Let’s be real – your bike or RV isn’t just some random vehicle. It’s your ticket to freedom, your weekend escape pod, maybe even your second home. So when it’s time to park it for a while, you want to do it right. No shortcuts, no “it’ll be fine” excuses.

I’ve seen too many people skip the basics and pay for it later – dead batteries, cracked tires, even mice nesting in the air filter (true story). Don’t let that be you. Here’s everything I’ve learned from years of storing my own rides and helping others do the same.

Where You Store Matters More Than You Think?

Parking in your buddy’s backyard might seem easy now, but wait until you see what happens after three months of rain, snow, or blistering sun. Here’s the breakdown:

The Gold Standard: Indoor Storage

• What you get: Four walls, a roof, and usually a locked door between your baby and the outside world.
• Best for: Classic bikes, luxury RVs, or anything you really care about.
• Pro tip: Look for climate control if you’re in extreme hot/cold areas.

The Middle Ground: Covered Storage

• Good: Blocks rain and sun.
• Bad: Still gets humid, still gets cold.
• Works for: Short-term (think a month or two).

The “I Like to Live Dangerously” Option: Outdoor

• Only do this if: You enjoy replacing weathered seals and cleaning bird poop off your paint.
• Seriously: Even a cheap tarp is better than nothing.

Motorcycle Storage: A Step-by-Step Survival Guide

The Cleanse (No, Not Just a Quick Rinse)

• Wash every inch – brake dust eats through coatings over time.
• Dry thoroughly – water spots become permanent marks.
• Wax like you’re prepping for a show – this is armor against moisture.

Fluid Check-Up

• Change the oil (old oil turns acidic sitting in your engine).
• Top off the tank + add stabilizer (empty tanks collect condensation = rust city).
• Fog the cylinders if storing more than 6 months (ask your mechanic how).

Battery Life Support

• Option A: Trickle charger (the set-it-and-forget-it method).
• Option B: Disconnect and store inside (but check voltage monthly).

Tire Savers

• Overinflate by 5-10 PSI (combats slow leaks).
• Put it on stands if possible (no flat spots = no vibration at 70mph later).

The Final Wrap

• Breathable cover ONLY (plastic traps moisture = mold party).
• Stuff exhaust pipes with steel wool (trust me, you don’t want mice in there).

RV Storage: Protecting Your Rolling Castle

The Great Clean-Out

• Remove ALL food (even crumbs attract ants in minutes).
• Prop open fridge/freezer doors (prevents that death smell).
• Wipe down every surface (sticky spills turn into science experiments).

Water System Winterizing (Non-Negotiable)

• Drain every tank (fresh, gray, black – all of it).
• Blow out pipes with compressed air.
• Pour RV antifreeze in drains (the pink stuff – not car antifreeze!).

Tire TLC

• Inflate to max sidewall pressure (weight + time = sidewall cracks).
• Park on plywood or tire pads (concrete “sweats” and causes dry rot).

Critter Defense System

• Seal any openings bigger than a dime (mice can squeeze through crazy small spaces).
• Place dryer sheets everywhere (they hate the smell).
• Consider ultrasonic repellents (works for some, not all).

“But Do I Really Need to…” (FAQ Section)

Q: Can I just start it once a month instead of all this?

A: Sure, if you enjoy:

• Wearing out your starter motory.
• Never fully warming up the oil.
• Still getting a dead battery when you forget to visit.

Q: My uncle says he just parks his RV outside with a tarp – why can’t I?

A: Ask him how often he replaces:

• Faded upholstery.
• Cracked window seals.
• Chewed wiring harnesses.

Why Our Storage Beats Your Garage?

Look, I get it – storage units seem like an extra expense. Until you factor in:

• No more tripping over your bike all winter.
• Not having to explain oil stains on your driveway.
• Actual security (versus “hoping” nobody messes with your RV).

We have:

• Drive-up access (no narrow hallways).
• On-site managers (real humans, not just cameras).
• Flexible leases (because life happens).

The Bottom Line

Storing right takes a Saturday afternoon. Fixing neglect takes weeks and hundreds of dollars. Your choice.

Next time stop by and we’ll show you the perfect spot for your ride. First coffee’s on us – because storage talk goes better with caffeine.

Got a storage horror story or pro tip? Hit the comments – let’s swap war stories.