Spring and summer are just one long fun season for boat owners. But, before you get your boat on the water, take safety precautions first.

From the propeller, engine, and trailer, a little prep work will help you start the season right. You’ll enjoy the boating season like you’re meant to:

Boat De-Winterization Checklist

Look at your safety gear. Do you have enough life jackets? Are the ones you have in good shape? Do your navigation lights work? How are your fire extinguishers?

 Wash Winter Away

Early spring is an excellent time to wash, wax, and detail your boat. But, don’t use products you use to clean your home. They damage canvassing and vinyl. Use marine safe cleaners, waxes, and washers.

After gathering the cleaning supplies, remove everything from the boat. Vacuum and wipe down the engine and storage areas. Pay special attention to those hard-to-get nooks and crannies.

Other components to check include:

• Fuel system
• Belts
• Cables
• Hoses
• Fluid levels
• Battery
• Electrical system
• Propellers
• Cracks and blisters anywhere
• Trailer hubs
• Trailer lights
• Steering and throttle controls

Optimal Compliance

Give your safety a boost and tell a loved one your float plan. Where you’re going and when you’re coming back. If you don’t have these already, get the following items in case disaster strikes:

• Emergency radio beacon
• Boating insurance
• All relevant permits and licenses
• Carbon monoxide detector (if applicable)
• First aid kit
• Spare parts and tools
• Official nautical charts

 

Tiny Details

Inconveniences on your boating trip can make or break the experience. A common downer is an unexpected storm. Don’t let this defeat you. Make sure you check the weather forecast to ensure smooth sailing. Always make sure you have:

• Extra blankets and towels
• Sunscreen
• Extra pair of shades
• An inflatable ball
• Snorkels
• Water guns
• Bottle opener

When the temperature turns up, you want to be ready for the boating season. Getting a jump on the suggestions above will make sure you optimize your time.

Minimize your list and keep your boat safe at Party Barn Boat and RV Storage. We’ll treat your baby like it’s our own. Contact us today!

Spring is almost here! If you love adventure as much as we do, then this can only mean one thing to you: It’s time to get your RV in shape. You’re probably experiencing the excitement of knowing you can hit the road for springtime travel with your RV again. It’s, however, time for some spring maintenance before you can enjoy that amazing vacation.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting your RV ready for spring.  But first…

Why Should You De-winterize Your RV? 

To get it ready for springtime travel!

Before you put your RV in storage, you probably added chemicals such as antifreeze to prevent the freshwater from freezing and damaging the lines, pipes, and tanks. Now that the temperatures are rising, your RV plumbing no longer needs them.

De-winterizing also involves conducting a series of inspections and checks on the interior and exterior systems to ensure they’re okay.

Can I De-winterize My RV at Home? 

Yes.

You should note that even though de-winterizing your RV may seem easy, it’s important that you take your camper to a professional RV technician. There are, however, some steps you can take to expedite the process:

• Check for roof damage: If you stored your RV under a solid roof or rented enclosed storage and then covered it, there’s a high chance it doesn’t have roof damage. We, however, recommend that you conduct a roof inspection to check for rust, cracks, or small leaks.
• Inspect all appliances: Ensure all appliances including the microwave, awning, grill & stove are working as they should.
• Check the tire pressure: Your RV will have lost about 3 psi every month so it’s important that you inflate them. Make sure you also check for leaks or cracks on the main and spare tires.
• Check the RV batteries: Ensure the batteries aren’t cracked or corroded. You should also check the fluid levels and replace the battery if it’s damaged.

Most importantly, clean up your RV to get rid of the dust and dirt and conduct a visual inspection to check for additional issues such as mold growth. Note down every problem you encounter for the technicians to fix.

Contact Party Barn Boat & RV Storage Today!

The RV de-winterization process is complex. You can, however, make the process easy by ensuring your RV is properly stored when not in use. Let us help you keep your RV safe. Contact us today for the best RV storage solutions!

Now that you own a RV or boat, one of the most important investment’s is the upkeep. If your boat or RV isn’t in use, where do you store it? Keep reading more details below to discover useful storage prep tips for your recreational vehicle or boat.

Cool Tips For Storing Your RV Or Boat

1. Prep Cleaning

“Never store an unclean RV or boat,” says professional boat and RV storage expert Party Barn Boat & RV Storage. Pressure washing is a proven and affordable way to ensure your recreational vehicle or boat is ready for extended or seasonal storage.

2. Maintenance

Always ensure your boat or RV is in top mechanical shape before storage. Maintenance should include the performance and operation of your recreational vehicle or boat. Your tires, interior, and exterior should receive a once over visual too. The insulation is another important factor to avoid wear and tear from the elements. However, enclosed storage space is a great way to ensure your boat or RV is protected from extreme temperatures.

3. Insurance

An act of God can occur which could leave your RV or boat damaged. If you have insurance, your investment is financially covered in the case of an unforeseeable event.

Why Customers Prefer Party Barn Boat & RV Storage

If you’re storing your boat in Texas, it’s imperative to have a knowledgeable professional. Party Barn Boat & RV Storage are trusted storage professionals.

Our facility is conveniently located near Lake Ray Hubbard and Lake Lavon. Best of all, we offer diverse storage options including enclosed and open spaces.

To further ensure the safety of your recreational vehicle or boat, we offer a secure access code which allows you to gain entry at any time. You’re invited to contact us for prep ideas or to store your RV or boat today.

If you have a trailer that you only use seasonally, or that you simply don’t have room to store on your own property, then you may want to consider storing it at a storage facility. Self storage facilities are great for storing trailers, and they have a lot to offer you. Here are two great reasons to rent a storage space for your trailer.

You Have Multiple Storage Options

One great reason to rent a storage space for your trailer within a storage facility is because you have so many storage options that you can choose from. Having so many options makes it possible for you to get the exact type of storage that you’d like, for a price that fits your budget.

You can choose to go with uncovered, covered or enclosed storage. Uncovered storage is a space within the facility where you can park your trailer, and it will be kept safe within the enclosure of the storage facility. Covered storage offers a cover for your trailer that can help to protect it from the elements, such as sun exposure, rain, hail, etc. Lastly, you can go with the highest level of protection offered, which is enclosed storage. This creates an enclosure that shuts your trailer inside and offers it full protection.

 You Have Easy Access To Your Trailer 

Another great reason to rent a storage space for your trailer is because you have easy access to it. You will be given a code to open the gate into the storage facility and this can be entered without ever leaving your car.

This makes the process of getting to your trailer simple and allows you to access it with ease. This is perfect if you use your trailer often and need to be able to get to it quickly and easily.

To rent a storage space at an excellent storage facility today, visit us at Party Barn Boat & RV Storage.

Winter is officially here and you might be thinking about winterizing your RV for the off-season. Here are 5 tips that will help get your RV ready for winter storage.

Choose a storage facility

An important first step to prepping your RV for winter storage is finding a reputable and safe facility. Located within 3 miles of both Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard Party Barn Boat & RV Storage is the perfect choice for your storage needs. We offer covered, enclosed, and uncovered storage to fit all of your storage needs. Party Barn Boat & RV Storage has over 5 acres of space and many amenities, including electrical hookups and 12 inch crushed asphalt surfaces to ensure sturdy ground for your RV. We provide our customers with a 4 digit private access code for added security and convenience.

Clean out all food and personal items

Be sure to prevent rodents and bugs from setting up camp over the winter. It is vital to clean out your pantry and cupboards to ensure that food isn’t left on the RV. Be sure that garbage cans have been emptied and all surfaces have been washed to eliminate the smell of food. You could also consider setting up some traps to be proactive against rodents.

Prepare all tanks and winterize pipes

Removing liquids before the cold season comes is an important step in winterizing your RV. You’ll want to make sure that all pumps have been drained and that water has been run through your faucets to avoid accidentally freezing pipes and fittings. You’ll also want to choose an RV-specific antifreeze at this time. Be sure to empty all of the gray and black water tanks and use a cleaning product to avoid unwanted odors from forming while your RV is in storage.

Protect your RV from the elements.

Winter can bring harsh temperatures and precipitation. If you choose covered or uncovered storage, you will want to cover your RV to protect it from the elements. When planning to cover your RV, be sure to use an RV-specific cover for your RV and tires rather than choosing just a traditional tarp or blanket. This will ensure protection from harmful UV rays and severe weather.

Store your RV battery

Remove your RV battery and find a suitable space to store it for the winter. Be sure to store your battery somewhere that is dry and not exposed to cold temperatures. This is an important step in your winterizing process because if your battery freezes, it could be damaged. You’ll want to periodically check your battery for a charge over the winter.

Thank you for reading our Winter RV Storage tips. Contact Party Barn Boat & RV Storage today!

If you have a boat of your own, you know just how important it is for you to take good care of it. A great way to make this happen is to store your boat in a covered storage unit, at a storage facility, when you aren’t using it. Here are some reasons why covered storage is such an excellent option for your boat.

It Protects Your Boat From The Elements 

Another great reason to store your boat in covered storage is to protect it from the elements. Covered storage provides a shelter for your boat that protects it from wind, rain, snow, sleet, hail, and more. This helps to keep your boat from getting damaged, which increases the overall life of your boat and helps you avoid added costs for repairs.

It Frees Up Space In Your Garage 

Choosing covered storage is also a great option for your boat because it frees up a great deal of space in your garage. This is very important if you have a small garage and need more space, or if you are hoping to purchase another recreational vehicle, and you need room to store it.

It Keeps Your Boat Secure

Another great reason to store your boat in covered storage is because it is a very secure place to store your boat. Storing your boat in the backyard, or even on the water, is often not the safest option for your boat. Thankfully, storing your boat in covered storage encloses it in a facility that is protected by fencing, security cameras, gates, padlocks, and more. This makes it incredibly difficult for anyone to get to your boat if you don’t want them to.

To learn more reasons why covered storage is an excellent option for your boat, or to rent out a covered storage unit for your boat today, visit us at Party Barn Boat & RV Storage.

As the winter approaches, many people want to know, “how cold is too cold for an RV?” Keep reading more details below for some handy tips and ideas from the professionals at Party Barn Boat & RV Storage about the impact of cold weather on your RV.

When Is It Too Cold For My RV?

1. Excessive Need For Heat

There’s nothing wrong with camping in the winter with your RV, but some temperatures are just extremely too cold. When the temperature outside reaches the teens or below 0°, you should consider storing your recreational vehicle in an enclosed environment. Cold weather can cause your RV heating system to work overtime and potentially malfunction leaving you at a greater risk for frostbite or hypothermia.

2. Insulation

Overtime, the insulation in your RV can begin to wear. Not too many RV owners consider their insulation before the winter sets in. Without the proper insulation, it’s harder to keep heat stored inside your recreational vehicle. In fact, poor insulation will cause the heat to escape and run up the cost of heating your RV. The rising cost of heating your RV because of poor insulation can include propane heating or a heat pump.

3. The Elements

Extreme elements is one of the easiest ways to tell if your RV has had enough of the winter. For example, excess sleet, snow, or wind can cause damage to your RV. The elements can also cause unexpected mechanical issues too. The most damage from the elements is caused by an unsheltered parked RV in the winter.

What You Can Do To Protect Your RV In Extreme Weather

At Party Barn Boat & RV Storage, we have the proper storage options for your recreational vehicle in extreme weather. Our enclosed storage protects your RV from the elements. We offer a 12-inch crushed asphalt surface to protect your tires from the cold too. Check on your RV at anytime with a private passcode that allows you to gain access to our facility. Want to protect your RV from extreme temperatures? You’re invited to contact us to reserve your space today.

 

The RV trend is making a comeback as more people are trying to bond and save money. An RV allows you to tackle the open road while being in complete control of your trip. You have the option of making it a staycation with that someone special or a vacation that’s great for the whole family. Best of all, an RV is a great travel option for any time of year. Enjoy the open road over the summer and camp out at many exciting campsites or enjoy the beauty of the fall color scheme.

But, many people hesitate to invest in an RV because they aren’t sure if they need a special license. The storage experts at Party Barn Boat & RV Storage answers your questions about a special license requirement for an RV being necessary or not.

Do I Need A Special License To Drive An RV?

Each state has their own requirements for the operation and ownership of an RV. Generally, you don’t need a special license to drive a recreational vehicle. You can drive an RV with a class C state driver’s license. However, in a select few states if your RV is over a certain weight or passenger threshold a CDL license is required. For example, if your RV weighs over 26,000 pounds or has over 12 to 16 passengers, a CDL license is required in certain states.

That’s good news for a traditional or prospective RV owner because they won’t need a special license to operate their RV. This means RV licensing is determined by weight and size limits. If you have a smaller RV, there’s nothing more needed for over the road operation other than a standard state driver’s license. So, get out, own the road, and take your RV! (Check your state RV licensing guidelines for more specific details).

Ready To Store Your RV? We Got You Covered

Party Barn Boat & RV Storage are the leaders in recreational vehicle storage. We offer open and enclosed space based on your specific needs. Never worry about your tires from lingering on the ground because we feature 12 inch asphalt to help preserve the condition of your RV wheels. Our customer service professionals are friendly and ready to answer your questions. You’re invited to contact us for more details.

When fall comes around the days get shorter, the weather gets cooler and boating season comes to an end. For boat owners this means the daunting task of getting the boat ready for winter is right around the corner. Boat storage preparation is an important step for all to take. It does not have to be stressful and frustrating. There are many articles written on winterizing your boat’s engine but fewer articles focus on the other parts of your investment. The time between getting the boat out of the water and into storage is a good opportunity to do some cleaning that you may have been putting off, not to mention the important steps that can be taken to prevent any pesky winter invaders!

One important step is to give everything an adequate cleaning, inside and out. Give the hull a thorough scrubbing to remove any algae, weeds or grime that has built up over the summer. Do not forget to pull the drain plug and let any water on the inside drain as well. Clean the inside of the boat and any portions of the bilge you can get to. After cleaning, open up compartments or other hatches to help circulate air, water in the bilge does not smell pleasant come spring! Clean any upholstery and repair any rips or tears. Also, pull any electronics and store them indoors.

Another step to take is to prevent mice from wreaking havoc while your boat is in storage. Remove items that would make comfy mouse bedding from the boat: seat cushions, life jackets, ropes, etc. If unable to store these items outside of the boat, place in plastic totes with locking lids. Finally, consider some home remedies to deter mice. Spread several dryer sheets throughout the boat as one option. Another mouse deterrent to try is crushed moth balls, place several plastic cups of crushed moth balls throughout the boat, the smell will help keep them away.

With a few small steps to prep your whole boat for storage you can look forward to a worry-free and stress-free start to the boating season!

Contact us at Party Barn Boat & RV Storage for more information on storing your boat!

The end of summer is in sight, which means our favorite time of the year has come to a close. Temperatures will soon be dropping below freezing for winter hibernation! But don’t let your recreational vehicle go without protection from harsh conditions because we’re here with five tips on how you can store it properly for the season.

Tips to Follow When Storing your RV for winter

Drain the RV water system

Before you store your RV, drain the pumps and flush any remaining water from the system. That will prevent frozen lines, which can cause damage in potentially expensive situations. Ensure that everything has been drained by opening every fitting on each, pumping the RV safely antifreeze into the water system. Thoroughly clean all the other parts of the RV in preparation for storage.

Repair your RV before storing it

The off-season is an excellent time for repairs. Repair prices are great during this season, and that will save you money.

Choose the suitable storage facility for your RV

Choose the right storage for your RV, whether you need seasonal or permanent space. It’s advisable to store your RV in an enclosed space or cover. Parking it in front of trees or underbrush could present problems with windstorms, which is why you should look out for shelter from these types of natural disasters. The storage space you choose should keep out bugs and other insects.

Store the RV Batteries in a dry place

The batteries in your RV are essential for safe travel and should be treated with care. Remove them from the RV and make sure they stay dry to avoid short-term damage or long-term harm due to cold temperatures!

Keep Tabs on your RV

Taking care of and maintaining your recreational vehicle is crucial. Power it regularly to energize it.

Ready to store your RV? We are the best bet! The best way to keep your RV is by preparing it for storage. More time spent now will make a huge difference when you get it out again. We have different forms of storage to suit every need, so call us today or visit and see what we offer.