If you own a recreational vehicle, chances are that it spends just as much time sitting around as it does being used. Keeping your vehicle in RV storage allows you to free up some space on your property and keep the vehicle in good condition between uses, but you'll want to prepare the rig a little before it's stored. Here are some easy protection techniques to consider using:

Empty the Tanks

One of the first things you should do when preparing your RV for storage is empty the clean water, grey water, and black water tanks. If there is liquid left in the tanks, they may leak or crack due to wear and tear or changes in weather conditions which is sure to make a mess in your storage area that may result in the need for professional cleaning.

Full tanks can also get pretty smelly if the RV is being stored in an enclosed space. It's a good idea to rinse fresh water through your grey and black water tanks to ensure that debris doesn't get stuck in the pipes or the tanks themselves. Putting a cap on the exterior openings of the tanks will ensure that dust, pollen, and other air impurities don't make their way into your water system.

Do Some Weatherproofing

Even if your storage space is temperature controlled, there is a chance that cold weather can have an affect on your recreational vehicle's water pipes and electrical system. Humidity increases the risk of moisture seeping through your windows and into the RV too. So to keep your RV in that same condition that you leave it, you'll need to do some weatherproofing.

Start by using caulking or insulation foam spray around the frames of each window and door on the vehicle. It's also a good idea to wrap your exposed water pipes in thermal tape or foam tubes, and turn off the water system altogether. If you have a solar system or exposed wiring within your electrical system, wrap the wires with electrical tape for added protection.

Cover the Seating

The last thing you want is for mold and mildew to grow on your RV's interior seating because it can be costly to replace the upholstery and make the vehicle smell so musty that even days of airing it out won't make much of an improvement. To protect your seating from moisture buildup as well as mold and mildew, put plastic seat covers on each seat and ensure that the edges are nice and snug.

Plastic seat covers will also prevent bugs and insects from burrowing into the upholstery and turning it into their living quarters. You may also want to use moisture repelling spray on your curtains and carpeting if it's present. You'll need to return to your RV and re-spray the material once every three months or so to maintain its effectiveness.

Organize Storage

If all of your storage spaces are full when you store the RV, you're providing lots of small hiding spaces for mold, mildew, and moisture to gather. It is best if storage spaces can be left empty, but if you must store things in your RV when you aren't using it you can protect everything by putting it in plastic tubs that seal out moisture.

If the tubs do not fit into your cupboards or drawers they can be stacked on countertops, floors, and furniture for safe keeping. Consider using a variety of different sized boxes so they can be stacked inside one another and will fit into an exterior storage space when you're using the rig.

These tips and tricks will help ensure that your RV is always clean, safe, and ready to roll when you want to head on a road trip.