How to Prepare Your RV for Storage in Florida
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March 11th, 2025
Many RV owners discover too late that storing an RV in Florida demands special attention. The intense sun and constant moisture create unique challenges that can quickly damage unprotected vehicles. Knowing how to handle Florida's climate makes the difference between a well-preserved RV and costly repairs.
The challenges depend on where you keep your RV in Florida. Near the coast, salt air corrodes metal parts and wiring within months. Throughout the state, humidity creates perfect conditions for mold and mildew while extreme heat cracks seals and damages rubber components.
Smart storage preparation helps prevent these common problems from damaging your RV. Regular maintenance and proper protection methods save thousands in repair costs each year. Understanding Florida's unique storage demands helps keep your RV ready for its next adventure.
Florida's Climate and RV Storage: What Every Owner Must Know
Florida's intense heat creates unique storage challenges for RV owners. Summer temperatures inside stored RVs can soar above 130 degrees, damaging everything from paint to plastic components. Without proper protection, the strong sun quickly deteriorates seals around windows and doors, leading to bigger problems.
Florida's humidity poses a constant threat to stored RVs throughout the year. Left unchecked, moisture silently creeps into walls and floors, creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew. This persistent dampness attacks everything from metal components to wooden structures, making moisture control essential for long-term storage.
Hurricane season brings special concerns for RV storage from June through November. Strong winds can flip unsecured RVs, while flying debris causes serious damage to exteriors. Storm flooding poses risks even in storage areas that normally stay dry.
Florida's warm climate attracts plenty of unwanted visitors to stored RVs. Ants, roaches, and rodents seek shelter inside, causing damage to wiring and interior materials. Different regions face different pest pressures - coastal areas deal with salt-loving insects while inland areas see more rodent activity.
RV Exterior Protection
Protecting your RV's exterior starts with a thorough cleaning to remove dirt, salt, and grime. Using the right soap and soft brushes prevents scratches while cleaning every surface, including the roof. A clean RV makes it easier to spot potential problems before they get worse.
The roof needs special attention before storage because it takes the most sun damage. Check every seam and seal around vents, antennas, and air conditioners for cracks or weak spots. Apply UV-resistant sealant to any areas showing wear to prevent water from seeping in during Florida's frequent rains.
Windows and vents need protection from both sun and storm damage. Installing vent covers keeps rain out while still allowing airflow that prevents mold growth. Window seals need regular inspection and conditioning to prevent cracking in the intense heat.
Tires require specific care during Florida storage to prevent dry rot and flat spots. Keep tires properly inflated and use covers to block direct sunlight. If storing for more than a few months, consider using jack stands to take weight off the tires.
RV covers spark debate among owners, but they can help in Florida's harsh climate. Choose a breathable cover that allows moisture to escape while blocking UV rays. Make sure any cover fits properly to prevent rubbing that could damage the RV's finish.
Protecting Your RV Interior
A thorough interior cleaning serves as your first defense against storage problems in Florida's climate. Start by removing every trace of food and debris from carpets and furniture that might attract unwanted pests. Focus special attention on bathrooms and kitchens, using cleaning products that eliminate mold spores before they can take hold.
Getting rid of all food items protects your RV from unwanted visitors during storage. Check every cabinet and drawer for forgotten snacks or spices that might attract insects. The refrigerator needs complete emptying, cleaning, and propping open to prevent mold growth.
Proper ventilation helps control Florida's extreme humidity inside your stored RV. Leave cabinet doors and drawers slightly open to allow air movement. Install battery-powered fans in strategic spots to keep air circulating, especially in closets and under-sink areas.
Moisture absorbers become your best defense against Florida's humidity. Place dehumidifier boxes or desiccant bags in every room, including closets and storage compartments. Check and replace these moisture fighters monthly, as they fill up quickly in Florida's climate.
Setting up pest prevention before storage saves headaches later. Place mouse and insect traps in key areas like near plumbing entrances and electrical access points. Natural deterrents like peppermint oil can help discourage pests without using harsh chemicals inside your RV.
RV Mechanical Storage Tips for Florida's Climate
Basic fluid maintenance helps prevent expensive engine problems during storage. Change the oil and filter before storing your RV to remove contaminants that could damage the engine. Add fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas to prevent ethanol separation and fuel system problems.
Battery care becomes critical during Florida's hot storage periods. Remove batteries from the RV or connect them to a quality trickle charger to maintain proper charge levels. Clean battery terminals and apply anti-corrosion spray to prevent damage from humidity.
Even Florida's mild winters need some system protection before storage. Drain and clean the freshwater system to prevent algae growth in tanks and lines. Add a small amount of antifreeze to p-traps and drains to block sewer gases while still allowing for humidity changes.
Tire maintenance matters more than many owners realize during storage. Check tire pressure monthly since Florida's temperature swings can affect inflation levels. Move the RV slightly every few months to prevent flat spots and sidewall damage from constant pressure.
Storm Protection: Preparing for Florida Weather
Hurricane season transforms Florida's storage requirements from June through November. Having an emergency plan ready becomes as important as any physical protection measure. This includes knowing exactly where you'll move your RV when storms threaten and maintaining a list of secure backup locations within easy reach.
Insurance coverage needs careful review before hurricane season starts. Make sure your policy covers storm damage and flood protection for your specific storage situation. Take dated photos of your RV's condition and keep records of any storage preparations you make.
Building an emergency kit helps handle unexpected storm situations. Keep basic tools, tire repair supplies, and a battery jump starter in a waterproof container near your RV. Include copies of your insurance cards and storage facility contact information in case you need to move quickly.
Regular Maintenance During Storage
Monthly checks prevent small problems from becoming major repairs during storage. Walk around your RV looking for signs of water damage, pest activity, or seal failures that need attention. Test your battery systems and check tire pressure during these regular visits.
Running your RV's engine and generator each month keeps systems working properly during storage. Let the engine reach normal operating temperature and run the generator with a light load for best results. These regular starts help prevent fuel system problems and keep seals lubricated.
Simple maintenance tasks during storage visits protect your investment long-term. Check moisture absorbers and replace them when needed, ensure vents remain clear, and look for signs of storm damage after severe weather. Taking care of small issues right away prevents costly repairs later.
Pre-Trip Inspection
Getting your RV ready for travel after storage requires systematic checking of all systems. Start with a thorough exterior inspection looking for any damage that happened during storage. Test all lights, brakes, and signals before planning any trips.
Check all plumbing systems carefully after storage to prevent problems on the road. Run fresh water through all lines and check for leaks or unusual odors that might indicate problems. Test the water heater and all plumbing fixtures before loading the RV for travel.
Inspect tires and brakes extra carefully after long storage periods. Look for signs of dry rot or cracking in the tires, and test brakes thoroughly before hitting the road. Check all fluid levels and top off as needed before your first post-storage trip.
Ready for Your Next Adventure
Taking the right steps to protect your RV from Florida's harsh climate saves time and money overall. Small problems can grow quickly in Florida's heat and humidity, but regular checks and proper preparation prevent most serious issues.
Good storage habits keep your RV ready for adventure whenever you want to hit the road. Remember that protection needs to change with the seasons, especially during hurricane months. Whether choosing a storage facility or preparing your RV for storage, focusing on these key areas helps ensure your investment stays protected against Florida's tough storage conditions.
At Getaway RV & Boat Storage, we understand that storing your RV in Florida requires special attention and protection. Contact us to learn more about our storage options and how we can help safeguard your RV from Florida's challenging climate.
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