Seasonal Checklist for RV and Boat Owners Before Storage

Josh Summerhays • December 15, 2025

As boating and RV seasons come to a close, it’s important to properly prepare your vehicle for storage. Taking a few key steps now can help protect your investment from damage and ensure a smooth return to the road or water when the time comes.

Before you jump into the details, this piece on how to safely store your boat or RV for the off-season gives a great overview of what good storage prep looks like.

At Yelm Boat and RV Storage, we’re here to help you get your RV or boat ready with this straightforward seasonal checklist.

1. Clean the Interior and Exterior

Remove all food, trash, and personal items to prevent odors and pests. Clean and disinfect surfaces, vacuum floors, and wipe down appliances.

Boat

Wash the hull, deck, and interior thoroughly. Remove electronics, fishing gear, and life jackets. Let everything dry completely to avoid mold and mildew.

2. Inspect for Damage

Check for cracks, leaks, or signs of wear both inside and outside your RV or boat. Addressing these issues early helps prevent more serious problems during the off-season.

3. Drain Water Systems

Drain fresh water, gray water, and black water tanks. If freezing temperatures are expected, add RV-safe antifreeze to plumbing lines.

Boat

Drain water from the bilge, engine, and freshwater systems. Use marine antifreeze where needed to protect against freezing.

4. Disconnect the Battery

Remove or disconnect the battery to prevent drain while in storage. Store batteries in a cool, dry place and check them periodically.

5. Change Oil and Top Off Fluids

Old oil can corrode engine components during storage. Change the oil and filter, and top off essential fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.

6. Cover Your Vehicle

Use a high-quality, breathable cover to protect your RV or boat from sun, rain, and debris. A proper cover helps preserve paint, upholstery, and seals.

7. Check Tires and Trailer Components

Inflate RV and trailer tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Use tire covers to protect against UV exposure. Inspect trailers for rust, loose bolts, or worn parts.

While you’re checking tire pressure and components, it’s worth spending a minute reviewing how to check both tires and batteries before long-term storage so nothing surprises you down the road.

8. Stabilize Fuel

Fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel breakdown and condensation. Run the engine briefly to circulate the stabilizer through the system.

9. Prevent Pest Intrusion

Seal vents, windows, and openings to deter rodents and insects. Use pest repellents or traps that are safe for vehicle storage.

10. Choose a Reliable Storage Facility

Storing your RV or boat at a secure, well-maintained facility is just as important as vehicle preparation. At Yelm Boat and RV Storage, we offer:

Gated and secure access
Spacious storage for large vehicles
Covered and uncovered parking options
Flexible month-to-month leases
Convenient location in Yelm, WA

Get Ready for the Off-Season with Yelm Boat and RV Storage

Proper preparation and reliable storage go hand in hand. Follow this checklist and trust Yelm Boat and RV Storage to protect your RV or boat until your next adventure.

Reserve your space today or contact our team to learn more about available storage options.

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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