Taking Your Motorhome Out of Storage in Fairhope, AL: A Startup Checklist Before You Hit the Road
Before your first motorhome trip after storage, give yourself time to check the vehicle from top to bottom. Tires, batteries, fluids, and onboard systems can all need attention after sitting for months. Finding an issue in the driveway is much easier than dealing with it on the road. Use this checklist when taking your motorhome out of storage in Fairhope so you can head out with fewer surprises.
Start With the Outside
1. Walk around the whole coach. Look for new dents, cracks, or signs that something moved. 2. Inspect the roof from a ladder if it is safe. Look at the sealant around vents, the air conditioner, and any antennas. 3. Check the tires. Look for cracks in the sidewalls, flat spots, and low pressure. Inflate to the pressure listed for your load. 4. Examine the slide seals and the awning. Make sure they move freely and are not brittle. 5. Test every exterior light, including turn signals, brake lights, and marker lights.
Move to the Engine and Chassis
1. Check the oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. 2. Look under the coach for drips or stains. 3. Inspect the belts and hoses. 4. Check the battery terminals and voltage, then start the engine and let it run for several minutes. 5. Test the brakes with a slow roll before you leave the lot.
Bring the Living Space Back
1. Reconnect the house batteries and test the lights and outlets. 2. Flush and refill the fresh water system. If you winterized it, our motorhome winterizing checklist covers how to reverse the steps. 3. Test the water pump and check every faucet and fitting for leaks. 4. Run the generator under load, and check the air conditioner and heater. 5. Test the refrigerator and the propane system, and check the detectors for smoke, CO, and propane.
Before You Pull Out
Confirm your insurance and registration are current. Check the weather and any hurricane watches. Our hurricane season prep guide has what to do if a storm is in the forecast. Pack the cabin and secure loose items before you move. Do a lap around the block to listen for anything unusual.
If Your Motorhome Needs a Place to Wait
Enclosed storage can reduce a motorhome's exposure to sun, rain, and wind between trips. To see what a private unit includes, read our guide to enclosed RV storage in Fairhope. Sweetwater Storage offers private units that are 45 feet deep, 15 feet wide, and 14 feet tall. Some Class C and smaller Class A motorhomes may fit, but dimensions vary. Measure your coach, including rooftop equipment, before renting.
Located on Highway 181
Sweetwater Storage is at 19097 State Highway 181 in Fairhope, close to Daphne, Point Clear, Magnolia Springs, Spanish Fort, and Foley. We have 24-hour gate and unit access, and the office is open Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
