Problems with removing propane / battery when storing

I had an older T.T. and the new one that we just bought the tires are sitting on gravel, and knock on wood never had any problem so I think the same goes to dirt it should be ok.

Good luck:W

What's wrong with dirt?

Out of sight, out of mind... one advantage for a cover is that it is another barrier a thief has to deal with (even though it can be dealt with with just a few knife slashes.)

One solution would be to buy or have built a locking aluminum enclosure for the batteries. A good one will resist a prybar. As for the propane tanks, there isn't much one can do other than remove them because they are in high demand (the tweakers love them for anhydrous ammonia storage.)

Sounds like you have a sound plan.

To make it easy on yourself,use quick disconnects on both battery terminals, and buy a strap for the battery to make it convienent to ease in and out.If you get a small cart you can fab a shelf to make transporting back and forth simple.

Thanks for all the replies / good advice.

TucsonJim....the vacant lot is owned by me. It is in a pretty nice mobile home subdivision with community watch etc. Lots of vacation mobile homes and owner occupied too. I actually have a rental mh next to it so I am thinking the renter can help keep an eye on it. No restrictions on parking it there as long as it is not being lived in.

Not too worried about the whole thing being stolen ( although I will lock the tongue and wheels as advised ). More concerned about the outside items that are easier to remove. Nice neighborhood but there seem to be crackheads wondering around everywhere looking for something to steal!

I think you're okay. Here's what I'd do:

Battery - keep it in a cool place and you should be fine. Some folks will tell you not to set it on a concrete floor. That's an old wive's tale. Concrete is fine.

Propane Tank. Don't store it inside your house in case you ever had a leaking valve. Keep it outside. I don't see the need to tape up the connectors. If something were to get in there, just blow it out. You could just slip a plastic bag and twist tie over them if you're concerned.

I'd park the RV tires on Brick Pavers, Plywood or Plastic in order to keep the tires from having continuous direct contact with the dirt. Keep the tires covered to protect from direct UV damage.

Now - You say you are going to park the trailer on a "vacant" lot that is close by. Do you actually own the lot? If not, do you know who owns the lot and do you have their permission to park there? If not, you may have more than a battery or propane tank missing one day when the owner of the property has your trailer towed for trespassing.
Also make sure that parking it on the lot does not violate zoning restrictions.

My battery was stolen while the TT was at a storage facility so removing it is a good idea.

Definetly cover the tires to protect them from the sun. Get the vinyl wheel covers sold by CW or similar. Plastic bags aren't the right thing for the job.

Get the bigger patio stones or better yet make some simple forms and use quickkrete from Lowes or Home deopot to make pads for your tires.

Consider covering it with a cover like ADCO - look them up on campingworld.com. Especially if you are close to the ocean. It will keep your TT clean and protected. Send me a PM if you want to talk about covering - some of the folks on here seem to be against it.

Propane tanks - up to you. I don't take mine off and have no issues, but consider your own situation and do what feels safe to you. Just keep your eye on it.

Don't forget to get some kind of hitch lock and maybe run some chain through your wheels.

Make sure your insurance will cover it where you plan on parking it.

Good for you that you have a free place to store it - beats paying for storage!

I you have a reason to worry about theft or vandalism while in storage...They will steal tanks, batteries, spare tires. They can break in thru the skylights and take anything of value inside. Heck, they can steal the whole dang trailer. Remember, the keys to the outer storage compartments are universal,(and easy to get into-anyway, key or not). Lonely TT are big, valuable targets to low-life thieves. IMO: I would try to find more secure, storage. Space in airport hangers, barns, etc. We have old mines, here that are used for storage.

I store my TT in an isolated lot an remove the battery and 30# LP tanks every time. While some see this as overkill, I don't want to spend $100 on a new battery or replace the tanks and propane if they get stolen. It takes me 5 minutes to pull the tanks and battery and I store them at home. I don't cover the LP connections since they are under the tank cover but a ballon or vinyl tape over them wouldn't hurt. I also put the battery on a trickle charger ever other week to keep it charged.