Best Ways to Prep Your RV and Motorcycle for Storage (2026)

You know that feeling. The last camping trip of the year, where the evenings get chilly enough to really appreciate the campfire. Or that final motorcycle ride where you come back with a crispness in your lungs. It’s bittersweet. The adventures are pausing, and now you’ve got to figure out where to park these giant, beloved machines for months.

Let’s be real. The driveway is tempting. So is the side yard. But if you’ve ever made that choice, you probably remember the springtime regret. The faded decals, the mysterious leak, the sluggish start, or (the worst) discovering a family of mice made a penthouse suite in your airbox.

I’ve been there. I ruined a perfectly good set of touring bike tires one winter because I left it on cold concrete. Learned that lesson the hard, expensive way.

Storing your RV or motorcycle the right way isn’t about fussy, complicated steps. It’s about a little bit of know-how and a solid afternoon of care. Think of it as tucking in a friend for a long nap. Do it right, and you’ll both wake up happy and ready to go.

First, Let’s Talk Real Estate: Where It Sits Matters Most

This is the biggest decision, and it colors everything else you do.

• The Dream Garage (Indoor, Climate-Controlled): If you have a classic paint job on your bike or a luxury RV interior, this is your goal. It’s not just about temperature; it’s about stable humidity. No swelling wood, no cracking dashboards, no condensation on metal. Pure peace of mind.
• The Solid Shed (Indoor, Standard): My personal go-to for my bike. A roof, four walls, and a lock. It keeps rain, snow, sun, and prying eyes off. For 90% of us, this is the sweet spot. Your machine is dry and in the dark, which is half the battle won.
• The Covered Spot: Like a carport. Better than nothing—way better—but that ambient moisture and dust still find a way. You’ll need to be more militant about your prep (more on that in a sec).
• The Backyard (Outdoor): Look, I’ve done it. We all have. But you’re signing up for a fight with the elements. The sun will bake the oils out of your rubber. Rain will find every seam. And you become the most interesting landmark for every local critter.

This is exactly why we built our storage facility the way we did. We have guys with 40-foot diesel pushers and folks with a single Harley. The common thread? They want a clean, secure, specific spot that’s not their own driveway. Having a dedicated space changes the game.

Your RV: It’s a House. Shut It Down Like One

An RV sitting is different than a car. It’s got plumbing, appliances, and complex systems. Skip a step, and you’re funding a repairman’s vacation.

1. The Great Clean-Out: This isn’t a quick wipe. Get the kids, make a day of it. Empty every cupboard, scrub the fridge with the door propped open, and for the love of all that’s holy, get every last crumb out of the sofa. I found a petrified Cheerio once that sprouted a weird fungus. Not again.
2. Fuel & Fluids: Top off the gas tank. A full tank leaves less room for condensation, which is water in your fuel. Pour in a good fuel stabilizer (I like Sta-Bil), and run the engine to get it through the system. Check your oil. If it’s near due, change it now. Acidic old oil sitting on engine parts is no good.
3. The Water System Dance (THE MOST IMPORTANT PART): This is where rookies get burned. You must get all the water out.
   • Drain the fresh water tank.
   • Drain the water heater (cool it down first!).
   • Empty the grey and black tanks, then add a little fresh water and treatment to prevent… well, you know.
   • Now, blow out the pipes. An air compressor on the city water inlet does the trick. Or, pour RV antifreeze into the system until it runs pink out of every faucet and the toilet. Frozen pipes in an RV are a catastrophic, wallet-emptying event.
4. Battery Buddy System: Disconnect them. If they’re the standard type, check the water levels. Then, hook them to a maintenance charger. A dead battery in freezing temps will actually freeze and crack its case. A $50 charger saves a $200 battery.
5. Tire Savvy: Inflate to the max PSI on the sidewall. This helps prevent flat spots. If you’re outside, get those tires up on some pressure-treated wood blocks, not directly on dirt or cold concrete. Tire covers are a cheap, brilliant investment against sun rot.

Your Motorcycle: A More Personal Goodbye

This feels more like saying goodbye to a friend. The routine is intimate.

• Bath Time: Don’t just hose it down. Give it a proper wash and dry. Clean the chain with a dedicated cleaner, then lube it well. The grime you leave on now will be corrosive cement in spring. I wax mine after—it feels ceremonial and it works.
• Fuel Fix: Same rule. Full tank, good stabilizer. But for a bike, it’s crucial to run that treated gas all the way through the fuel injection or carburetors. Take it for a last 5-minute spin around the block after adding it. This coats the internals.
• Oil Change: Just do it. Fresh oil has no contaminants to slowly eat at your engine bearings. It’s the best “see you later” gift you can give it.
• Battery TLC – The #1 Tip: Take the battery out. Bring it inside. Put it on a tender (not a trickle charger, a smart tender) in your basement or garage. This single act guarantees you a start in spring. I use the Battery Tender Jr. brand. They’re indestructible.
• Lift & Cover: If you have stands, use them. Lifting the weight off the suspension and tires is huge. No stands? No sweat. Just roll it a few inches every month so the tires don’t develop a single flat spot. Finally, cover it with a soft, breathable cover. A plastic tarp traps moisture and guarantees rust. Don’t do it.

The Lock & Key Finale

All this work is for nothing if your stuff isn’t secure. A good storage spot needs a strong community gate, lights, and you using a quality lock—not a cheap one from the grocery store.

That’s the core idea behind our place. We provide a clean, secure shell. You do the smart prep inside it. Together, we make sure that when the first warm day of spring hits, you’re not troubleshooting—you’re just turning the key, feeling that engine rumble, and smiling. Because the road is waiting, and your ride is ready.

Now, go enjoy that last cup of coffee by the pretend campfire. You’ve earned it.