I'm stuck Storing my 5th Wheel out doors this winter and the forseable winters. It will be parked in a farmers yard but pretty exposed to wind. I live in south central MN so the winters here can be pretty harsh. I know it is not the ideal storage situation but it is what I have available. Looking for advise on covering or not to cover, covering wheels (aluminum wheels on 5th wheel). I would like advice from those that have experience in northern climates like we have here. It seems that I always get opinions from members that have no experience with the situation I am referring to. So if you don't have experience storing a 5th wheel outside in a northern climate please keep your opinions to yourself.

When I purchased my 5er the dealer said NO cover. I have heard both stories. Personally, I would not cover anything but the A/C units with custom A/C covers. Covers can rub against the roof and cause wear, also undesirables can get in between. If you have a good roof and seals there should be no issues. I would also face the unit if you can, facing the wind so it is not hit broadside. Keeps less profile to the elements.

I live in Colorado- plenty of wind so I have been afraid of a cover on my trailer. Covers can damage the skin and the drain spouts. Seems wind never stops. I do cover my tires all the time. I believe you should be ok.

I will have it backed into the most common wind direction so that should help. Large snowfall amounts should eventually blow off of it. When I bought it the dealer sold covers and recommended one, another dealer I checked into for storage options recommended covering it. But the manufacturers usually say don't unless you do it just right. I do like the idea of just covering the AC units.

Place boards under the tires as well (2x10x5' or 6') to get tires off the ground. Too bad you can't find an enclosed barn someplace.

My FW sits out in the wind and elements, and has since new. I used a cover on previous FW, but what a hassle! Hard to put on, but even harder to secure in the wind. I had all kinds of extra stretch cords, over the top, using pipe insulation to protect roof edge etc. It was a nice Adco cover, held up well, but when the wind blew hard, it always needed adjustment. No more covers for me.I do cover tires/wheels, and use an AC cover in Winter also. I think the Summer sun is much harder on our RVs, than the brutal Winters.Jerry

5th Wheel Storage | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

lee_worsdell
Explorer
Sep 26, 2017
We are in Ontario had lake affect winds and snow every year. Just cover wheels let it be. I had a cover once and it rubbed the paint of the corner never again. I can at least plug it in every once and awhile to charge the batteries
Cnaperville
Explorer
Sep 26, 2017
We live near Denver Colorado and we use ***Link Removed***STOW IT for our storage.

They are like airbnb for storage but specialize in vehicles. We rent a barn about 20 miles from out house and close to the interstate. I think they are only in a few cities or only in Denver area right now but it may be worth looking into.

If you have the extra space, you can also make money for storing others RVs or cars.
blofgren
Explorer
Sep 26, 2017
Hammerboy wrote:
blofgren wrote:
Me Again wrote:
skidooman93 wrote:
There are places that have room to store it but the 14' high door needed for it is the trouble. I haven't found place with a 14' high door that is a reasonable price. I refuse to pay $100/mo

I would pay the 6 or 7 hundred for indoor winter storage in a heat beat. The winter wear and tare while be more than that out doors.

Chris

X2. In fact we pay $200 per month but it's money well spent given the investment we have made in the RV. It's a very nice feeling knowing it's clean and dry inside the barn when it's really ugly, wet, cold, and snowy outside. We normally get a ton of rain here but we had an awful winter last year with a lot of snow and forecasts are now saying we have another one coming. :M

If a leak develops the cost of indoor storage will seem cheap in comparison to the cost of repairs. JMHO.

Is that for heated or cold? I can get clean cold storage that will fit my fifth wheel for $10 per ft. and with concrete floor for the winter (Oct - April) I seen advertised heated storage for $7 per ft per month. Not to hijack but was curious what others were paying.

Dan

It is unheated but it is a former chicken barn so it has tons of ventilation which keeps everything nice and dry. We don't get very cold here so I'm not concerned about it but I do winterize the plumbing. It is advertised as $6/ft per month and he rounds it off to $200 even.

One thing to be concerned about with storing outside is the numerous freeze/thaw cycles that occur. Warm sun during the day causes melt and that water can find little nooks and crannies to flow into just in time to freeze again. It doesn't take much of a breach of sealant somewhere to have water get in.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Sep 26, 2017
I had a park trailer that sat on the same site outside in central MN for 10 years. Once the roof gets a layer of snow on it there is no more UV rays hitting the rubber. Never covered anything. Had no problems at all. It was still in good shape when I sold it.

B.O.
Hammerboy
Explorer
Sep 25, 2017
blofgren wrote:
Me Again wrote:
skidooman93 wrote:
There are places that have room to store it but the 14' high door needed for it is the trouble. I haven't found place with a 14' high door that is a reasonable price. I refuse to pay $100/mo

I would pay the 6 or 7 hundred for indoor winter storage in a heat beat. The winter wear and tare while be more than that out doors.

Chris

X2. In fact we pay $200 per month but it's money well spent given the investment we have made in the RV. It's a very nice feeling knowing it's clean and dry inside the barn when it's really ugly, wet, cold, and snowy outside. We normally get a ton of rain here but we had an awful winter last year with a lot of snow and forecasts are now saying we have another one coming. :M

If a leak develops the cost of indoor storage will seem cheap in comparison to the cost of repairs. JMHO.

Is that for heated or cold? I can get clean cold storage that will fit my fifth wheel for $10 per ft. and with concrete floor for the winter (Oct - April) I seen advertised heated storage for $7 per ft per month. Not to hijack but was curious what others were paying.

Dan
N-Trouble
Explorer
Sep 25, 2017
Assuming the trailer has no leaks where water can enter I would leave it un-covered for the winter. Summer sun does far more damage than winter elements. Also wouldnt recommend parking directly on dirt. Get it on a concrete pad or at least some blocks if you can.
jay5er
Explorer
Sep 25, 2017
HAD OUR FIRST FIVER FOR 5 YEARS COVERED IT EVERY YEAR, BLEW OUT THE WATER SYSTEM VERY YEAR. ADDED ANTI FREEZE TO THE WATER SYSTEM EVERY YEAAR. Literally after 5 years my unit looked like new when it was traded in for our second fiver. That unit could not be covered due to the unremovable gutter drain extensions. Did everything else the same. Sold that unit this spring, mechanically it was like new BUT after not being covered for 5 winters the exterior looked drab. If you can COVER YOUR TRAILER.......
ACZL
Explorer
Sep 25, 2017
100-200/month is pretty average. I will be close tp 700 for 6 months (Nov-Apr). Cheap insurnace. No wind, cover or snow. OP, does the farmer have a barn w/ a 14' door he uses to store equipment in? Worth a shot to ask.
blofgren
Explorer
Sep 25, 2017
Me Again wrote:
skidooman93 wrote:
There are places that have room to store it but the 14' high door needed for it is the trouble. I haven't found place with a 14' high door that is a reasonable price. I refuse to pay $100/mo

I would pay the 6 or 7 hundred for indoor winter storage in a heat beat. The winter wear and tare while be more than that out doors.

Chris

X2. In fact we pay $200 per month but it's money well spent given the investment we have made in the RV. It's a very nice feeling knowing it's clean and dry inside the barn when it's really ugly, wet, cold, and snowy outside. We normally get a ton of rain here but we had an awful winter last year with a lot of snow and forecasts are now saying we have another one coming. :M

If a leak develops the cost of indoor storage will seem cheap in comparison to the cost of repairs. JMHO.
bluie5
Explorer
Sep 25, 2017
Does your county fairgrounds offer indoor storage? Ours here in Wisconsin do to generate income over the winter. That's where I store ours.