Forum Discussion

2012Oudoorsman's avatar
2012Oudoorsman
Explorer
Jun 08, 2017

Does FW need to be level during storage

When we purchased our FW we had a long walk through with the dealer who was the owner and avid RVer.

He mentioned that the trailer should remain level to let the drains in the Windows work properly. I never left my TT level when it sat in between trips unless we were packing and the slides were out. I never had a leak that I knew of but doesn't mean I was doing it right either. I think he was talking about my TT AND not the FW but not sure.

Our new FW has frameless windows so I see this being even less of a concern but wonder if it should still be level when sitting in between trips. FW would be returned to level when appliances are on and slides out.

The reason I want to tip it is the new camper is very white and the black streaks are a huge issue. Most came off when I cleaned it last night but some remained. I think the rain is causing this as the camper is brand new and the roof is clean. My FW doesn't have a very pitched roof at all from front to back so I think my gutters are over flowing causing lots of black streaks across the entire camper. I think tipping it would let the rain run out the gutters fast reducing the black streaks. What's your thoughts??
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Jun 09, 2017
    Storing level cannot be anything but a good idea. Rain water needs to drain. Water collecting & freezing can cause damage. Treat it like a boat put in storage. The boat needs to be stored the same as it is in water so that rain does not collect anywhere.
  • tinner12002's avatar
    tinner12002
    Explorer
    Jun 09, 2017
    I always sit mine nose high some just to help water runoff and to help keep someone from backing in and stealing it. I also lock the pin. Doesn't hurt anything as I don't use anything inside when its parked.
  • Sandia_Man's avatar
    Sandia_Man
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2017
    We store our rig at home close to level so we can readily turn on fridge a couple of days before departure if it isn't already on which is usually the case during camping season. We always have it tipped slightly to help with rain runoff, other than that there really isn't a reason to have it level if it is just stored for long periods of time. As with everything in life, do what works best for your situation, level or not is ultimately your call.
  • 2012Oudoorsman's avatar
    2012Oudoorsman
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2017
    ACZL wrote:
    Add spring clothes pins to gutters. Suckers stay on--even going down the hiway unless you catch a tree branch. May not help w/ the black streaks, but will aid in getting the water runoff further away from the coach.


    The black streaks are the entire length and not where the down spouts are so this shouldn't be an issue.

    Also I have the residential fridge so being level for that isn't much of an issue either however I will bot turn it in or put slides out either way without it being level.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2017
    I keep mine level so I can start up the fridge without doing anything else.
  • ACZL's avatar
    ACZL
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2017
    Add spring clothes pins to gutters. Suckers stay on--even going down the hiway unless you catch a tree branch. May not help w/ the black streaks, but will aid in getting the water runoff further away from the coach.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2017
    I understand about him being concerned with water backing up in the weep holes but don't think you could/would/should park the rV to that extreme.
    bumpy
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2017
    I don't think there is any reason why any camper has to be perfectly level while in storage, provided the appliances are (especially the refrigerator) are all turned off and the slides are in.

    FYI.... I have found when black streaks start forming on my camper side, it's always because of a dirty roof, and even more ... crud in the gutters.

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