If you’re looking forward to summer adventures in your RV, now is the time to get it ready for the road. With this guide, you can prep your RV so that it’s road trip ready, and you can focus on having fun with the family. Discover all of the best tips from NSA Storage, and make sure your next RV adventure is fun-filled and stress-free!

Step-by-Step On How to Prep Your RV

Below you’ll find a step-by-step checklist for prepping your RV before you get underway this summer. From cleaning and repairs to restocking, follow the list to prep your RV like a pro!

1. Inspect your RV’s Exterior Thoroughly

The exterior of your RV can take a lot of damage during the winter, especially if stored outside. Thoroughly checking the exterior is important, including the following;

• Look for any cracks in the roof and windows, especially at the seals.
• Check for any damage caused by ice, snow, or wind.
• Ensure that all doors and windows close tightly.
• Wash your RV thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime that accumulated over the winter.
• Wax your RV to protect it from the sun’s UV rays.

2. Take a Good Look at Your Tires

A flat tire during a road trip can put a big dent in your summer adventures. To prevent that, be sure to do the following;

• Inflate all tires to their proper PSI. (It should be listed in your RVs manual.)
• Inspect every tire for any flat spots spots or deep cracks
• Go around to each tire and tighten the lug nuts.
• Check your spare tire to make sure it’s in good shape.

Important Tip– Even if your tires look fine, if they’re more than six years old, experts recommend replacing them. Dry rot is a big problem for RV tires.

3. Test the Brakes

Whether your RV is big or small, your safety depends on having brakes that function correctly. To make sure they do, take a short, slow spin around your block to test them. If they don’t seem to be working perfectly, have your mechanic check them and replace any worn brake pads.

4. Flush Your RV’s Water System

Clean, running water is important for any summer road trip, especially if you go to the beach and swim in salty water. Before leaving home, be sure to run through these checks:

• Turn on all of your faucets and showers to check for leaks.
• Connect your RV to a clean water source and flush its entire water system.
• Test your toilet(s) and shower(s) to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
• Use an RV-approved bleach or sanitizer to sanitize your freshwater tank. Let it sit for about 12 hours and then flush and sanitize it again.
• Check all hoses and water supply connectors for leaks.
• Refill your water tank with fresh, clean water before you leave.

5. Test the Lights and Electrical System

Having a dependable electrical system in your RV is, understandably, important. To ensure it’s working properly, do the following:

• Turn on all of the interior and exterior lights to make sure they’re working.
• Check every outlet and the power cord.
• Inspect the breakers to be sure they’re all functioning.
• Replace any bulbs or blown fuses you find.
• If your RV has a generator, be sure to test it.

Important Tip– Take along a few extra fuses as well as power adapters and extension cords, just in case.

6. Inspect All the RV’s Appliances 

If you’ll be living in your RV, having appliances that work is a must. After all, you’ll need to keep your food fresh, and be able to cook it. To be sure you eat well during your summer RV adventure, be sure to:

• Check your refrigerator to be sure it’s getting and staying cold.
• If you have a water heater, check to be sure that it’s functioning properly.
• Test your stove top, microwave, or other appliances to make sure they’re working.
• Turn on the air-conditioning and make sure it’s blowing cold air at the correct level.

7. Have Your RV’s Oil and Fluids Checked and Changed

Your RV depends on engine oil and other fluids to run correctly and get you where you want to go. Before leaving on your summer RV adventure, be sure to:

• Check the oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
• If needed, refill the windshield wiper fluid.
• Check all coolant levels and also check for leaks. If you’re not sure how to do that, ask your RV dealer.

8. Clean and Organize the Interior of Your RV

While it won’t make a difference in getting to your destination, having a clean and organized RV will make the trip more enjoyable. Be sure to:

• Wipe down all flat surfaces including countertops and cabinets.
• Vacuum your carpets and sweep the floors.
• Check all bed and bathroom linens and, if needed, wash or replace them.
• Restock cleaning supplies like paper towels, soap, and toiletries.
• Open the windows to let in some fresh air and get rid of any unpleasant odors.

9. Check Your RV’s Registration and Insurance

Although unpleasant, accidents can happen when you’re traveling the highways and byways of the United States. For that reason, it’s extremely important that you check your RVs registration and insurance before leaving. Be sure to:

• Check that your RV registration is current.
• Check that your insurance is up-to-date and valid.
• Put copies of all document documents in a folder and place them somewhere safe inside your RV.

Important Tip– If you don’t have it, consider adding roadside assistance to your insurance. If your RV breaks down or you have a problem on the road, roadside assistance can be invaluable.

10. Restock All Essentials

You’ll need a lot of essentials to make sure your summer RV adventure goes smoothly. It’s best to restock all of them before you leave. That way, you won’t have to waste time finding them at a store when you’re on the road. Here’s a quick list:

• A first aid kit
• A fire extinguisher
• A flashlight and rechargeable batteries
• Toilet paper made specifically for RVs
• An extra water hose
• Cooking tools and supplies
• A basic tool set
• Cleaning supplies
• A sewer hose and heavy duty gloves

Fun Tip– Be sure to bring board games and toys for the kids as well as books if you love to read.

Store Your RV When the Summer Adventures are Over

If you prep your RV well, you’ll have a great time on the road without too many hiccups. We hope the RV prepping tips above help you prep your RV and make some magical memories this summer!

At select NSA Storage facilities, you can store your RV in the off season so it’s not taking up room in your garage or driveway. Many of our safe, secure storage facilities have covered RV storage for the ultimate protection from the elements. Reserve your RV storage space online today. Until then, have a fantastic summer traveling the country in your fully-prepped RV!

The post How to Prep your RV for Summer Adventures appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Owning an RV can be a ticket to freedom. If you own one, you know having an RV allows you to roam at your leisure and explore much more than you would in other situations. One day you can be at the shore, looking at the sea, and the next in the mountains. Fantastic! One common challenge that many RV owners have, though, is a lack of usable storage space. Let’s face it, even an extra large RV doesn’t have nearly as much storage space as most people have at home. That makes maximizing RV camper storage space a must!

To help you do just that, the storage specialists at NSA Storage put together the fact filled article for you, below! It’s 7 RV camper storage tips to maximize space, and make every adventure more enjoyable! To get the most out of your RV camper’s storage space and learn where to store it in the off-season, read on!

1. Declutter

One common problem many RV owners have is that they tend to collect all sorts of stuff as they travel. A cup here, a plate there, along with pillows, plaques, and other tchotchkes. That’s OK at home but, in an RV, can quickly become problematic. Drawers get stuffed to the max, cabinets start overflowing. and any extra space is completely filled.

For that reason, decluttering is the first step towards maximizing RV camper storage space. You can do that by first deciding what items you definitely don’t need, want, or use. Next, donate, sell, or throw away those items to get them out of your RV.

Once that’s done, you’ll have a blank slate to start with while you maximize your space. It might take a little bit of time and effort but, trust us, it’s worth it.

2. Organize Everything

It’s almost impossible to maximize storage space if your RV is completely disorganized. For that reason, organizing everything should be your next step after decluttering. 

You could start by sorting your belongings into categories, including essentials, seasonal, and rarely used. Then, organize cabinets, drawers, and any other storage spots in your RV. You can also be decluttering along the way!

Once everything is decluttered and organized, you’ll likely find that you have a lot more storage space to work with. That’s when maximizing your RV camper storage space really gets interesting!

3. Don’t Overlook Furniture that Also Offers Storage 

When storage space is at a premium, furniture that also offers storage is an excellent solution. That goes for your home as well as your RV camper. Any extra storage space can make your life on the road more enjoyable and comfortable.

Some good examples are benches that fold out into beds with storage underneath, as well as storage drawers underneath fixed beds. An ottoman, or foot rest, with extra storage is also a great choice.

Murphy beds with shelving (once they are lifted up) can be an excellent way to get more storage. So can lift up coffee tables with storage underneath. Foldable or nesting tables and chairs are also a great idea. If it has extra storage space and has a valuable use, it’s likely a good choice.

4. Only Take What You Need and Use Regularly

This tip refers to a situation many RV campers create for themselves: taking too much stuff on the road. If you’re going to be camping out, you’ll want to travel light. Yes, it’s high-end camping, but camping nonetheless. 

For that reason, you don’t need to bring, for example, all of your clothing or shoes. Twelve pairs of shoes? That might be a bit excessive in an RV, and will almost undoubtedly use up way too much space. You also don’t need every single gadget, like can openers, espresso machines, charging cables, and so forth. Leave the gadgets at home and life on the road will be more simple and less cluttered.

One excellent suggestion is to evaluate your trip before you leave and determine what, exactly, you’ll need. If it’s summer, for example, you certainly won’t need a ski parka, gloves and winter boots. The same can be set for winter, when bikinis, tank tops and flip-flops probably won’t be needed.

5. Take Advantage of Vertical RV Camper Storage Space

One excellent storage space that many RV owners overlook is vertical space. That’s the space on the walls, usually above your head, which is typically empty. Hanging shelves, for example, is a great way to utilize vertical space. The same could be said for nets that you can use for lightweight items. When full they work great, and when empty they take up almost no space.

You can also find adhesive hooks and other organizers in most big box stores. These are perfect for organizing and maximizing space in your kitchen and bathroom by utilizing all of the vertical space available.

6. Use Stackable and Collapsible Items whenever Possible

A lot of household items, like cookware, take up a lot of cupboard space. Collapsible cookware, however, become smaller when they’re ready to be stored. The same can be said for many other items, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. That includes, for example, collapsible measuring cups, collapsible food containers, and collapsible mixing bowls.

Then there’s stackable items, which are perfect for RV camper storage maximization. Being able to stack storage containers, pots, and other items, especially when they aren’t being used, takes up much less storage space.

7. Declutter Again

Yes, we did mention decluttering at the beginning of this article. However, if you’re like many RV owners, clutter tends to happen on its own. That’s why, every so often, you should declutter again. It’s simply one of the best ways to maximize storage space while enjoying life on the road.

Store Your RV With NSA Storage

If you need camper storage in the off-season, we highly recommend a self storage facility. The best tend to have excellent security and safety measures, as well as  facilities that are easy to enter and exit. If your HOA prohibits parking your RV camper in your driveway, parking it in a storage facility is a great choice. You’ll have full access and sleep well at night knowing that your RV is in good hands.

NSA Storage has self storage facilities across the United States and many of them provide RV storage also. Some of them also offer covered storage and, depending on the size of your RV, indoor storage. If you truly want to protect your RV investment, storing it in our secure self storage facilities is an excellent choice. With 24/7 security, easy access, and spacious parking, storing your RV in a storage facility simply makes sense. If you’d like to reserve a storage space for your RV camper, you can do so online in minutes. Once done, you can simply pull in, and the on-site manager will show you to your new spot.

We hope you enjoyed these pro tips to help you maximize the storage space in your RV camper! We wish you all the fun, excitement, and adventure that life in an RV can bring!

The post 7 RV Camper Storage Tips to Maximize Space appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

Colorado is without a doubt one of the most scenic states in the U.S. The Centennial State offers endless opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy natural beauty, amazing scenery, and incredibly fresh air! All of these things and more make Colorado a great place for RV camping!  

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best spots for RV camping in Colorado. You’ll also find tips on storing your RV and gear when you’re not on the road. All of it is brought to you by iStorage, the Rocky Mountain storage specialists. Read on to discover more and enjoy your RV camping adventure to the fullest!

Why Colorado Is Ideal for RV Camping 

• Scenic Drives: Colorado’s winding mountain roads offer some of the most picturesque drives in the United States! Traveling in an RV lets you experience these views up close, with the freedom to stop and explore.
• Year-Round Camping: Colorado’s diverse geography means RV camping is possible year-round. In the summer, head to the mountains to escape the heat. During the winter, you can RV camp in warmer areas like Pueblo West. 
• Outdoor Activities: Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, boating, skiing, horseback riding, or just exploring Colorado has it all. RV camping allows you to set up camp close to your favorite activities. This, in turn, provides a convenient base for exploring the area you choose. 

Fort Collins, Colorado 

Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins is a favorite destination for many RV campers. Known for its vibrant outdoor culture, you’ll also have easy access to hiking, biking, and fishing. One of the most popular spots is Horsetooth Reservoir, where campers can enjoy fun watersports and magnificent views. Campgrounds in the area offer full hookups, making it ideal for RVs of all sizes. 

Top Campgrounds in Fort Collins: 

• Horsetooth Reservoir Campground – With electric hookups and nearby trails, this RV campground is perfect for those who love outdoor activities. 
• Fort Collins KOA Lakeside – A family-friendly RV campground with amenities like a pool, fishing pond, and mini-golf. 
• Riverview RV Park – Situated along the banks of the Big Thompson River, this campground provides a peaceful setting with convenient access to both Fort Collins and nearby natural attractions. 
• Wellington KOA – Located just north of Fort Collins, this campground offers a quiet spot for RV campers while being close enough to enjoy the city’s amenities and outdoor activities. 

Colorado Springs, Colorado 

RV camping in Colorado Springs offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty, tranquility, and cultural attractions. With Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak nearby, this stunning area is a must-visit for RV campers! Colorado Springs has several well-maintained RV parks that provide easy access to these iconic locations. 

Top Campgrounds in Colorado Springs: 

• Garden of the Gods RV Resort – Located near the iconic Garden of the Gods park, this campground offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, and a heated pool. It’s ideal for exploring local attractions like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. 
• Cheyenne Mountain State Park – Set against the backdrop of Cheyenne Mountain, this state park provides stunning views and ample outdoor activities. The park is perfect for those seeking a peaceful, natural setting. 
• Colorado Springs KOA Holiday – A family-friendly campground with a wide range of amenities, including a pool, hot tub, and water slide.  
• Goldfield RV Park – Conveniently located near downtown Colorado Springs, this RV park provides a simple, no-frills camping experience for those looking to explore local attractions. 

Pueblo West, Colorado 

For those RVers seeking a quieter camping experience, Pueblo West is an excellent choice. It’s less crowded than other spots, making it ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle. Pueblo Reservoir State Park is a favorite destination for RV camping in this area. It offers plenty of recreational activities like boating, fishing, and hiking, among many others. 

Top Campgrounds in Pueblo West: 

• Lake Pueblo State Park – Known for its large lake and scenic campsites, this park is great for RVers who enjoy water activities. 
• Haggard’s RV Campground – A peaceful, family-run campground that offers full hookups and great views of the surrounding landscape. 

How to Store Your RV and Camping Gear 

When you’re not RV camping in Colorado, finding a safe, secure place to store your RV is critical. Colorado’s often extreme weather, from heavy snow to intense sunlight, can take a heavy toll on your RV. Here are some storage options to consider: 

• RV Self Storage: Many iStorage facilites offer RV parking storage for safe and convenient vehicle storage. They provide a locked space for your RV and often offer month-to-month rental options, making it easy to store your camper between trips.
• Covered RV Storage: If you’re looking for extra protection from the elements, covered RV storage is a great choice. Covered RV storage from iStorage protects your RV from snow, hail, and the harsh Colorado sun. 
• Indoor Storage: Teardrop and other, smaller RVs can often fit inside a self-storage unit. If you’d like the benefits of indoor, covered storage but don’t need all that space, you might consider renting a suitably-sized storage unit from iStorage. 

RV camping in Colorado offers endless adventures, from the culture of Fort Collins to the scenic beauty of Colorado Springs. Whether you’re an experienced RV traveler or newbie, there’s a perfect spot for you in this stunning state. When you’re not on the road, store your vehicle with RV storage from iStorage to protect your RV investment and ensure it’s ready for your next camping adventure! 

The post The Best Areas for RV Camping in Colorado  appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.