Let me tell you about the time I ruined a perfectly good motorcycle by “just parking it in the garage for winter.” Six months later, I found:
- A battery deader than my dating life.
- Rust blooming on the chrome like some kind of metallic fungus.
- A mouse nest in the airbox that smelled like death and disappointment.
That’s when I learned storage isn’t just parking your stuff – it’s protecting your investment. Here’s the real-world advice you won’t get from some AI content farm.
RV Storage: Keeping Your Rolling Palace from Turning into a Rat Motel
Location matters more than you think:
- Outdoor storage costs less but ages your RV faster than a president in office.
- Covered storage is the sweet spot – protects from sun/rain without breaking the bank.
- Indoor is king if you can swing it.
The pre-storage ritual that actually works:
- Fuel system:
- Fill the tank (empty tanks collect condensation).
- Add Stabil (the blue stuff, not the cheap knockoff).
- Run the engine for 10 minutes to circulate it.
- Pest control (trust me on this):
- Bounce dryer sheets in every cabinet (mice hate them).
- Steel wool in the exhaust pipe (they won’t chew through it).
- Remove ALL food (even that emergency ramen stash).
- Tire care:
- Inflate 10psi over normal (prevents flat spots).
- Put plywood under each tire (concrete sweats and rots rubber).
What nobody tells you about RV storage covers:
That $100 “heavy duty” tarp from Walmart? It’ll trap moisture and ruin your roof seals. Spring for a proper RV cover with vents or just skip it entirely.
Motorcycle Storage: How Not to Destroy Your Baby
The 20-minute prep that saves thousands:
- Wash and wax (dirt holds moisture against metal).
- Lube the chain (I use Motul paste – stays put better than sprays).
- Fill tank + stabilizer (Seafoam works better than Sta-Bil for bikes).
- Center stand (or at least rotate tires weekly if on side stand).
Battery care that actually works:
Option 1: Pull it, store it indoors on wood (not concrete), trickle charge monthly.
Option 2: Leave it in with a Battery Tender Junior (the $25 one works fine).
Storage locations ranked:
- Climate-controlled unit.
- Garage corner with breathable cover.
- Outside under a cover (last resort – expect moisture issues).
The Truth About Storage Covers
- For RVs: ADCO Designer Series (expensive but worth it).
- For bikes: Dowco Guardian (has vents and won’t scratch paint).
When to Check on Your Stored Vehicles
Mark your calendar for:
- Every 30 days: Start the engine (let it run until warm).
- After heavy rain/snow: Check for leaks even if indoors.
- Before riding season: Do a full inspection before hitting the road.
Why Our Storage Doesn’t Suck
After getting burned by shady storage operators, we built Plaza Mini Storage to be different:
- 24/7 camera access you can check from your phone.
- Drive-up units so you’re not hauling gear 100 yards.
- Actual humans on site who know the difference between a carburetor and a coffee maker.
Final Thought
Proper storage isn’t about being obsessive – it’s about not getting screwed later. Follow these real-world tips and your vehicles will be ready when you are.
Got a storage horror story or pro tip? Hit reply and share it – let’s swap some hard-earned knowledge. And if you need storage that doesn’t suck, you know where to find us.
Now go enjoy your offseason – your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.
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