Winter Boat and RV Storage in Brighton, MI: Fall Haul Out Checklist
Where Livingston County boats, pontoons, campers, and travel trailers spend the winter, and how to get them ready
Boating season in Brighton ends fast
Brighton sits in the middle of Livingston County lake country. Lake Chemung, Woodland Lake, Island Lake, Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark, and the Brighton Recreation Area chain all pull boats off the water by mid October, and the first hard frost usually lands before Halloween. Every pontoon, fishing boat, camper, and travel trailer needs a winter home at the same time, which is why outdoor parking spaces around Brighton fill in a matter of weeks. If you wait until the marina calls, the good spots are gone.
What fits in winter storage at Brighton Mini Storage
Our RV and boat storage in Brighton, MI is uncovered outdoor parking with wide drive lanes, so backing a trailer in is easy even with a truck and a long pontoon. Spaces handle fishing boats on trailers, pontoons, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers, and motorhomes. Tell us the overall length when you rent and we will match you to the right space. Motorcycles have two options: an outdoor parking space or an enclosed 5x10 drive-up unit for riders who want the bike out of the weather until spring. Everything sits behind secure 24/7 keypad gate access with security cameras, and rentals are month to month so you only pay through spring launch.
Fall haul out checklist for boats
Do these before the boat goes into its winter space:
- Fill the fuel tank and add stabilizer, then run the engine long enough to move treated fuel through the system.
- Fog the engine and change the lower unit oil so any water is out before it can freeze.
- Drain the livewell, bilge, and water lines, then pull the drain plug and leave it out.
- Pull the battery or connect a maintainer, and remove electronics and anything that can freeze or attract mice.
- Clean the hull, wipe down vinyl, and cover the boat with a fitted or shrink wrap cover that sheds snow.
- Block the trailer tires or set the trailer on stands if it will sit all winter.
Winter prep for campers, travel trailers, and RVs
- Winterize the plumbing: drain the fresh and gray tanks, blow out the lines, and add RV antifreeze to every trap.
- Empty the fridge, prop it open, and pull all food so nothing invites mice.
- Disconnect the battery or put it on a maintainer, and top off tire pressure.
- Cover vents and the AC unit, and check the roof seals before snow piles up.
- Note the length and check that the mirrors fold in, then bring it over on a dry day before the lot fills.
Where our winter customers come from
Most winter boat and RV storage customers come from Brighton, Howell, and Hartland, plus Genoa Township, Green Oak Township, and Pinckney. We are just off Old US 23 near the I-96 interchange, an easy tow from the Howell side on I-96 or from Hartland down US 23. If you are storing from Howell, see our self storage in Howell, MI page. Hartland neighbors can read the Hartland storage page for directions.
Reserve before the lot fills
Winter spaces go first come, first served. Rent your space online in a few minutes, or call and we will confirm a spot that fits your length. When the ice goes out in April, you are one gate code away from the first launch of the season.
