Fall and Winter Storage Tips for RVs, Boats, and Motorcycles

If the weather is starting to cool off in your area, it’s probable that you’ve given some thought to storing your RV, boat, and motorcycle throughout the winter. In addition to improving your car’s appearance, proper storage will also increase the dependability of all your equipment. We’ve put together some cold weather storage guidelines because all three require significant financial investment and need to be handled with exceptional care.

Boat

Make sure to cover your boat when storing it in the proper spot.
To prevent engine corrosion, replace the oil and dry out any condensation.
Wax, dry, and clean the boat.
In order to shield the engine from rust and corrosion, fill the fuel tanks with gasoline and add a stabilizer.
Lubricate and grease every moving component.
To keep insects and small animals out, plug up any exhaust ports or holes.
To avoid the battery on your boat from draining during the colder months, make sure to either fully charge it before disabling it or just remove it altogether.
For engine protection, add diluted antifreeze to your boat’s system.

Motorcycle

Change the oil.
Get your motorcycle looking all brand new and shiny by washing it thoroughly.
Lubricate all the moving parts to prevent corrosion.
Fully charge and remove the battery.
Seal all the openings to prevent pests and small animals.
Maintain proper levels of anti-freeze in the cooling system to avoid cracks.
Fill up the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer to protect the engine.
For storage, make sure to keep your motorcycle in a warm, dry place while keeping the tires off the ground using a motorcycle stand. Be sure to rotate those tires after a few weeks! Use a motorcycle cover to avoid rust and corrosion.

RV

Prepare to thoroughly clean your RV! Clean the exterior and inside thoroughly, reseal any cracks, cover any holes, etc.
Drain your plumbing system entirely since even tiny amounts of water can cause harm by expanding and freezing. You can either use an air compressor and a blowout plug to accomplish this, or you can add an RV-specific antifreeze solution to the system.
To stop damage to your tanks, add antifreeze to the radiator and windshield washer.
Use outside or leveling jacks to protect the tires, or simply take them off during the winter. Ensure that they are inflated to the correct pressure as well!
Make sure your RV is being stored in a watertight area. Invest in a suitable cover for your RV if it is outdoors.

You may extend the life of your property and avoid future expensive repairs by taking the time to properly secure your investments when you’re not using them. When it comes to your boat, RV, or motorcycle, always be proactive rather than reactive and contact your Hertvik Insurance Agent to review your policies before winter.