Tips

Keeping your boat shipshape and your RVs and vehicles maintained is just as important while in storage as it is for on the water or the road. A great place to start is to consult your owners’ manual for specific information on winterizing or preparing to store your investment. Here are some highlights to consider when getting your vehicle, RV, or boat ready for long term storage.

• Fuel: Fill your tank with fresh fuel to avoid condensation. Add a quality fuel stabilizer.
• Battery: Disconnect terminals or remove batteries completely from vehicles. Also check to make sure water levels are topped off at recommended levels to ensure longer life.
• Brakes: Do no engage the parking or emergency brake while storing vehicles long term to avoid potential sticking to the brake drum, which might lead to future issues.
• Transmission: Manual transmissions should be left in neutral, with wheel chocks in place to prevent rolling.
• Tires: Inflate your tires to proper air pressure. Cover tires to prevent sun and moisture damage. Resting your trailer, RV or vehicle on jack stands can prevent flat spots from prolonged sitting, but be sure to know proper placement of the stands to avoid undue stress on the suspension.
• Clean your boat, vehicle or RV both inside and out prior to storage to avoid mildew growth or attracting any creatures, small or large, to your interior.
• Set your air conditioning to “recirculate” before parking for the off season to close off the ventilation system and discourage rodents from entering.