🧹 VanLifeCoder Prep
My own checklist for putting the van into storage: what to buy, how to winterize every system, and the final walk-around before it sits.
Walmart Shopping List
- Stabilizer (Aisle L3)
- DampRid (A21)
- Dog food
- Clorox (A21)
- Rain-X windshield repair kit (L4)
Storage
🔋 Electrical
- Disconnect starter battery negative, or hook up solar panel + controller
- Disconnect house batteries / set charge level
- Pull fridge fuse (optional, belt-and-suspenders)
- Turn off DC-DC charger at relay
🛢 Engine / Fuel
- Change oil & filter
- Fill gas tank completely
- Add stabilizer, run engine 10 min to circulate
- Top off coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid
🚰 Plumbing / Water
- Empty fridge, prop door open, baking soda inside
- Drain fresh tank (32 gal)
- Run pump to clear lines, open low-point drains
- Sanitize with bleach solution, drain, flush, dry
- Turn off pump and water system
🚽 Cassette Toilet
- Empty & rinse at dump station
- Sanitize with bleach solution, drain dry
- Leave blade valve cracked open
- Lube rubber seal with silicone spray
🌬 Moisture / Interior
- Place 2 to 3 DampRid tubs (front, mid, rear)
- Stand cushions on edge
- Remove all food (or seal in rodent-proof bins)
- Sweep / vacuum interior
- Close vents / windows if outside; crack if covered
🐭 Pests
- Place borax + sugar bait cups (optional)
- Stuff steel wool in small entry points
- Remove any trash or crumbs
🚙 Tires / Exterior
- Inflate tires to max PSI
- Park on wood / plastic pads
- Chock wheels
- Wash & wax exterior
- Install reflective window covers
🗝 Final
- Remove valuables
- Lock doors
- Note mileage & storage date
- Cover windshield