storing you 5th wheel in AZ

dtappy3353 wrote:
I will be storing our 5th wheel at our home in SW AZ.

What tips do I need to know regarding: heat, dust, insects and rodents?

Thank you.

As an AZ native, shade is absolutely your best friend; the more the better. If at all possible, block the FW and put the tires in dark storage, as cool as you can. If not, park on boards, even if you're on concrete and cover them, even if shaded, all the way to the ground. If you can, have someone check the tires occasionally. Other than the occasional spider web, I've not had any critters get in our FW. (Well, did have a nest in the pin box.) As others have said, leave no food inside. Disconnect batteries; remove and store with tires, if you can. Battery tenders are a good thing if you've got power, but you might need someone to check water level on occasion. Personally, I don't like covers unless there's no other option. Our dirt and dust here is =extremely= abrasive (Why do you think so many tractor/car companies have/had test facilities here?) and it can imbed in the cloth and rub your finish to shreds. Buckets of water? Dunno about that, but our 8 y.o. FW shows no signs of wood-splitting. Cracked fiberglass and plastic, faded cloth/flooring, peeling wallpaper, yes. :-/ One last thing; leave 5-10 gallons of water in the black and grey tanks. Empty the fresh tank.

Lyle

We have been putting two 5 gallon buckets of water inside the rig during the heat in order to maintain some humidity to keep the wood cabinets, etc from drying out. We were told to do this by a life-long AZ resident.

We have the rig in a RV storage place. We go buy frequently to check on it - watching for the possibility of critters and to re-fill the water buckets.

Some thoughts from Arizona...

-leave no consumables in the rig...none.

-regardless of your "sense of security" take anything
and everything out you don't want to lose.

-an occasional hook up an tow, and maintaining proper
tire inflation (and spare) will prolong life

-slight tilt can promote run-off

-expect scorpions and other wildlife to find your rig

comfortable/desirable

-batteries and propane are popular "borrow" items

-don't let it look abandoned

-HOA's have opinions about RV's in my area....check

-I would consider those aluminum foil shades for windows
even if covered

-internal heat will get high...take care in stacking /piling
stuff on the linoleum...even if you've been told "residential".

-anything requiring "batteries" empty... (touchpad door locks,
remotes, clocks)

-leave Fridge door cracked open.

-do your very best black /grey tank empty/cleanse/treatment
before you park...that stuff petrifies... yet retains aroma.

-those AC covers may prove useful...


that's enough for now .... others will have better ideas. Good luck.

Charles

Thanks for the feedback. We are going to construct a cover next to our garage.

What about pests?

If you can store it under a covered shelter that is #1! The sun quickly dries out the roof, paint, decals etc. If you must leave it in direct sun then perhaps a good UV blocking cover can be used. Keep trailer waxed and use a good protector on roof and slide seals.

If you have a cover on it to protect from dust then its a good idea to leave roof vents slightly open to help with heat expansion on the interior.

We stored our last trailer under a covered roof so it was always shaded. After 9 years exterior still looked like new. RV's left out in the sun nearby are all faded, decals peeling etc.

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