RV Long-Term Storage Checklist: Protect Your Motorhome or Travel Trailer
Sun, humidity, and rodents are the three things that ruin stored RVs in Texas. This checklist covers tires, plumbing, batteries, seals, and pest prevention.
The short answer: to store an RV long term in Texas, protect it from sun, moisture, and pests. Cover the tires and windshield, drain and sanitize the tanks, maintain the batteries, seal entry points against rodents, and park it on a level, secured lot.
Exterior and tires
- Inspect roof seams and sealant and touch up any cracks. A small leak over months of rain can rot a floor.
- Cover the tires. Texas UV breaks down rubber long before tread wears out. Inflate to the maximum cold pressure listed on the sidewall.
- Use a windshield sunshade to protect the dash and seats.
- Retract awnings and slides and make sure they're completely dry first.
- Chock the wheels and level the RV so water drains off the roof.
Plumbing and tanks
- Dump and flush the black and gray tanks, then close the valves.
- Drain the fresh water tank and water heater. Sanitize the fresh tank if storing longer than a month.
- Leave the faucets cracked open so pressure doesn't build up in the lines.
Power
- Disconnect house and chassis batteries, or use the battery disconnect switch.
- For motorhomes, fill the fuel tank and add stabilizer. Run the generator under load for a few minutes monthly if you can.
- Turn off propane at the tank.
Interior and pests
- Remove all food, including sealed packages. Mice can chew through cardboard.
- Seal gaps around plumbing and wiring with steel wool or expanding foam.
- Prop the refrigerator door open to prevent mold and odors.
- Leave moisture absorbers in the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom.
Choosing RV storage
Most HOAs restrict RV parking, and street parking invites theft and weather damage. E-Z Storage offers 12×50 ft spaces for $75/month that fit motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers up to 35 ft, with 24/7 access so you can leave for a trip at dawn. The lot is monitored by video surveillance and walked daily by staff.
Planning your next trip or the off-season? Get a quote or call 713-702-8451.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep mice out of a stored RV?
Remove all food, seal gaps around plumbing and wiring with steel wool or foam, close vents, and check the RV monthly. Rodents enter through openings as small as a dime.
Should I cover my RV tires in storage?
Yes. Tire covers block UV rays that dry out and crack rubber, which is a common cause of RV blowouts in sunny climates like Texas.
What size storage space does an RV need?
Most RVs need a 12×50 ft space. E-Z Storage in Hitchcock, TX accommodates RVs and trailers up to 35 ft.