How Often Should You Start and Move Your Stored RV?
RVs are built for the open road, not for sitting idle in a driveway for months on end. When the camping season wraps up, many owners park their rigs and forget about them until spring. But treating your motorhome like a forgotten lawnmower can lead to costly repairs down the line.
To keep your home-on-wheels in top shape, you need to give it a little attention during the off-season. Whether you park it in the backyard or utilize secure RV indoor storage, regular maintenance is key. Let us look at exactly how often you should fire up the engine and take your rig for a quick spin.
Why Your RV Shouldn't Sit Completely Idle
Engines, seals, and fluids are specifically designed to circulate. When a vehicle sits inactive for long stretches, things start to break down. Think of it like your own joints after sitting on an airplane for hours. You get stiff, and things don't move quite right.
Long periods of inactivity can cause several problems for your RV:
- Battery drain: Even when turned off, parasitic loads will slowly kill your battery.
- Tire flat spots: The heavy weight of your camper pressing down on one spot ruins the tire tread.
- Fuel degradation: Gas and diesel break down over time, gunking up your fuel lines.
- Seal and gasket deterioration: Without circulating oil to keep them lubricated, rubber seals dry out and crack.
- Brake issues: Rust builds up on brake rotors when they aren't engaged regularly.
You also have to worry about temperature fluctuations and moisture buildup. Condensation inside the engine or cabin can lead to rust and mold, which is why utilizing climate-controlled RV indoor storage is highly recommended.
How Often Should You Start Your RV in Storage?
As a general rule, you should start your motorhome's engine every two to three weeks. Periodic starting gets the oil circulating again, lubricating the engine components and keeping seals from drying out. If you keep your rig in an enclosed RV indoor storage unit, make sure you open the garage door for proper ventilation before turning the key.
Pro Tip: Do not just turn it on for two minutes and shut it off. Let the engine run long enough to reach full operating temperature. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Running it until it is fully warm burns off any condensation that has built up inside the exhaust system and engine block.
How Often Should You Move Your RV?
Starting the engine alone is helpful, but moving the RV occasionally is even better. Merely idling won't exercise the transmission, suspension, or tires.
Ideally, you should take your rig for a short drive every four to six weeks. Taking it for a 20-minute spin around the neighborhood or down the highway brings a host of benefits. Moving your RV prevents tire flat spots by redistributing the vehicle's weight. It also engages the brakes, clearing off surface rust, and circulates transmission fluid and gear oil.
Even if you are utilizing premium RV indoor storage and can't go far, simply backing it out of the unit and driving it around the parking lot makes a huge difference.
What If You Can't Move Your RV?
In some situations, you simply may not be able to start or move your RV regularly. Maybe you live in an area with harsh, snowy winters, or you are traveling overseas for the season.
If you can't move your RV for a long time, take these key steps to protect it:
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it.
- Remove the batteries and store them in a warm, dry place on a trickle charger.
- Use leveling jacks to take the heavy weight off the tires.
- Seal up any exterior gaps to prevent rodents from making a winter home in your wiring.
Opting for high-quality RV indoor storage can also mitigate many of the weather-related risks associated with long-term parking.
Secure Your Rig for the Season
Protecting your investment starts with finding the right place to park it. If you are looking for a safe, accessible spot for your motorhome, check out Hawkeye Storage in Bainbridge, IN. We offer a variety of options, from secure RV indoor storage private bays with electricity to covered and uncovered outdoor parking.
With 24/7 access, you can easily swing by to start your engine, check your tires, and take your rig for a quick maintenance drive whenever you need!
Check Availability Today!