Southern Boat and RV Blog

How to Keep Your RV Battery Healthy During Winter Storage (Texas Edition)

Introduction: Texas Winters Still Damage RV Batteries — Here’s How to Prevent It Texas may not get the deep freezes of northern states, but winter still causes one of the most expensive problems for RV owners: dead or damaged RV batteries. Cold snaps, extended idle time, and inconsistent charging can shorten battery life dramatically, especially if your RV is parked in the driveway or sitting unprotected in an open field. This guide breaks down the Texas-specific steps you need to keep your RV battery healthy all winter long, plus how storing your RV at a secure, covered facility like Southern Boat & RV Storage in Mansfield & Venus reduces battery wear and saves on long-term maintenance costs. 1. Disconnect the Battery if Your RV Will Sit for More Than 2 Weeks Even when everything is turned off, RVs still pull “parasitic loads” from: stereos CO detectors propane detectors refrigerators control boards inverters These small draws add up and can drain a battery to zero over a couple of weeks, even in mild Texas winters. ✔ What to do Disconnect the negative cable first. Store the battery in a cool, dry place. If leaving in your RV, ensure all breakers and appliances are off. Why it matters Letting a battery fully drain repeatedly cuts its lifespan by 30–50%. 2. Use a Smart Battery Maintainer (NOT a Basic Trickle Charger) Texas winter is inconsistent cold nights, warm days, and rapid temperature swings, which can cause batteries to discharge faster. A smart battery maintainer adjusts charging levels automatically to prevent: overcharging sulfation voltage drops deep discharge ✔ Best for Texas RV owners Use a maintainer rated for deep-cycle batteries, not car batteries. ✔ Pro Tip If your RV sits at Southern Boat & RV Storage, many customers simply cycle in monthly with a maintainer and perform quick checks in a secure, covered environment. 3. Keep the Battery Clean & Corrosion-Free Corrosion builds up faster when an RV sits unused, especially with humidity changes in North Texas. ✔ Quick maintenance steps Clean terminals with baking soda + water. Apply petroleum jelly or terminal protectant spray. Ensure connections are tight and secure. Why it matters Dirty terminals = inconsistent ...

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December 1st, 2025

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🛥 How Long-Term Storage Saves You Money on Boat Insurance

🛥 How Long-Term Storage Saves You Money on Boat Insurance The Smart Way to Protect Your Investment in Mansfield, TX Owning a boat in Texas is more than a hobby — it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re cruising on Joe Pool Lake, fishing on Cedar Creek, or taking weekend trips to Eagle Mountain Lake, your boat represents freedom, adventure, and a serious financial investment. But with that investment comes a responsibility most boat owners underestimate: the cost of insurance. Between premiums, liability coverage, and storm damage protection, your annual costs can add up fast. What many Texas boat owners don’t realize is that where and how you store your boat directly impacts your insurance rates and your long-term savings. Choosing a reliable, covered storage solution — like Southern Boat & RV Storage in Mansfield or Venus — can actually help you lower insurance premiums, reduce repair expenses, and protect your resale value. Let’s break down exactly how long-term boat storage can save you money — and why your insurance company will thank you for it. 1️⃣ Insurance Companies Reward Secure Storage Boat insurers love one thing: reduced risk. When you keep your boat in a gated, camera-monitored facility instead of in your driveway or backyard, your insurer sees a dramatically lower risk of: Theft or vandalism Storm or hail damage Fire exposure Accidental injury or liability This lower risk often translates to discounted insurance premiums — typically anywhere from 5% to 15% savings annually, depending on your provider. Some companies even offer additional discounts if you can provide proof that your boat is: ✅ Kept in a locked facility ✅ Monitored by 24/7 surveillance ✅ Stored in a covered or enclosed unit At Southern Boat & RV Storage, every space includes gated keypad access, 24-hour HD camera coverage, and well-lit lots, giving insurers the confidence that your vessel is protected even when you’re not around. 2️⃣ Long-Term Storage Prevents Costly Weather Damage If you’ve lived in North Texas long enough, you already know how unpredictable the weather can be. One day it’s 80°, the next ...

Southern Boat & RV Storage
November 6th, 2025

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Fall Maintenance Tips for RV and Boat Owners in North Texas

🛻 Fall Maintenance Tips for RV and Boat Owners in North Texas Keep your investment safe before storm season hits When the Texas heat starts to cool and the fall storms roll in, boat and RV owners know it’s time to prep for storage. Whether you’re wrapping up lake season at Joe Pool or parking your RV after a long summer on the road, proper maintenance before storage can save you from major headaches—and costly repairs—later. At Southern Boat & RV Storage, we help Mansfield, Venus, and DFW-area owners protect what they love most. Here’s your fall checklist for keeping your ride in top shape through the cooler months. 1️⃣ Clean Before You Park It might be tempting to back your rig into storage and call it a day, but cleaning first is one of the best things you can do. For boats: Rinse off lake water, algae, and salt residue to prevent corrosion. Don’t forget the hull and propeller. For RVs: Wash the roof, awnings, and sides to remove bugs and grime. Vacuum the interior and wipe down surfaces to keep pests away. 💡 Pro Tip: A clean surface prevents mold growth and makes spring prep much easier. 2️⃣ Drain and Protect Your Systems Water and cold weather don’t mix. Even though freezing temps in North Texas are rare, it only takes one cold snap to cause damage. Boats: Drain all live wells, bilge areas, and water tanks. Add marine antifreeze to any lines that can’t be fully drained. RVs: Flush and sanitize the water system, empty holding tanks, and use non-toxic RV antifreeze where needed. If you’re storing your unit long-term, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. 🔧 Bonus: Spray terminals with corrosion inhibitor to extend battery life. 3️⃣ Inspect Seals, Tires, and Roofs Texas sun and storms can be brutal on seals and rubber. Before storing: Check all window and roof seals for cracks or dry rot. Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Use tire covers to prevent UV damage and cracking. Lubricate door hinges, slides, and jacks. This ...

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October 13th, 2025

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Protect Your Boat & RV This Storm Season: Why Covered Storage in North Texas Is a Must

If you’ve lived in North Texas for more than a season, you know one thing for certain: the weather is unpredictable. One day it’s blue skies and sunshine, and the next it’s hail, heavy rain, and gusty winds. For boat and RV owners, that kind of weather isn’t just inconvenient, it can be downright costly. This fall, as storm season picks up, now is the time to think about where you’re storing your investment. Your boat or RV represents years of memories and thousands of dollars, and leaving it exposed in your driveway or backyard simply isn’t worth the risk. That’s where covered, secure storage comes in, and why Southern Boat & RV Storage in Mansfield and Venus is the trusted choice for lake-goers and road-trippers across the DFW area. Why Storm Season in Texas Is a Serious Threat North Texas sits right in the path of volatile weather systems. In fall and early winter, cold fronts collide with lingering warm air, creating strong storms. Here’s what that means for your boat or RV: - Hail Damage: Even a quick hailstorm can crack fiberglass, dent aluminum siding, and destroy windshields or skylights. - Heavy Rain & Flooding: Prolonged downpours can leak into seams and seals, causing interior water damage and mold. - High Winds: RV awnings, satellite dishes, and boat covers are vulnerable to strong gusts. Worse, unsecured vehicles can shift or tip. - UV Exposure: Even when storms clear, Texas sun takes its toll. Prolonged UV exposure weakens paint, rubber seals, and upholstery. When you add it all up, the financial risk of leaving your vehicle unprotected far outweighs the cost of secure storage. The Advantage of Covered Boat & RV Storage Not all storage is created equal. While outdoor parking is better than nothing, covered storage is the best line of defense against Texas weather. Here’s why: 1. Protection from Hail and Rain: A sturdy roof shields your vehicle from hailstones, falling branches, and driving rain. 2. UV Defense Year-Round: Covered storage ...

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September 22nd, 2025

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The Ultimate End-of-Season Boat Storage Checklist

🛥️ The Ultimate End-of-Season Boat Storage Checklist How to Protect Your Boat in Mansfield, TX and Beyond When lake season winds down in Mansfield, TX, it’s tempting to pull your boat out of the water and call it done. But storing your boat properly is about more than just putting it away until spring — it’s about protecting one of your biggest investments. Whether you enjoy weekends at Joe Pool Lake, Cedar Creek Lake, or Eagle Mountain Lake, the end of summer is the perfect time to prepare your boat for safe storage. This step-by-step off-season boat storage checklist will guide you through everything you need to know — from cleaning and maintenance to security and choosing the right boat storage in Mansfield, TX. Follow it, and you’ll save yourself money, stress, and headaches when it’s time to hit the water again. ✅ Step 1: Give Your Boat a Deep Clean Just like you wouldn’t put dirty dishes back in the cabinet, you shouldn’t put your boat into storage without cleaning it first. Wash the Exterior: Use marine soap and fresh water to remove dirt, algae, and salt. Scrub the Hull: Pay attention to the waterline and spots prone to buildup. Flush the Engine: Run fresh water through the cooling system to clear out debris. Clean the Interior: Remove food, drinks, and trash to avoid mold and pests. 👉 Pro Tip: Waxing your boat before storage helps protect the finish from Texas dust and moisture. ✅ Step 2: Protect Your Engine Your boat’s engine is the heart of your vessel — and the most expensive part to repair if something goes wrong. Change the Oil: Old oil can corrode engine parts. Replace Filters: Fuel, oil, and water-separating filters should be swapped out. Stabilize Fuel: Add a fuel stabilizer to keep fuel fresh during long-term boat storage. Run the Engine: After adding stabilizer, run the engine for 10–15 minutes. Fog the Cylinders: Spray fogging oil to prevent rust. 👉 Pro Tip: Don’t store with an empty tank — a full, stabilized tank prevents corrosion. ✅ Step 3: Take ...

Southern Boat & RV Storage
September 10th, 2025

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