The Ultimate Checklist for Long-Term RV Parking in Oklahoma

As the season winds down, we get a lot of questions about the right way to put an RV away for a few months. It's a great question, because how you store your rig makes all the difference when you're ready to get back on the road. A little effort now saves a ton of headaches later. So, we put our heads together and created a checklist for long-term RV parking, based on the common issues we fix after the fall and winter seasons.

Inside: A Clean Sweep Is a Must

Nothing's worse than opening your RV after a few months to a bad smell or signs of critters. A deep clean is your best bet.

• The Fridge and Pantry: Start by completely emptying the refrigerator and pantry. Get every last food item out. Wipe the fridge down and prop the doors open. This is the number one way to prevent mold and mildew.

• Give It a Good Cleaning: Do a full vacuum, wipe down all the counters, and clean the bathroom. Coming back to an RV that doesn't feel grimy is a huge plus.

• Block Out the Sun: Close all the blinds and shades. The Oklahoma sun can be harsh and will fade your upholstery and dashboards faster than you'd think.

Outside: Your Shield Against the Elements

Your RV's exterior is its first line of defense. Keeping it protected is key.

• Wash It Down: Before you park it, give the exterior a thorough wash to get off all the road dust and grime. A coat of wax is even better for an extra layer of UV protection.

• Check Your Seals: Take a walk around and look at the seals on your windows, doors, and slide-outs. Making sure they're clean and conditioned prevents them from getting dry and brittle.

• Don't Forget the Tires: Fill the tires to the recommended max cold pressure. If your rig is going to be outside, tire covers are a smart move. Sun damage is the leading cause of tire cracks.

• Cover It Up: For outdoor storage, a quality, breathable RV cover is worth its weight in gold. It protects your rig from just about everything.

Systems: Shutting Things Down Properly

Correctly managing your systems is a vital part of a solid checklist for long-term RV parking.

• Water and Tanks: Completely drain all your water tanks—fresh, gray, and black. Here in Oklahoma, we still recommend blowing out the water lines to make sure no moisture is sitting in there, especially with our unpredictable winter weather.

• Propane Off: Simply turn off the main valve at the tanks.

• Save Your Batteries: Dead batteries are a pain. Your best bet is to disconnect them entirely. If you have power where you're storing it, a battery tender is a great alternative to keep them healthy.

Need a Hand with Your Checklist for Long-Term RV Parking in Oklahoma?

We understand that this list can appear somewhat daunting. If you'd rather not spend your weekend on prep work or just want a professional set of eyes to make sure everything is done right, give us a call. As a veteran-owned mobile RV repair company, here at SentryRV Mobile Inspections and Service, we can handle the full pre-storage service for you. Our certified RV technicians provide on-site RV repair throughout Oklahoma City, Moore, Norman, Tulsa, and surrounding areas. Let us give you the peace of mind that your RV will be safe all season. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.