Forum Discussion

Guy_Roan's avatar
Guy_Roan
Explorer
Apr 30, 2019

Leaving the trailer in Florida for the summer

For those that leave their RV on a permanent site through out the summer months in a hot climate
Naturally I shut off everything, flush the black tank and leave chemicals in it,and drain the water from the low water drain points but do you:
1. Disconnect the sewer hose and stow it ?
2. Disconnect the water feed hose and stow it?
3. Disconnect the electric cord and stow it ?

last year I stowed them all, but I am thinking of just stowing the electric cord this year

Guy
Snowbirds

11 Replies

  • Guy_Roan's avatar
    Guy_Roan
    Explorer
    May 02, 2019
    Deb and Ed M wrote:
    I would put a splash of RV antifreeze in the drains/toilet. Will keep the seals in good shape (doesn't evaporate as fast as water).


    I talked to the folks at Dometic and they said the best thing to do after the water is drained is to spray the rubber and flush plate with a silicon lube.

    Guy
  • Guy_Roan's avatar
    Guy_Roan
    Explorer
    May 02, 2019
    garyemunson wrote:
    Before you leave, get on the roof and put your eyeballs on EVERY square inch. If there is the slightest leak, a hot, wet Florida summer will cause a whole lot of damage. I'd put all the hoses away. No reason to let the sun do it's dirty work on them if they are not being used.


    Already did that, and cleaned the little gutters as I do every year.
    I was specifically looking for answers on my 1,2, and 3

    Guy
  • CFerguson's avatar
    CFerguson
    Explorer II
    May 02, 2019
    I recommend that instead of ant baits, use diatomaceous earth liberally spread thruout. You want to repel/kill, not attract and poison.
  • DFord's avatar
    DFord
    Explorer
    May 01, 2019
    Ant baits would be a good idea to leave around also.
  • John_Joey's avatar
    John_Joey
    Explorer
    May 01, 2019
    My in-law’s once left a car in Florida without any prep. They came back next winter to an interior that was black with mold. Trick is to keep a dry environment during the summer. Ask others in the park what they do.
  • Deb_and_Ed_M's avatar
    Deb_and_Ed_M
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2019
    I would put a splash of RV antifreeze in the drains/toilet. Will keep the seals in good shape (doesn't evaporate as fast as water).
  • GTO66's avatar
    GTO66
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2019
    I would also cover the tires, as well as the other suggestions.
  • DFord's avatar
    DFord
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2019
    If you're leaving it on site, I'd give the guys cutting grass a break. Disconnect and store as much clutter as possible so the weedeaters and lawnmowers don't chew them up. I'm sure they'll appreciate your efforts and you'll avoid problems with your hoses and cords plus they'll last a lot longer for you.
  • chast's avatar
    chast
    Explorer II
    Apr 30, 2019
    Hi—like Cavie, we run a dehumidifier set at 50 percent and have never had a problem. We put everything away, hose, electric cord, etc. because the summer sun is brutal. We run an extension cord out through the basement to the pedestal to feed the dehumififier. Button everything up tight and put reflectix in all the windows and things should be fine. Good luck!
  • cavie's avatar
    cavie
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2019
    If it was me, and had electric available I would leave the sewer and electric out.I would buy a 30 pt. dehumidifier and place it is the shower so it can drain. Set it to 55%. Summertime humidity at 90% is not good for your RV. I wish I could leave mine on in MA for 8 months but they turn off the electricity.

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