Winter-Ready: Storing Your Boat, RV and Seasonal Gear the Right Way

Winter-Ready: Storing Your Boat, RV and Seasonal Gear the Right Way

November means two very different things across Space Shop’s footprint. In Ohio, Michigan, New York, Illinois and Colorado, it’s time to pull the boat and winterize the RV before the first hard freeze. In Florida, Georgia and the Gulf Coast, hurricane season ends November 30 and snowbird season begins — so it’s time to free up the driveway and the garage. Either way, the right storage plan protects your gear and your HOA standing.

Prep your boat before it goes into storage

  1. Change the oil and filter so acidic old oil doesn’t sit in the engine all winter.
  2. Fill the tank and add fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol separation.
  3. Drain water from the engine block, plumbing and livewells in freezing climates.
  4. Remove electronics, cushions and anything that can trap moisture.
  5. Disconnect or remove the battery and keep it charged.

BoatUS publishes a detailed, free winterizing guide worth bookmarking.

Prep your RV or camper

  • Drain fresh, gray and black water tanks, then bypass the water heater.
  • Add RV antifreeze to the plumbing lines in cold-weather states.
  • Clean out the fridge and prop the doors open to prevent mildew.
  • Seal gaps where mice can enter and remove all food.
  • Inflate tires to the recommended pressure and cover them from UV.

Winnebago’s RV winterizing guide covers model-specific considerations.

Don’t forget the patio and the shed

Patio cushions, grills, kayaks, lawn mowers and pressure washers all crowd the garage in winter. Clean them, let them dry fully, and run small engines dry or add stabilizer before storing. A drive-up unit makes loading heavy equipment easy.

Why store with Space Shop

Vehicle parking and unit types vary by facility. Find a location near you to see what’s available and reserve online.

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