If you use RV Storage in St. Albert or Edmonton or your RV has been unused for a while, it is important to perform the necessary maintenance outlined in your owner’s manual. It is also a good idea to always do the pre-drive inspections and checks listed below before taking off for the weekend.
Make the following checks before any trip:
Check the tire pressure and tread for wear or cracking. If they need to be replaced, make an appointment to have them mounted and balanced.
Check your hitch to make sure it is functioning properly. You don't want your trailer passing you on a steep downward slope.
Take your fire extinguishers to be checked, and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Fill your propane tanks and check the connectors and hoses
Test all your electronics, in particular, external lights, windshield wipers, and the horn
Top up all the fluids in your vehicle
Top up water supplies
When you are planning a vacation with your RV, you should spend some time practicing your RV driving skills. New RV drivers learn quickly that driving a motorhome or pulling a travel trailer is nothing like driving a car.
Navigating parking spaces, gas stations, right turns, accelerating, braking, and using only mirrors to see what's behind you are just a few maneuvers that require different handling from a car, SUV, or pickup. Large open parking lots are a great place to practice.
Knowing how to drive your RV properly is important for your comfort when operating it and for the safety of others and yourself.
Don't overpack your RV or trailer. You should never carry more weight than your RV or trailer is rated for. Always stick to the legal weight limit for your specific RV.
Check the weight limits for the areas you will be driving through beforehand. These limits may vary from province to province or state to state. To minimize weight, consider only filling your tank with the fresh water you need until you are closer to your destination. Then, you can top up your water supply.
Sometimes, severe weather is inevitable and unexpected. Don't try to out-drive heavy rain, snow, or wind. Pull over and wait things out, preferably at a rest stop or designated area. Your RV will protect you from the elements, and you've packed indoor activities for your trip, just in case, to keep you and your family entertained.
If you are worried you will forget a vital safety check or forget to pack something, consider making yourself an RV checklist.
Checklists are great because life can be busy and full of distractions. Having a checklist that you follow every time you take out your RV will keep you safe, keep your RV in tip-top shape, and prevent the frustration of forgetting something important.
When your vacation is over and you are planning to park the RV for the season, it is time to consider storing your motorhome, recreational vehicle, travel trailer, or fifth wheel. Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to help you prepare your RV for storage.
Drain all water from storage tanks and water lines.
Winterize your RV by running antifreeze through all water lines and pouring some down all drains and toilets.
Fill up the fuel tank to prevent any condensation from building up.
Thoroughly clean the RV inside and out. Consider waxing your RV to protect it from sun damage and to keep dirt buildup down. A good coat of wax also makes it easier to clean your RV after storage.
Look closely at all silicon seams, caulking, and rubber seals. If anything is cracked or worn, repair it before storing your RV. This will prevent any leaks and water damage from happening while in storage.
Close your window blinds to avoid sun exposure to upholstery, carpets, and draperies. This is also a good security measure to prevent people from being able to see into your RV.
Remove all perishable and non-perishable food items from the fridge and cupboards inside your RV. Also, remove any toiletries. Anything that can freeze over the winter can burst and cause a huge mess. You don’t want any surprises when it is time to take your RV out again.
Clean and prop open the refrigerator and freezer doors to prevent mold.
Always put out some bait stations to protect your RV from pests in storage.
At Elite Self Storage St. Albert, formerly Riel Park RV & Self Storage, we have a secure, fenced, paved lot where you can store your RV or motorhome. Our St Albert Storage facility is well-lit and has security cameras and mobile patrols.
At Elite Self Storage South Edmonton, we offer a secure and convenient place to store your RV, motorhome, or vehicle. Our fully fenced and paved lot features individual coded entry and video surveillance, so you can rest easy knowing your investment is safe when you're not on the road.
Give one of our storage rental experts a call to book your RV parking space now: 780-347-0433
