RV Tips

Portable RV Garages for Protection at Home

Have you decided to invest in proper motorhome storage this year? If you like the idea of having your own RV storage garage, there are several options on the market. Choose from peak roof style, rounded, square and double-wide. A portable RV garage offers a temporary shelter in several sizes to fit your RV storage needs. They are made with polyethylene fabric, heavy-duty metal frames, and tubes and a slip-fit system that connect for easy construction. Water-proof with UV protective covering, portable covered RV storage units offer accessibility, protection and they are movable!

Be sure to check city ordinances and neighborhood covenants for rules related to residential RV storage on your lot.

Don't Let Your RV Get a Chill! Check Temperatures and Winterize!

Is your indoor or portable RV storage temperature controlled? If you are fortunate enough to have a temperature controlled RV garage, you may not need to winterize your RV. Monitor your RV temperature frequently. If the internal temperature falls below freezing, you will need to winterize your RV.

• To winterize, empty and flush out your holding tanks. This will keep the water lines from freezing and bursting. Drain the fresh water tank and water heater (leave the drain plug out - do not open the safety valve - it may not seal properly).
• Pour two to three gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze through the plumbing. Put antifreeze in each sink, shower/bath, and stool.
• Use a manual hand pump to push the anitfreeze through the system.
• It is recommended to purchase a hot water heater bypass kit. This will allow you to empty your hot water heater to avoid freezing damage without using an excessive amount of antifreeze.
• Remove the battery for winter storage. Store the battery in a warm spot but not in your living area.

RV Cover Accessories

If covered RV storage is the best fit for you, consider the following accessories to compliment your classic RV cover:

• Tire guards - Tire guards keep the rain out and protect against damaging light, heat and tire wall cracking. Cracks can cause a tire blowout - a chance you don't want to take on the highway! Tire guards come with bungee attachments to keep them from blowing away in high winds.
• Spare tire covers - Protect your spare from damage using a tire cover while parked and on the road.
• RV mask - A front-end mask for Class A motorhomes protects the nose guard from nicks, stones, scratches, and bugs while allowing for battery-tray slide out. A mask can be used with or without an RV cover. Masks should fit tight and be removed to dry if the felt backing becomes wet.
• Windshield cover - For your pickup truck, SUV, or Class C motorhome, use a windshield cover for privacy when parked. Covers also protect your windshield from the elements during storage.
• Wiper blade and mirror covers - To protect Class A wiper blades and mirrors from UV damage and aging, use wiper blade and/or mirror covers. They can be used with or without an RV cover to protect against the elements.
• Air conditioner cover - Protect your air conditioner from the weather while your RV is parked. Air conditioner covers come in a variety of sizes. Be sure to get the right fit!
• Rooftop vent covers - Vent covers insulate and block light and heat from the interior of your RV.
• RV cover patch kit - Keep a patch kit available in case of rips and tears. Your RV cover should come with a warranty, but even temporary holes or tears in the cover may cause damage to your RV in bad weather.

Resources for Buying Used RVs

If you are buying a used RV, know where to find information about used RV prices. NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) is the largest publisher of value guides in the world and offers appraisal guidelines for vehicles, including RVs. NADA lists prices that reflect the market and consumer information (safety, insurance, FAQ on RVs). So if you want to find out if a used motorhome is considered a used RV of value or priced too high, consult NADA or visit: nadaguides.com for more information

Kelly Blue Book is another resource you can use to determine reasonable used RV prices. The "Official RV Guide - Motor Homes, Campers, Van Conversions (1986-2007)" provides used values plus list prices on new units. Also see the "Official RV Guide - Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Folding Trailers."

Fixing Up a Used RV

If you've found a used RV for sale that you would like to restore, consider the cost of your planned improvements. If the cost of the repairs you plan to make exceeds the cost of the used RV, you may want to reconsider. Also know that when the amount of work involved is too great, buying a dilapidated RV will offer little used RV value.

If you decide that repair work is for you, prioritize your list of tasks. Put the most important repairs at the top of the list and be sure to begin with functional changes first, so you can enjoy your RV even during cosmetic restoration. Take note that you don't want to do a job like painting before you install fixtures like counter tops. You will expend twice the energy repainting when you damage the finish by hammering and fitting the new counter tops. Remember that restoration takes time and effort, so by planning ahead you'll be enjoying quality time in your RV in no time.