed to trap moisture. As humidity goes down outside, it goes down inside.

Agreed. Going on the 11th OH winter w/the coach this year & have never had a moisture issue.

I do take out all linens, but leave the mattress. I throw old sheets over it & over the furniture. Don't really know why I cover w/sheets, I just do. Probably a throw back from closing up a lakeside cabin for the season.

I remove all items from medicine cabinet, pantry & anything that has a small battery (remotes, clocks, detectors...etc.) & all aerosol cans (hairspray, bug spray...etc). I leave pots/pans/dishes/silverware/Tupperware..etc. Everything comes out of our outside storage bays...gives me a chance to give them a good cleaning.

All cabinet doors are left ajar as well as fridge doors. All blinds are pulled down.

I used to scatter dryer sheets around as I read the smell can deter critters. It did make the coach smell nice come Spring, but then I also read those same critters would just as soon shred them for bedding, so I stopped that years ago.

Ours stays plugged in year round.. If yours is in a storage yard w/o access to power, you should shut off power to both your engine & house batteries using your battery disconnect switches. Before you shut off your house batteries, shut your door so the steps come in, then flip the switch. When you open your door, you'll have to hop down to the ground, but at least your steps won't be out the entire storage season.

Lori-