One would think leaving the RV parked in one spot for the season would mean it wouldn’t get dirty.
The RV PHD Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Nope.
In fact, being closed up and exposed to all kinds of detritus, the exterior may actually get downright filthy. Temperature swings inside an unvented rig almost always lead to condensation and mold/mildew issues. The same goes for the outside of the unit, as dirt that collects on all the surfaces can grow mildew and algae. The sun’s UV rays create havoc with all the plastics, leading to fading, oxidizing, and even cracking. YUCK!
The inside is pretty straightforward, and I think most folks can figure out how to clean surfaces inside. Newer RVs have eliminated carpets, which can be a problem in units in a moist environment. Bare floors are easier to clean, plain and simple. Even soft goods in many RVs use vinyls that can be wiped off, but always be cautious with cleaners, as these vinyls can be failure-prone over time.
I have had success with Damp-Rid hanging bags in my RVs and storage compartments to keep humidity and mildew at bay while the unit is in winter storage. They manage to suck up a lot of moisture, and freezing/thawing hasn’t been an issue.
Insects and rodents are another concern when an RV is stored. While insects are generally dormant during the winter, mice and other critters are actively looking for a new home, and your RV would be just delightful to them!
Inspect the inside and underside of the coach for any signs of rodent intrusion; if found, it will need to be dealt with as quickly as possible. Try to see where they’re coming in and seal it up. Clean and sanitize any areas that have been affected thoroughly to eliminate hantavirus or other diseases and trap and remove mice altogether. Be sure to test all the systems in the coach, and consider opening up the furnace and ductwork to look for nesting before starting the furnace. The same goes for other fuel-burning appliances.
Once spring has sprung, insects will wake up and begin their seasonal nesting practices. Like the mice in winter, the bugs may look upon your RV as a nice, sun-warmed place to call home. Ant bait traps work well. Mud daubers are a pain, and it may be possible to use screening to keep them from nesting where they shouldn’t. Camco sells various screens for fuel-burning appliances that work well, in my opinion. The appliance manufacturers scoff at them, but in all the years, I have never seen a problem with using them. However, owners that stuff foil in the appliance openings have created some exciting service calls over the years.
RV exteriors are generally fiberglass or aluminum. Some motorhomes, of course, have automotive-grade cabs made of steel, fiberglass, or painted aluminum.
UV and environmental oxidation and deterioration are constant concerns for any outdoor item. Protecting an RV from this damage is challenging. The best way, of course, is to store the RV inside a building. This will protect the unit from much environmental damage, especially if there is some level of climate control. Most of us, however, don’t have this luxury, especially if we are living in or using the unit for extended travel.
Some things can be used to improve the aesthetic longevity of the unit.
- Use products like 303 Protectant on plastics around the RV. Designed for the aerospace industry, 303 provides additional UV shielding that can help protect plastics from degrading.
- Use a specialized cleaner and protectant for vinyl graphics. Chemical Guys’ Wrap Detailer is a vinyl cleaner and UV protectant.
- Keep the RV clean and protected with a UV shielding protectant. 3M makes a UV protectant marine wax, but many automotive waxes contain chemicals like petroleum distillates and mineral spirits that damage vinyl graphics. Try to protect vinyl graphics first, then apply surrounding areas with UV-protecting wax.
- Keep the RV’s roof clean, regularly inspect the sealants, and repair them as needed.
- Metal products should also be protected, and paint should be maintained, especially on the RV’s undersides. Flaking paint should be removed, followed by a rust converter application, priming, and painting with rust-preventive paint like Rust-Oleum.
Here are a couple of more quick tips:
- An annual visual inspection of the underside of the RV is an excellent idea to look for voids in the underbelly, road hazard damage, or rodent intrusion. Seal up voids with spray foam insulation. If any of the screws or nails holding the underbelly to the frame have let go, replace them with self-drilling screws and washers.
- Keep the underside of the RV clean, too! Rinsing and cleaning the underside will help prevent rust, especially if you run your RV in salty conditions.
- Clorox or Lysol wipes are great for interior cleaning. They kill viruses and bacteria and keep mildew at bay.
Happy Camping!
The RV PHD Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
