Protecting Your Boat and Peace of Mind with PDX Auto Storage
At PDX Auto Storage, we know that owning a boat is both a joy and a responsibility. Choosing where and how to store it during the off-season can make all the difference in how ready you are when the next boating season arrives.
The Reality of Pacific Northwest Weather
From heavy rains to freezing nights, Oregon and Washington winters can be tough on exposed boats. Moisture leads to:
Mold and mildew in upholstery and cabins.
Corrosion on electrical systems and engine parts.
Warping and paint damage from freeze–thaw cycles.
Even if you keep your boat on a trailer, leaving it uncovered or parked curbside invites weather damage, vandalism, and costly repairs come spring.
Why Secure Off-Season Storage Is the Smart Choice
Protection from the Elements A designated storage space keeps your boat elevated, covered, and away from pooling water, ensuring seals, bearings, and hull finishes stay intact through months of rain.
Enhanced Security At PDX Auto Storage, we take safety seriously — our facility is double-fenced, well-lit, and monitored 24/7. Whether you’re storing a small fishing boat or a full-size cruiser, you’ll know it’s protected from theft or tampering.
Convenience Near Portland International Airport (PDX) Located just minutes from the airport and major freeways, our storage lot is perfect for travelers or weekend boaters who want quick access without city congestion.
Peace of Mind for the Off-Season Knowing your investment is safe means you can focus on other winter projects — or start planning next summer’s launch date — without worrying about your boat deteriorating in the driveway.
Tips for Pre-Storage Boat Prep
Before bringing your boat to storage:
Drain water from the bilge, tanks, and lines
Add fuel stabilizer and run the engine briefly to circulate it.
Disconnect batteries and cover exposed electrical points.
Clean and dry all surfaces to prevent mold growth.
Use a breathable, waterproof cover that fits snugly.
Our team is happy to recommend winterization resources and local service partners to help ensure your boat is storage-ready before drop-off.
Locally Owned. Northwest Proud.
For over 27 years, PDX Auto Storage has been part of Portland’s local outdoor and travel community. We’ve helped countless boat, RV, and auto owners protect their investments through Oregon’s unpredictable seasons. When you choose a secure, locally owned facility, you’re not just buying space — you’re gaining a trusted partner who understands the Pacific Northwest lifestyle and what it takes to keep your boat adventure-ready year after year.
Reserve Your Boat Storage Space Today
Spaces fill up fast before the rainy season. Whether you’re storing for a few months or the entire winter, we make the process easy and transparent. Visitwww.pdxautostorage.com to check availability and reserve your spot today.
PDX Auto Storage — Secure, Affordable, and Just Minutes from the Airport.nServing Portland for 27 years with trusted vehicle and boat storage solutions.
If you live in Portland, Oregon, or plan to store your RV in the area, you know the drill. Pacific Northwest winters are no joke. The combination of rain, freezing temperatures, and humidity can wreak havoc on an unprepared camper. From frozen plumbing lines to mold and mildew, winter weather can turn your beloved RV into an expensive repair project come spring. That’s why RV winterization is one of the most important maintenance steps you can take before temperatures drop.
Here’s how to properly winterize your RV and protect your investment during Portland’s chilly, wet winter months.
1. Drain and Protect Your Water System
The number one cause of RV damage in cold climates is frozen water lines. When water freezes, it expands and can crack your pipes, fittings, and tanks. To prevent this:
Drain your fresh water tank, gray tank, and black tank completely.
Open all faucets, including the shower and outside hose connections, to remove trapped water.
Use RV antifreeze in your plumbing system. Run it through your water pump and lines until pink antifreeze flows out of each faucet.
Don’t forget to bypass your water heater before adding antifreeze, as you don’t want to fill the tank with it.
If you plan to camp during winter, consider installing tank heaters or heat tape on vulnerable pipes to keep them from freezing.
2. Seal Up and Protect Against Moisture
Portland’s winter rain and humidity can lead to serious mold, mildew, and rust if your RV isn’t sealed properly. Before storing your camper, inspect all seams, roof vents, and window seals. Use a quality RV sealant or caulk to repair any cracks or gaps.
Inside, moisture control is key. Place moisture absorbers or dehumidifiers in areas like closets, cabinets, and under beds. You can also leave roof vents slightly cracked (with vent covers installed) to promote airflow and prevent condensation buildup. If you’re storing your RV outdoors, invest in a breathable RV cover designed for wet climates like the Pacific Northwest. A waterproof yet ventilated cover helps keep rain out while allowing trapped moisture to escape.
3. Protect the Exterior and Tires
Oregon’s damp winters can also take a toll on your RV’s exterior finish and tires. Start by giving your camper a thorough wash and wax before storing it. This protective coating helps repel moisture and road grime.
If you’re parking your RV on concrete or asphalt for the winter, consider placing it on tire pads or wood planks to prevent moisture damage and flat spots. Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure and cover them to protect against UV exposure—even during cloudy months, the sun can still cause dry rot.
4. Take Care of Your Batteries
Cold temperatures can shorten the life of your RV’s batteries if left unattended. Disconnect and fully charge your batteries before storage. Store them in a cool, dry place—ideally somewhere like a garage or basement. If your RV stays plugged into shore power during storage, use a battery maintainer to keep it charged without overloading it.
5. Keep Pests Away
As the temperatures drop, mice and other critters may look for a cozy place to spend the winter—like inside your RV. Seal off any small openings where they could enter, such as plumbing holes, vents, and access panels. Place rodent repellents, traps, or peppermint oil sachets inside to deter them from nesting.
6. Don’t Forget Your Engine and Fuel (for Motorhomes)
If you own a motorized RV, take time to stabilize your fuel before long-term storage. Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from breaking down, and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it. Check and top off fluids, including antifreeze, oil, and windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your RV for Portland’s wet and cold winter season is the best way to ensure a stress-free spring camping trip. Whether you’re storing your rig at home, in a covered facility, or out in the open, proper RV winterization can save you thousands in repairs and preserve your camper for years to come.
Pacific Northwest winters may be known for their relentless rain and unpredictable cold snaps—but with a little preparation, your RV will be ready to roll again once the cherry blossoms return to Portland. Be sure to visit PDX Equipment Storage for more tips and tricks
when you have to start thinking about RV Storage, and making the proper arrangements, that process can be a small nightmare, finding the right location, checking on space availability, and securing your space, before they’re all “FULL”,
Finding the Right RV Storage Facility in Portland
This too can be a legitimate nightmare, considering location, Security, Convenience & cost, all factors that can take time, research and phone calls, This can be a full time job in it’s self,
SECURITY, It’s extremely important.
PDX AUTO AND RV STORAGE
Has the solution to all your Storage needs,
We have a robust security system, fully double fenced facility, with a 15 ft inner electric fence, that is alarmed and monitored, with high speed, auto tracking surveillance cameras,
CONVENIENCE
We have you covered here also, we provide a great location, close to all major freeway access, plenty of space , valet parking, shuttle assistance, customer lobby with phone charging station, and wifi service, customer sitting lounge with TV and restroom, with easy online reservations,
COST
The dreaded cost of Parking and storage,
at PDX Auto Storage, we understand the need for great storage services, secure parking with PEACE of mind, and most of all, cost efficient to fit your budget, after all its Storage not your appartment, pdx auto Storage has the best customer rates this side of the Mississippi and we are proud of it.
AVAILABILITY
Last and most important, securing your space, now comes the real dilemma, WHO HAS SPACE, they are all full, calling early is your best solution, but not always the first move, before you know it, winter is upon you, you still need to find Storage and no one has any space available, Oh no, what do you do?
PDX AUTO STORAGE, Secure storage with peace of mind
Your go to place for RV Storage, 4 plus acres, highly secure, conveniently located, great customer service and best rates in town,
Summer is one of the prime seasons to get out there and enjoy your RV – but its also one of the best times to keep it off the road as well. Why you ask? There’s a few reasons why you may not want to be out cavorting in your home away from home during the hottest months of the year.
Weather. The weather can be a bit demanding to say the least. Mother nature hasn’t been too kind to us lately, with record high summer temperatures and dangerous wildfires popping up here and there. There are some gorgeous nights and perfect mornings but you may be spending a bit more time inside your RV relying on it’s air conditioner than you’re used to.
Traffic. Summer time in oregon is the time for people to get out and enjoy the outside. But when you have a Rec. Vehicle, you can take your house-on-wheels anywhere, at any time. Why fight mid-summer traffic when you’re bringing your home with you wherever you go. No matter the weather, you’ve got your cozy spot to relax in; making you more flexible when it comes to planning excursions.
Crowds. Who doesn’t love a crowd? Well, maybe not when you’re favorite beach spot is a bit too full to enjoy. Or when you pull up to that great hike base only to see a sea of cars with no more spots left. It’s great to get out there, but sometimes you want to get away only to find you’re right up in it.
For those times between trips, or when you just want to park your RV securely to take a breather, PDX Auto Storage is a great place to park your baby. Whether only for a day or two, a week, or even a month – we make security and access to your vehicle our top priority. Get it off the street or out of the driveway temporarily and store it at our facility. When you need it, we can put the keys in your hand at a moments’ notice, taking the worry out of what to do with it for the time being. Call us today!
Are you in need of a safe and convenient storage solution for your cherished boats and cars in Portland, Oregon? Look no further! Our storage facility is here to provide you with the perfect storage space for your valuable investments.
Facility Highlights:
Location: Conveniently located near I-205 , I-84 , I-5 freeways for easy freeway access. Only 7 minutes from Portland International Airport.
Security: Your peace of mind is our priority. We offer 24/7 security surveillance, well-lit premises, and 7000 voltage 10 high fences to ensure your boats and cars are always protected.
Size Variety: No matter the size of your boat or car we have 4 acres to accommodate everything from compact cars to larger boats.
Pricing Options: We understand that your storage needs may change. That’s why we offer multiple pricing options to cater to your requirements, whether it’s short-term or long-term storage.
At our storage facility, your boats and cars will be in good hands. Contact us now to reserve your space and enjoy worry-free storage in Portland, Oregon!
Affordable Rates: We offer competitive rates to ensure that high-quality storage doesn’t break the bank.
Autumn has finally rolled around and if you’re looking for a great place to store your vehicle, look no furhter than us. Keep your prize possesion off the street and safe with us.
4. Take Care of Your Batteries
