Storage Tips for RVs, Boats & Vehicles | Purely Storage

Your RV, boat, or vehicle represents a serious investment — one that deserves more than just a spot on the street or a crowded driveway. Whether you're storing seasonally, heading out on a long trip, or simply running out of space at home, these storage tips for RVs, boats & vehicles can protect your investment, keep your vehicle in top condition, and give you peace of mind year-round.

At Purely Storage, we offer RV storage, boat storage, and vehicle storage across multiple states — and we've helped thousands of owners store their vehicles safely. This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right storage type to prepping your vehicle for a long stay.

Storage Tips for RVs, Boats & Vehicles — Starting With Your RV

1. How to Prep Your RV for Storage

An RV left unprepared for storage is an RV heading toward expensive repairs. A few hours of prep before you store can save you thousands when it's time to hit the road again.

1. Drain All Water Systems

   Completely drain the fresh water tank, grey tank, and black tank. Flush the water lines and use RV antifreeze in any lines that can't be fully drained — especially important at our Loveland, CO, and Murfreesboro, TN locations where temperatures drop significantly in winter.

2. Clean the Interior Thoroughly

   Remove all food, drinks, and perishables — anything left behind becomes a magnet for pests and mold. Wipe down all surfaces, vacuum carpets, and leave cabinet doors slightly open to allow air circulation.

3. Handle the Battery

   Disconnect the battery to prevent drain, or connect a trickle charger if your facility allows it. A dead battery left sitting too long can be permanently damaged. Check fluid levels and terminals before storage.

4. Add Fuel Stabilizer

   Fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from breaking down and gumming up the engine. Run the engine for a few minutes after adding so the stabilizer circulates through the fuel system. This is especially important for storage longer than 30 days.

5. Protect the Exterior

   Wash and wax the exterior, seal any roof vents and openings with vent covers, and apply a UV-protective RV cover if storing outdoors. Check the roof and seals for any cracks before storage — fixing a small seal now is far cheaper than repairing water damage later.

6. Protect Your Tires

   Inflate tires to the recommended pressure — not over-inflated. If storing for an extended period, use tire covers to block UV exposure. Consider using wheel chocks and tire cradles to prevent flat spots from developing over time.

3. How to Prep Your Boat for Storage

Boats require more prep than most vehicles — get it right and your boat comes out of storage ready to launch. Skip these steps and you may be facing engine problems, hull damage, or a very costly spring surprise.

✅ Flush the engine with fresh water after every saltwater use, and before storage. Salt corrosion is one of the leading causes of marine engine damage.

✅ Change the engine oil and filter. Old oil contains contaminants and acids that can corrode engine components during a long storage period.

✅ Fog the engine cylinders with fogging oil to prevent corrosion on internal metal surfaces during storage.

✅ Fill the fuel tank and add stabilizer to prevent phase separation and fuel degradation. Run the engine briefly to circulate the stabilized fuel.

✅ Drain all water from the bilge, livewells, baitwells, raw-water cooling systems, and any other water-holding compartments.

✅ Clean the hull, deck, and interior. Remove all gear, life jackets, and electronics. A clean boat is less attractive to pests and easier to inspect in spring.

✅ Disconnect and remove the battery or connect it to a smart charger. Store batteries somewhere cool and dry, off the ground.

✅ Cover the boat with a fitted, breathable cover. Avoid tarps directly on fiberglass — they trap moisture and can cause damage. Leave ventilation gaps where possible.

Trailer Check: Don't forget the trailer. Inspect bearings, tires, lights, and the winch strap before storage. Grease the wheel bearings and inflate trailer tires to the recommended pressure. A trailer problem on launch day is a frustrating and avoidable start to the season.

4. How to Prep a Car or Motorcycle for Storage

Whether you're storing a classic car for winter, a motorcycle between riding seasons, or a secondary vehicle while you're away, the prep steps are similar — and they make a real difference in how your vehicle comes out of storage.

Car Storage Prep

Motorcycle Storage Prep

✅ Change the oil and filter — old oil damages engine internals during storage.

✅ Top off the fuel tank and add stabilizer to prevent oxidation and gumming.

✅ Lubricate the chain, cables, and all pivot points to prevent rust and seizing.

✅ Remove and store the battery on a trickle charger, or disconnect it fully.

✅ Use a breathable, fitted motorcycle cover — not a tarp that traps moisture.

✅ Place the bike on a center stand or paddock stand to keep tires off the ground.

5. Find Purely Storage RV, Boat & Vehicle Storage Near You

We offer RV, boat, and vehicle storage at the following Purely Storage locations. Each facility features secure access, video monitoring, and well-lit grounds. Contact your local facility for current availability and pricing on vehicle storage spaces.

6. What to Look for in a Vehicle Storage Facility

No guide on storage tips for RVs, boats & vehicles would be complete without covering what to look for in a storage facility. Not all storage facilities are created equal when it comes to vehicle storage. Before you commit, here are the key things to look for — all of which you'll find at every Purely Storage location:

• 24/7 video security — cameras covering all entry points, exit points, and storage areas.
• Gated access with personal code — only authorized renters should be able to enter the facility.
• Well-lit grounds — proper lighting deters theft and makes early morning or evening access safer.
• Wide drive aisles — essential for maneuvering large RVs and boats on trailers without scraping or stress.
• Flexible month-to-month leases — especially important for seasonal storage where your needs change year to year.
• On-site staff or responsive management — someone you can reach if you have questions or issues.

Following these storage tips for RVs, boats & vehicles doesn't have to be complicated. A little preparation before you store — and a trustworthy facility to store with — makes all the difference in how your vehicle comes out on the other side.

At Purely Storage, we've helped thousands of owners store their vehicles safely and confidently. With 24/7 video security, secure gated access, on-site management, and well-lit grounds, we've built our facilities around what vehicle owners actually need. No guesswork, no corner-cutting — just reliable, professional storage you can count on.

With multiple locations across multiple states, there's a Purely Storage facility near you — ready to help whenever you are. Whether you're storing for a season or the long haul, we have the space, the security, and the support to make it easy.

Ready to store? Find your nearest Purely Storage location today. We'll help you find the right space for your RV, boat, or vehicle — with no admin fee, a free lock at move-in, and zero hassle from start to finish.

Purely Storage — Secure. Convenient. Affordable. Built for You.

Find Purely Storage RV, Boat & Vehicle Storage Near You