Self-Storage Blog

Tips for Keeping Your RV in Good Condition

A man in an RV giving a flower to a woman outside.

As with any vehicle or home, owning an RV comes with maintenance costs. RV repairs, however, can be much more costly than you’d expect. To protect your investment, home, and passion, check out our RV maintenance checklist before you put it in RV storage. Inspect Roof Coatings RV roofs are exposed directly to sunlight for most of the year. Over time, this exposure — as well as regular weather — can deteriorate the coating. Using a side ladder, scale your RV to check the roof for signs of deterioration or damage. Pay close attention to the seals and seams of the roof. Rubber roof acrylic coating, or another appropriate patch material, can be purchased to patch any issues. The roof should be inspected at least once every year, but you may want to more often depending on your use. To prevent roof damage, park in the shade or under cover as much as possible. If parked under sappy trees or other messy conditions, be sure to rinse off the roof with a light solvent and water as soon as possible. Check Your Water Heater Your water heater is easy to forget until you need it. As you’re checking other parts of your RV, be sure to take a look at your water heater. Use compressed air to remove any debris or build-up in the burner tube or chamber, then check the status of your anode rod, which will need to be replaced occasionally. Take Care of Your Waste System Maintaining your waste system is an essential part of regular use. Without these regular tasks, your system will develop excessive build-up, which may cause the system to clog or fail. Be sure to use chemicals designed to work with your specific system, flush regularly, and use biodegradable toilet paper. Look Under the Hood Change your RV's oil every 3,000-4,000 miles or annually. Additionally, you’ll need to replace the air, ...

—
June 26th, 2023

How to Plan the Ultimate RV Road Trip

Rvs And Boats

A photograph of a retro RV driving through the forest

Embarking on an RV road trip is an exciting adventure that allows you to experience the freedom of the open road. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a newbie, planning is key to ensuring a memorable and smooth journey. In this guide, we'll share the best ideas for RV road trips, highlight great road trip destinations, and provide tips on keeping your family entertained throughout the trip. So, buckle up and get ready for the ultimate RV road trip! Choosing the Perfect Route When it comes to planning the perfect road trip route, there are plenty of exciting options to explore. Here's a snapshot of some of the best road trip spots to consider: Asheville, North Carolina Start your journey in Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive renowned for its breathtaking views and vibrant fall foliage. Afterward, make your way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike, bike, or simply immerse yourself in nature's beauty. Nashville, Tennessee Known as the Music City, Nashville, Tennessee, is a must-visit for music lovers. Experience the soul-stirring sounds of country music at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Stroll down Broadway to enjoy live performances and indulge in delicious Southern cuisine. Charleston, South Carolina Delve into history and southern charm in Charleston, South Carolina. Take a leisurely walk through the historic streets, admiring the stunning architecture and vibrant gardens. Explore the plantations and gardens of Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place. Sample the city's renowned cuisine, from fresh seafood to Lowcountry specialties. Savannah, Georgia Step into the romantic ambiance of Savannah, Georgia, known for its elegant squares and antebellum architecture. Take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets and soak in the city's beauty. Visit historic sites like Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Mercer Williams House. Indulge in Southern delicacies and experience the city's vibrant nightlife. The Best Road Trip Foods Food ...

—
June 10th, 2023

Common Questions About RVs

Rvs And Boats

A smiling woman sticks her head and arms out of the window of an RV

exploring the countryside, a reliable motorized RV can be your best travel companion! If you’re new to having an RV, or are considering getting your first one, you might have a lot of questions before you’re ready to hit the open road. To get your RV journey started, we’ll answer a few of the common questions you might have about RVs. From what RV actually stands for to parking solutions for these big vehicles, we’ll get you up to speed on the basics! Here at 10 Federal Storage, we can also help you find a home for your vehicle between road trips - if you’re all ready to rent a place for your RV, just take a look at our storage locations and find a parking spot! What does RV stand for, anyway? Actually a fairly broad term, RV stands for “Recreational Vehicle.” This means that, technically, camper trailers, motorhomes, pop-up campers, and really any drive or tow-able vehicles with living quarters could be considered RVs. However, RV is frequently used to describe drivable/motorized recreational vehicles, and not trailers and campers, which are towed. Motorized RVs are technically called motorhomes, but chances are you’re used to hearing them referred to as RVs, so we’ll follow that trend! In this context, we’ll stick to the term “RV” to just describe drivable vehicles. While we're classifying vehicles, it’s worth reviewing the different types of RVs. There are three major RV classes, and, surprisingly, they’re not in order of size! The main RV classifications are: Class A RVs - The largest types of RVs, class A RVs pack in some serious living space with plenty of room for luxury. Running up to about 45 feet in length, these RVs can often sleep a small group of people. Some of these RVs have expandable slides, and can even tow a car! Class B RVs - These are actually the smallest types of RVs. Often referred to ...

—
August 15th, 2022