How to Safely Store Your Boat or RV for the Off-Season

Josh Summerhays • December 15, 2025

The off-season is the perfect time to give your boat or RV some well-deserved rest and a little extra care. Whether you’re tucking your boat away for the winter or parking your RV for a break between trips, proper storage can keep your vehicle in top condition.

At Yelm Boat and RV Storage, we provide secure, convenient spaces to protect your investment, but you can also take a few extra steps to ensure your vehicle is ready for the next adventure.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Storing your boat or RV properly helps prevent:

Weather damage from exposure to sun, rain, or snow
Pests or rodents from making your vehicle their new home
Wear and tear on tires, engine parts, and interiors

The better your storage prep, the easier it will be to get back on the road or water when the season starts again.

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Your Boat or RV

1. Clean Thoroughly

Before you store your boat or RV, give it a thorough cleaning inside and out. This helps protect the exterior and removes debris that could attract pests.

Wash the hull of your boat and clean the RV exterior
Clean and dry the interior, paying attention to fabrics and upholstery
Don’t forget the tires, clean them off to prevent buildup

A seasonal checklist for RV and boat owners can help you make sure you’ve covered all the basics before you start the storage process.

2. Empty All Tanks and Systems

For both boats and RVs, it’s essential to drain any water, fuel, or waste systems to avoid issues like freezing pipes or mold buildup.

Drain the freshwater and wastewater tanks
Empty fuel tanks or add a fuel stabilizer
Check and maintain your battery

3. Cover It Up

Protect your boat or RV from dust, dirt, and weather damage with a good-quality cover.

Invest in breathable, weather-resistant covers
Secure the cover tightly, but allow for airflow to prevent moisture buildup
Use protective covers for wheels and tires as well

4. Check the Tires

Tires can take a beating when stored improperly, so make sure to:

Inflate tires to the proper pressure
Use tire covers to protect from UV rays
If possible, lift your boat or RV off the tires to avoid flat spots

5. Secure and Lock Everything

Lock all doors, windows, and compartments before leaving your boat or RV. Even when stored in a secure facility, a little extra security never hurts.

Use high-quality locks and chains for added protection
Consider a wheel lock or hitch lock to prevent theft

Rodents can also do real damage to wiring and interiors, so learning how to keep them out of stored vehicles adds an extra layer of protection.

Why Choose Yelm Boat and RV Storage?

At Yelm Boat and RV Storage, we offer the ideal space for storing your boat or RV:

Spacious, outdoor storage with easy access
Secure, fenced facility with 24/7 surveillance
Flexible rental options for short-term or long-term storage
Convenient location for easy drop-off and pickup

Ready to Store Your Boat or RV?

Whether you’re preparing for winter storage or taking a break between trips, Yelm Boat and RV Storage is here to make the process simple and secure.

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RV Depreciation and Why Storage Can Help Extend the Life of Your RV

By Josh Summerhays • February 16, 2026

Explore how RV depreciation works, what impacts the value of your vehicle over time, and how thoughtful storage solutions can help protect your investment.

Top RV and Boat-Friendly Outdoor Adventures Around Yelm, WA

January 30, 2026

Top RV and Boat Friendly Outdoor Adventures Around Yelm, WA If you are lucky enough to call Yelm, Washington home or you are visiting with your RV or boat, this area offers an incredible mix of outdoor activities, scenic drives, and waterfront recreation. Located just a short drive from Tacoma and Olympia, Yelm is surrounded by forests, lakes, and open space that make it ideal for RV and boat owners. Before heading out to explore, it helps to have a reliable place to park your vehicle between trips. Yelm Boat and RV at 557 NW Rhoton Road offers covered and uncovered vehicle parking designed specifically for RV, boat, and trailer owners. You can use the size guide to choose the right space for your vehicle. If you have questions about storage, visit the FAQ page . Why Yelm Is a Great Base for Outdoor Fun Yelm sits in the heart of the South Puget Sound region with easy access to highways, state parks, and waterways. It is the kind of location where you can store your RV or boat and be on the road or the water within minutes. Whether you are planning a day trip or a full weekend away, these destinations are worth the drive. Millersylvania State Park A Classic Pacific Northwest Outdoor Experience About 20 minutes from Yelm, Millersylvania State Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the area. The park offers forested campsites, hiking and biking trails, and a scenic lake that is perfect for paddling. Capitol Lake and the Deschutes River Boating, Fishing, and Riverside Views Near Olympia, Capitol Lake connects with the Deschutes River and offers calm water for kayaks, small boats, and fishing trips. The surrounding trails and picnic areas make this an easy and rewarding day trip when you do not want to travel far with your trailer. According to U.S. Census Bureau data for Thurston County, access to outdoor recreation is one of the reasons this area continues to attract residents and visitors. Scenic Drives and Exploring Around Mount Rainier A Must See for RV Travelers Mount Rainier National Park is one of Washington’s most well known landmarks. The scenic drives around the park offer breathtaking views, wildlife spotting, and trail access. Many RV owners explore the surrounding byways and park at trailheads for day hikes. Lake Mayfield A Larger Lake for Boating and Watersports About an hour from Yelm, Lake Mayfield is ideal for powerboating, fishing, and camping. With multiple boat launches and waterfront camping areas, this is a favorite weekend destination for boat owners. Scatter Creek Wildlife Recreation Area Hiking and Wildlife Watching Scatter Creek Wildlife Recreation Area features open prairie, oak woodlands, and peaceful walking trails. It is a great place to explore on foot before or after a trip with your RV. Lake Lawrence A Quiet Spot to Relax Lake Lawrence is a local favorite for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying a quiet afternoon by the water. Its proximity to Yelm makes it perfect for shorter outings. Tips for RV and Boat Owners Traveling Around Yelm Washington weather can change quickly, so it helps to plan trips with the seasons in mind and check road conditions before traveling. Some scenic roads near Mount Rainier can be narrow, so mapping your route ahead of time is important when towing a boat or driving a larger RV. When you return from your trip, having a dedicated place to store your vehicle makes life much easier. If you need preparation tips, read: How to Store Your RV for Winter in Yelm Washington