Alright, let’s talk about something that honestly used to stress me out every single fall: where the heck to put the RV and my bike for the winter. I’m not talking about a fancy, brand-new rig—mine has some miles and memories on it. And my motorcycle? Let’s just say it’s more “trusty steed” than “showroom shine.” So, I’ve learned how to store them so they actually work when I need them again, without breaking the bank.
First off, let’s be real. The driveway is the enemy. It’s not an option. The sun bakes the seals, rain finds every tiny crevice, and tree sap? Don’t get me started. It’s a fast track to faded paint, mildew smells, and a very sad, very dead battery come spring. You’ve invested too much in the freedom these machines give you to let that happen.
Step One: Picking Your Parking Spot (This is Where Folks Go Wrong)
So, step one is the parking spot. This is where most folks go wrong. They think “out of sight, out of mind.” Nope.
If you’re going outside, you need a seriously good cover. Not a blue tarp from the hardware store. Those things trap moisture and scratch your paint like sandpaper. Get a proper, breathable cover that’s made for your RV or bike. It’s worth every penny. For the bike, I actually put a soft cotton sheet over it first, then the weatherproof cover. Stops any abrasion.
But honestly, after a few seasons of wrestling with a giant RV cover in the wind, I gave up. I started looking for a roof. Just a roof. A covered spot, like a big carport, is a game-changer. It keeps the heavy snow and hail off, and the brutal sun from cracking your dashboard. It’s the middle-ground sweet spot.
The “Sleep-At-Night” Solution: Indoor Storage
Now, for the absolute best sleep-at-night solution? Indoor storage. A clean, dry, locked space. It’s like a cozy garage for your gear. No UV damage, no surprise hail dents, no squirrels deciding your engine wiring looks like a tasty snack. This is what I use now for my bike. I found a place, HarrisonBurg Storage, that has these great drive-up units. I can just roll the bike right in, walk out, and lock it up. No weather worries at all. For the RV, they have these huge, tall units that feel like a private hangar. It’s a bit more of an investment, but when you compare it to the cost of fixing weather damage, it’s a no-brainer.
Okay, location sorted. Now, the pre-storage ritual. This is the boring stuff that saves you from the screaming-and-cursing stuff later.
Your RV Winter To-Do List (The Nitty-Gritty)
- Kill the food. Empty every cabinet, the fridge, the freezer. I once left a bag of potatoes in a drawer. I’ll spare you the details, but trust me. Just do it.
- Water is Public Enemy #1. You have to get all the water OUT. Drain every single tank—fresh, grey, black. Then, you run RV antifreeze through the pipes. Not car antifreeze! The pink, non-toxic stuff. You gotta get it to come out of every faucet, including the shower and the toilet. If water freezes in a line, it splits the pipe. Ask me how I know.
- Gas tank? Fill it up. A full tank leaves less room for air, which means less room for condensation to form and water to get in your fuel. Dump in a fuel stabilizer, drive it for ten minutes to mix it in, then park it.
- Battery. Disconnect it. Just do it. Take the negative cable right off. Better yet, pull the battery out, bring it inside, and put it on a trickle charger in the basement. A dead battery in the cold is a dead battery forever.
- Tires. Pump them up to the max pressure on the sidewall. It helps prevent flat spots. Some folks use jack stands, but for a season, just maxing the PSI and moving it a foot once a month works for me.
Tucking Your Motorcycle In For a Long Nap
This one’s simpler but just as important.
- Same fuel trick. Fill the tank, add stabilizer, run it so the treated gas gets into the carb or fuel injectors.
- Change the oil now. Old oil has acids in it that just sit and eat at your engine all winter. Fresh oil is neutral and safe.
- Battery, again. This is the #1 reason bikes won’t start. Hook it up to a battery tender. A little trickle charger that keeps it perfect all winter. It’s a magic device.
- Lift the tires. If you can, get the bike up on stands. It takes all the weight off the tires and suspension. If you can’t, just make sure the tires are really hard. I also roll it forward or back a few inches once in a while if I’m checking on it.
- Give it a hug. Actually, give it a good wash and wax. Get the road salt and grime off. Lube the chain. It feels good, and it protects the metal.
Last thing: security. A cover is a good start—out of sight, out of mind for thieves. For the bike, a disc lock with an alarm is cheap insurance. For the RV, a simple steering wheel lock is a visual deterrent.
The Bottom Line
And look, if you’re using a storage facility, don’t just pick the cheapest one. Peek at the reviews. Is the gate actually working? Is the place clean and well-lit? When I pop into my unit at HarrisonBurg Storage, I like that it feels secure and the staff actually remembers my name. It feels less like a warehouse and more like a vault for my stuff.
Doing all this might take a solid Saturday. You’ll get dirty, you’ll probably drop a wrench on your foot, and you’ll question why you own so much stuff. But I’m telling you, come that first warm day of spring, when you turn the key and it just starts? That feeling is pure gold. No tow trucks, no frantic calls to the mechanic. Just you, a full tank of gas, and the open road waiting. That’s the goal. Now go get ’em prepped.
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