Most travel trailers and fifth-wheels are too tall for conventional home garages. Some people do build extra-large garages for their trailers. This is the best way to store your rig between trips and prevent freezing in all but the harshest of winters. If your storage garage is wired, you can use an electric heater. This will eliminate the need for prepping the stored vehicle for freezing temperatures.

The next best thing to a garage is an extra-tall, covered carport for your trailer. While it may not prevent freezing, it will keep the sun damage down.

If these options are not available, you can still take steps to protect your investment while it is not in use:

• Empty, clean, and sanitize the holding tanks (fresh water, gray water, and black water) before storage.

• Remove all perishable foods. Remove canned foods if there is danger of freezing.

• Turn off the refrigerator and make sure the interior light is off to prevent drain on the battery.

• Prop the refrigerator door open slightly and place an open box of baking soda or a few charcoal briquettes inside to remove odors.

• Close window shades to prevent sun damage to upholstery.

• If the trailer has a rain cover, allow for ventilation.

• Turn off propane tanks.

• Cover the tires to reduce sun exposure.

• Turn off circuit breakers to prevent battery drainage.