Home / Blog / Motorhome Repair & Storage Checklist for Doral RV Owners

The Motorhome Storage and Maintenance Checklist for Miami Heat and Hurricane Season

Most motorhomes spend more time parked than on the road. In South Florida, that downtime is when a lot of damage happens: sun bakes the roof, humidity creeps inside, batteries drain, and a hurricane can show up with only a few days' notice. This checklist will help you store your motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel the smart way, and spot problems early so a small fix doesn't turn into a big motorhome repair bill.

We're Tour America RV's, a family-owned RV repair and storage yard in Doral (33166) since 1999. We see what Miami weather does to parked rigs every day, and we put this list together for owners like you.

Why storage and maintenance go together

Storage isn't just about having a place to park. A rig that sits for weeks in Miami heat can come back with:

• Cracked roof sealant and new leaks
• Mold or musty smells from trapped humidity
• Dead batteries and a generator that won't start
• Flat-spotted or cracked tires
• Pests drawn in by leftover food

A few minutes of prep before storage, and a quick check every time you visit, prevents most of this.

Before you store: the prep checklist

Our how to prepare your RV for storage guide covers the basics. Here's the longer version for South Florida:

Inside

• Remove all food and empty the fridge. Leave the fridge door propped open.
• Wipe down counters and floors so you're not inviting ants or rodents.
• Close blinds to cut down on sun and heat inside.
• Take valuables and important papers home.

Tanks and systems

• Dump black and gray tanks if you can. If you need to, we offer sewage disposal when you arrive.
• Decide what to do with fresh water. We have water for filling tanks at the yard.
• Note your power needs. Some rigs and food trucks need electricity, so tell us when you call so we can park you in the right row.

Outside

• Retract and secure the awning.
• Close and latch all windows, vents, and compartments.
• Check tire pressure.
• Walk the roof line and look for cracked or peeling sealant.

Keys and access

• Make a key plan. Storage customers have 24-hour access, so make sure whoever picks up the rig next knows the gate routine.

While it's stored: a monthly check

Even in storage, your motorhome needs a little attention. Once a month or before every trip:

• Look for new stains on the ceiling or walls and sniff for musty odors.
• Check tires for pressure and cracks.
• Start the engine and generator if your owner's manual recommends it.
• Check the battery.
• Look at the roof seals again after any big storm.

Hurricane season: extra steps (June 1 to November 30)

When a storm is coming, you don't want to be scrambling. Do these early in the season:

1. Reseal the roof before the heavy rain arrives. Preventive roof sealing is part of our everyday repair work.
2. Fix small leaks now. Water damage to roofs, walls, and floors gets worse fast in a storm.
3. Secure the awning and loose gear so nothing turns into a projectile.
4. Test the generator and A/C in case you lose power at home.
5. Photograph your rig inside and out. If a storm causes damage, photos help with insurance.
6. Keep your insurance info handy. We handle insurance claims and can give you an estimate to send to your carrier.

After the storm passes, check for roof damage, water inside, and anything that shifted. Even if the outside looks okay, water can get in through small gaps.

Warning signs it's time for motorhome repair

Don't head out on your next trip if you notice any of these:

• Soft spots on the roof or floor
• Stains or bubbling on the ceiling, walls, or around windows
• An A/C that runs but won't cool
• A generator that won't start, surges, or cuts out
• A torn awning or one that won't retract
• A slide-out that sticks or makes new noises

These are all things we fix at our Doral shop, along with remodeling, fiberglass and aluminum siding, pop-up repair, tire mounting and balancing, and propane fills. We warranty our work. See the full list on our RV repair page.

What we store in Doral

Our yard holds:

• Class A, B, and C motorhomes
• Travel trailers and fifth wheels
• Food trucks, with or without electricity
• Boats with trailers
• Campers, fleet, and other rolling stock

For service, we roll the vehicle into a covered mechanic shop bay. The yard also has several covered outdoor bays (one of those is currently available for rent), plus uncovered outdoor storage.

Storage customers get 24-hour access, and cameras cover the yard. We have water for filling tanks, electric hookups, and food-oil recycling for trucks that cook. We're easy to get into with a trailer, about eight miles from Miami International Airport.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get to my motorhome after hours?

Yes. Storage customers have 24-hour access. Shop hours for repairs are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Is there security at the storage yard?

Cameras cover the yard. There's no overnight security staff on site.

Do you store boats and food trucks too?

Yes. We store boats with trailers and food trucks, with or without electricity, along with motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels.

Can you repair my RV while it's in storage?

Yes. For service, we roll the vehicle into a covered mechanic shop bay. Call 305.639.1919 and tell us what's going on. Repairs and storage are the two things we do every day, so you can cover both in one call.

Keep your motorhome ready for the next trip

A little prep now saves a lot of repair later. Ask about a space on our RV and boat storage page, book a check-up through our RV repair page, or visit the Tour America RV's homepage. Give us a call at 305.639.1919. We're at 5091 B NW 79th Avenue, Doral, FL 33166. Se habla español.