Storing your travel trailer outside successfully requires a multifaceted approach encompassing meticulous preparation, robust protective measures, and consistent maintenance to combat the elements and prevent damage. Proper preparation and ongoing care are critical to ensuring your investment remains road-ready for years to come.
Understanding the Challenges of Outdoor Storage
Leaving your travel trailer exposed to the elements presents a unique set of challenges. Sun, rain, snow, wind, and fluctuating temperatures all contribute to potential damage. Understanding these risks is the first step toward mitigating them effectively.
The Enemy Within: Preventing Internal Damage
Moisture is a major enemy when storing a travel trailer outside. Even the smallest leak can lead to mold, mildew, and rot, causing significant damage to walls, floors, and furniture. Pests, attracted by dampness and potential food sources, can also wreak havoc on the interior.
The External Assault: Weathering the Elements
The exterior of your travel trailer is constantly bombarded by the elements. UV rays can fade and crack paint and decals, while rain and snow can seep into seals and cause corrosion. High winds can damage awnings, vents, and other exterior components. Temperature fluctuations can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to cracks and leaks.
Preparation is Key: Getting Your Travel Trailer Ready for Storage
Proper preparation is crucial for long-term outdoor storage. This involves cleaning, inspecting, and preparing both the interior and exterior of your travel trailer.
Interior Preparation: Cleaning, Emptying, and Ventilation
- Thorough Cleaning: Start by thoroughly cleaning the interior of your travel trailer. Remove all food items, including those in the refrigerator and pantry. Wipe down surfaces, vacuum carpets, and clean bathrooms and kitchen areas. This eliminates potential food sources for pests and prevents mold and mildew growth.
- Emptying Systems: Drain all water systems, including the fresh water tank, water heater, and holding tanks. Add RV antifreeze to the plumbing system to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during cold weather. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Ventilation is Vital: Open roof vents and windows slightly to allow for air circulation. This helps to prevent moisture buildup and reduce the risk of mold and mildew. Cover vents with screens to keep insects out.
- Fabric Care: Clean and store cushions and bedding in airtight containers or wrapped in plastic to protect them from moisture and pests. Consider using desiccant packets to absorb excess moisture.
- Battery Disconnection: Disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining during storage. Consider removing the battery and storing it in a cool, dry place, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Exterior Preparation: Cleaning, Protecting, and Securing
- Wash and Wax: Thoroughly wash the exterior of your travel trailer to remove dirt, grime, and road salt. Apply a high-quality RV wax to protect the paint and finish from UV rays and weather damage.
- Seal and Inspect: Inspect all seals around windows, doors, vents, and seams. Re-caulk any areas where the sealant is cracked or damaged. This prevents water from seeping inside.
- Tire Protection: Cover tires with tire covers to protect them from UV rays, which can cause cracking and premature wear. Consider raising the trailer slightly to take the weight off the tires, especially for long-term storage.
- Awning Security: If you have an awning, roll it up securely and consider using awning supports to prevent damage from wind and snow.
- Component Protection: Cover or remove sensitive components like air conditioners, antennas, and satellite dishes to protect them from the elements.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
The location where you store your travel trailer can significantly impact its condition over time. Ideally, choose a location that is sheltered from the elements and provides adequate security.
Ideal Storage Environments: Covered vs. Uncovered
- Covered Storage: Covered storage, such as a carport or enclosed storage unit, offers the best protection from the elements. This option shields your travel trailer from sun, rain, snow, and wind, minimizing the risk of damage. However, covered storage is often more expensive.
- Uncovered Storage: If covered storage is not an option, choose a location that is relatively flat and well-drained. Avoid storing your travel trailer under trees, as falling branches and sap can cause damage. Ensure the area is secure and well-lit to deter theft and vandalism.
Ground Preparation: Leveling and Stabilizing
- Leveling: Ensure the storage area is level to prevent stress on the trailer’s frame and suspension. Use leveling blocks or jacks to achieve a level position.
- Stabilization: Use stabilizer jacks to prevent the trailer from rocking or swaying in the wind. This helps to protect the frame and prevent damage to interior components.
- Wheel Chocks: Use wheel chocks to prevent the trailer from rolling. This is especially important if the storage area is not perfectly level.
Protective Measures: Covers and Beyond
Investing in a high-quality RV cover is a worthwhile investment that can protect your travel trailer from the elements and extend its lifespan.
RV Covers: Materials, Fit, and Functionality
- Material Matters: Choose a cover made from a breathable, water-resistant material that allows moisture to escape while preventing rain and snow from penetrating. Avoid using tarps, as they can trap moisture and cause damage.
- Proper Fit: Ensure the cover fits your travel trailer snugly but not too tightly. A loose cover can flap in the wind and cause abrasion, while a too-tight cover can put stress on the trailer’s body.
- Features to Consider: Look for a cover with features like zippered access panels for easy entry, adjustable straps for a secure fit, and reinforced corners for added durability.
Additional Protective Measures
- Security Systems: Consider installing a security system to deter theft and vandalism. Motion detectors, alarms, and GPS tracking devices can provide added peace of mind.
- Pest Control: Take steps to prevent pests from entering your travel trailer. Seal any cracks or openings, and consider using pest control products designed for RVs.
Regular Maintenance: Staying Ahead of Problems
Even with careful preparation and protective measures, regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the long-term health of your travel trailer.
Periodic Inspections: Catching Issues Early
- Regular Checks: Schedule regular inspections of your travel trailer, ideally every few months. Check for signs of leaks, mold, mildew, and pest infestations.
- Sealant Inspection: Pay close attention to the sealant around windows, doors, vents, and seams. Re-caulk any areas where the sealant is cracked or damaged.
- Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure regularly and inflate tires to the recommended pressure.
Addressing Problems Promptly
- Immediate Repairs: Address any problems you find during your inspections promptly. Minor repairs can prevent more serious damage down the road.
- Professional Assistance: If you are not comfortable making repairs yourself, consult a qualified RV technician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about storing travel trailers outside:
FAQ 1: Should I cover my RV tires when storing it outside?
Yes, covering your RV tires when storing it outside is highly recommended. Tire covers shield the rubber from harmful UV rays, which can cause cracking, dry rot, and premature wear. Investing in tire covers significantly extends the lifespan of your tires.
FAQ 2: How often should I check on my travel trailer when it’s in storage?
Ideally, check on your travel trailer at least once a month, or more frequently if possible. Regular inspections allow you to identify and address any potential issues early, such as leaks, pest infestations, or damage from the elements.
FAQ 3: Is it better to store my travel trailer with the tires on the ground or raised?
Raising the trailer slightly, so the tires are not bearing the full weight of the unit, is generally recommended for long-term storage. This reduces stress on the tires and prevents flat spots from forming. You can achieve this by using jacks or blocks under the frame.
FAQ 4: Can I use a regular tarp to cover my travel trailer?
It’s strongly advised against using a regular tarp to cover your travel trailer. Tarps are not breathable and can trap moisture, leading to mold, mildew, and corrosion. Invest in a breathable RV cover specifically designed for outdoor storage.
FAQ 5: What’s the best way to prevent mold and mildew inside my travel trailer during storage?
The key to preventing mold and mildew is to control moisture. Thoroughly clean the interior, empty all water systems, ensure adequate ventilation by opening vents and windows slightly (with screens), and use desiccant packets to absorb excess moisture.
FAQ 6: Should I leave the refrigerator door open or closed during storage?
Leave the refrigerator door slightly ajar during storage. This allows air to circulate and prevents mold and mildew growth inside the refrigerator. Secure the door in the open position to prevent it from accidentally closing.
FAQ 7: How do I protect my travel trailer from pests during storage?
To prevent pests, start by thoroughly cleaning the interior to remove all food sources. Seal any cracks or openings, and consider using pest control products designed for RVs. Mouse traps and insect repellent can also be helpful.
FAQ 8: What kind of RV antifreeze should I use when winterizing my travel trailer?
Use RV antifreeze specifically designed for potable water systems. This type of antifreeze is non-toxic and safe for use in drinking water lines. Do not use automotive antifreeze, as it is highly toxic and can contaminate your water system.
FAQ 9: Is it necessary to remove the battery from my travel trailer during storage?
Disconnecting the battery is essential to prevent it from draining. Removing the battery and storing it in a cool, dry place, connected to a trickle charger, is even better, as it prolongs the battery’s life. If you leave it connected, it may discharge completely, and need replacing in spring.
FAQ 10: How do I prevent my travel trailer’s slide-outs from deteriorating during storage?
Clean the slide-out seals and lubricate them with a silicone-based lubricant designed for RV slide-outs. This helps to prevent the seals from drying out and cracking. Also, ensure the slide-outs are fully extended or fully retracted during storage, as leaving them partially extended can put stress on the mechanism.
FAQ 11: What can I do to protect my travel trailer from high winds during storage?
Park the trailer in a location that is sheltered from the wind, if possible. Use stabilizer jacks and wheel chocks to prevent the trailer from rocking or swaying. Secure any loose items, such as awnings and vents. Consider using tie-down straps to anchor the trailer to the ground in extremely windy areas.
FAQ 12: How can I prevent fading of the exterior paint and decals on my travel trailer?
Regular washing and waxing with RV-specific products is crucial. Additionally, parking your trailer in a shaded area or using a high-quality RV cover will significantly reduce exposure to harmful UV rays, thus preventing fading and cracking of the paint and decals.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your travel trailer remains in excellent condition, ready for your next adventure, even after being stored outdoors.