5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Store Your RV Outdoors

Let's face it, a recreational vehicle is an expensive investment, but some people want to get the most bang for their buck but then go cheap on storage and maintenance. Throughout Orange and Riverside Counties, in cities like Norco, Corona, Lake Elsinore, Perris and Yorba Linda, you see people keeping their RVs in their lots or in outdoor rental spots with no protection for the vehicle.

There are lots of solid reasons not to store your RV outdoors:

1) The elements: Even in mild Southern California weather, rain, wind, dust, heat and other natural elements can wreak havoc on the exterior of your RV, and even on the interior if you don't carefully secure all windows and doors.

2) The critters: Not only can rats and mice squeeze through openings not much thicker than a postage stamp, but birds can dump on the vehicle and squirrels and others can nest for safety in wheel wells and other underneath spots.

3) The people: Not all people are out to respect your investment. You can get vandalism, even gang tagging, and worse, the perpetrators may not stop with your vehicle. If your home is nearby and it looks vacant and accessible, you could be in for further losses.

4) The tires: Stationary tires can be subject to cracking, air loss (leading to deterioration of the rubber), and developing flat spots. Cover the wheels, and if you can't drive the RV a lot, jack it up during storage to take weight off the tires.

5) Equipment problems and failure: Leaving an RV parked with its battery still in place can lead to a dead battery (or batteries) when you decide to use the vehicle again. Propane and water storage systems are also subject to leakage and deterioration. Drain them for long-term storage. (This is where indoor storage excels; facilities like Premier Indoor Storage in Corona can take care of all these chores, making sure your vehicle is safe and failure-proof while being stored.)

Bottom line: RVs are best served when they're rolling on highways and maintained properly with oil changes and service calls, but if you're going to store your RV, think indoors. Not only does indoor storage protect you against weather, critters and bad people, but the facilities often offer services to keep your RV in tip-top shape.