Forum Discussion

Gsragtop's avatar
Gsragtop
Explorer
Jun 04, 2014

Trailer storage/keeping varmints out

So as I inch closer to pulling the trigger on some kind of TT, a question popped into my mind. I will be storing whatever I get in my community's storage yard (boats, trailers, etc).. As an owner rent is only $330 for the year, and it's only a half mile from my house.

It's surrounded by trees, and is unpaved (gravel lot).. For security (kids being kids aka aholes, already had the fuel tank from my boat stolen once), I will be pulling the battery and maybe the LP tanks when the unit is parked and locking her up tight. I also believe I will get a cover for her as well to protect her from the southern sun a bit.. However how can I keep mice, and bugs, and the like ?? Any ideas ?? What else should I do when the unit is parked to protect it??

Thanks again.

10 Replies

  • thomasmnile's avatar
    thomasmnile
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    blw2 wrote:
    thomasmnile wrote:
    Most important, make sure you leave absolutely NO FOOD, crumbs, anything resembling food in the trailer. I won't even leave salt and pepper in ours.

    That really takes away much of the appeal of owning, doesn't it?
    As someone similar to the OP, strongly considering a motorhome or TT to replace my popup....
    it's bad enough that I'll have to deal with going to get it at an off site lot whenever I want to go.....
    I understand that what is stored would need to be limited, but for things like salt, pepper, and other non-perishables..... wouldn't sealing them in a sturdy air tight container suffice? I know that rodents can chew through a lot, but there has to be a better way......I hope!!!!!


    5 years ago we did a trip to SW Virginia in our the fifth wheel we owned at the time. Parked at a single KOA for 7 days and we were occupying it. In that short time found three rodent nests under construction, one in the basement storage, one in the generator compartment, and one actually nestled in the generator between the engine and alternator section. They are industrious if nothing else, but I wouldn't ever consider leaving any food in our trailer when parked and unattended for extended periods. No sense in baiting the field as it were...........
  • HGL's avatar
    HGL
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    If you have the ability to, plant peppermint plants around the area where you are going to park it, if its an assigned space. We park our in our side yard and now that our mouser cat has passed on, we have planted those around the area. It smells great, ha pretty flowers and when I want some fresh tea---its all there for me.
  • Nvr2loud's avatar
    Nvr2loud
    Explorer II
    Jun 04, 2014
    We have pet rats who travel with us in a cage, ever since getting rats all the mice have disappeared (house, trailer, garage)and all I can suspect is that the smell of rats is fearful to the mice.
  • caberto's avatar
    caberto
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    As has been pointed out, cotton balls with mint, wire meshing, and we keep food (in closed/sealed containers) stored in there with no issues. When it's time to go, we just have to load the fresh food items.
  • blw2's avatar
    blw2
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    thomasmnile wrote:
    Most important, make sure you leave absolutely NO FOOD, crumbs, anything resembling food in the trailer. I won't even leave salt and pepper in ours.

    That really takes away much of the appeal of owning, doesn't it?
    As someone similar to the OP, strongly considering a motorhome or TT to replace my popup....
    it's bad enough that I'll have to deal with going to get it at an off site lot whenever I want to go.....
    I understand that what is stored would need to be limited, but for things like salt, pepper, and other non-perishables..... wouldn't sealing them in a sturdy air tight container suffice? I know that rodents can chew through a lot, but there has to be a better way......I hope!!!!!
  • Campinfan's avatar
    Campinfan
    Explorer III
    Jun 04, 2014
    I do the peppermint oil and Fresh Cab product...all natural...not that I am against chemicals but so far the peppermint oil and Fresh Cabs have done the trick...just replace them about once a month or so.
  • thomasmnile's avatar
    thomasmnile
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    Most important, make sure you leave absolutely NO FOOD, crumbs, anything resembling food in the trailer. I won't even leave salt and pepper in ours.
  • sharibartling's avatar
    sharibartling
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    If you are able to go to where you are storing your unit
    often, get peppermint essential oil, put drops on cotton balls and place in several areas below, around the tires, in cupboards etc. They hate peppermint. You probably want a longer term idea but this works great and what a refreshing and invigorating scent.
  • caberto's avatar
    caberto
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2014
    Get wire mesh (about 1/4 inch holes) and install to cover up any possible entry holes/openings underneath the unit, accompanied by expanding foam to help seal openings. You can also use mothballs, cotton balls with mint oil by entry points as well... they don't like the smell and will help keep them away.

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