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

camp-n-family
Explorer
Sep 25, 2017
Mine has always spent winters uncovered in a grass field storage lot. It's in a row of other RVs so the sides are protected a bit from the elements. I place the wheels on 2x8 boards and cover them with tarps. I leave it tongue low with all batteries and propane tanks removed and the roof vents (with vent covers)slightly open for ventilation. Never had a problem.

I have seen problems with covered RVs. First, the covers don't last more than a couple of years. They flap in the wind and rub against the RV leaving marks and a dull looking finish. I have also seen mold and mildew from covers that don't vent properly.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Sep 24, 2017
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
billyray50
Explorer
Sep 24, 2017
ACZL wrote:
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.

I know plenty of people that keep their RVS outside during the winter and are fine if winterized and set up right without cover. I choose to store our new fifth Wheel in inside storage. For me its well worth the 650.00 bucks for the season here in upstate New York to keep it dry and out of the harsh winters. My last 2016 Travel trailer was inside for winter and we removed it in the spring clean, dry, and no mice.
md_procouple
Explorer
Sep 24, 2017
We know what your talking about when it comes to the winter weather. We spent a winter in Wisconsin about 5 yrs. ago. We agree with others... Cover the A/C units and tires, and place boards underneath the tires, you should be ok. One other thing... Put a good coat of wax on the 5'er. Good Luck and Happy Camping !!
skidooman93
Explorer
Sep 24, 2017
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
MFL
Nomad II
Sep 24, 2017
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
ACZL
Explorer
Sep 24, 2017
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.
skidooman93
Explorer
Sep 24, 2017
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.
RockyMt
Explorer II
Sep 24, 2017
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.
joelc
Nomad
Sep 24, 2017
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.

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5th Wheel Storage

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