What to keep in RV during Storage

202235f · 03-08-2022, 10:27 AM

Just returned from the winter in Florida. We have a new coach and I'm facing storage issues. We are fortunate in that we can store the rv on our property. (At least for now)

There are different schools of thought on what, if anything, to keep inside the rv while it's here.

Some people say to remove absolutely everything, even for short term. Others think it's OK to just remove any food or organic materials.

It's early springtime here in Central South Carolina. Critters of all types will become active.
We have what some people call palmetto bugs ( they are roaches). Lots of them. I don't want them nesting in the coach. Did I say that there lots of them?

What's your experience? TIA!

**creativepart** · 03-08-2022, 10:35 AM

We're in South Texas. We store at an open covered non-powered storage lot 5 miles from home. We take out most everything except "hba" (health and beauty aids). Certainly all food stuffs, even canned or in glass jars. Not quite all spices but most of them.

We do leave soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, hand lotion, etc. and have had no issues.

We got an infestation of "Stink Bugs" once on a trip and they showed up occasionally for over a year. We just removed them as quickly as possible one at a time when they appeared over an almost 2-yr period and they finally stopped showing up.

Stink bugs don't seem to be a problem here in South Texas - at least we don't see any.

deckape · 03-08-2022, 03:11 PM

Had stink bugs cover us 2 years ago in Alabama at the farm . Were everywhere for 4 weeks . We used a stick vaumium to get them out of the coach, and she shed . Still finding bodies today . Iwuld remove all foods, cans , boxes ,prop open refrig , take refrig shelve stuff , mayo ,mustard etc , home . Open closets ,drawers , spaces. Put mice /rat repellances thru out coach . Glue boards by open holes thru floor . Molt balls in bays and under bed . Think what you don't want to find inside . Rat/mice poison under hood ,on engine .

DavidM · 03-08-2022, 03:45 PM

I store my RV at an outside storage yard in NW Connecticut for 6 months each winter. I remove all perishable foods and take home bedding for washing before camping season starts.

Has worked fine so far. Here in the NE you do worry about mice getting inside. Will have to see if any show up when we restock with food.

David

Wyatt · 03-08-2022, 10:24 PM

Wow. We keep our RV in our driveway locked and loaded and ready to go at any moment—whether it be a moment of sudden inspiration or a natural emergency. We’ve never had any issues with anything in our rig. Spices, packaged foods, canned food and refrigerator always on.
Only issue we’ve had is rats outside. Stay tuned for my remedy for that!

BobC · 03-09-2022, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyatt

Wow. We keep our RV in our driveway locked and loaded and ready to go at any moment—whether it be a moment of sudden inspiration or a natural emergency. We’ve never had any issues with anything in our rig. Spices, packaged foods, canned food and refrigerator always on.
Only issue we’ve had is rats outside. Stay tuned for my remedy for that!

We're fortunate that northern CA is relatively pest free and blessed with a benevolent climate. Therefore, we don't have the problems that many other regions have, especially the south east.

We keep our MH in an outside storage yard and, other than making sure there's no perishable or packaged food on board, we're pretty much ready to go except for our clothes. We don't worry about canned goods or spices.

ranger1001 · 03-14-2022, 06:38 AM

Don't forget to remove all paper products including TP, paper towels, napkins, etc. Mice love making these products into nests. Been there done that so know what I'm talking about.

202235f · 03-14-2022, 07:14 AM

Thanks everyone for your help. We have decided to remove everything from the inside of the coach for now. We did take the opportunity to sort all of our gear and put everything into plastic storage tubs. Each tub is labeled with the contents inside. For example: all electrical gear is in one bin, fresh water hookups are in another, sewer and other related products are in another, wheel chocks, leveling aids etc. are in another.
Probably overkill but hopefully I'll work for us. Thanks again!

**creativepart** · 03-14-2022, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ranger1001

Don't forget to remove all paper products including TP, paper towels, napkins, etc.

This is not something we ever do. Nor have we had any issues with rodents.

tim myers · 03-14-2022, 09:36 AM

My DW, god love her, wants to remove EVERYTHING when we put the Journey into inside storage. I get the food and anything that can freeze. To her credit, we have never seen any signs of rodents in the coach, but no idea what they are doing under the coach, the thread on Rats opened my eyes a bit on that subject.