Forum Discussion

jsosborn's avatar
jsosborn
Explorer
Jul 02, 2014

After very long storage, what to check?

There's no good way to make the long story short, but I just got my 2008 Itasca DP out of storage where it's pretty much been except for a 3,000 mile, 6 day drive from Maine to California back in 2011.

First it was the divorce, then complicated ownership and titling problems, and then a job in Brooklyn, but I finally have the rig registered and want to take the new family out for a taste of RVing.

It's been stored indoors for the most part, and I replaced all the batteries and engine fluids on the trip in 2011. It has a tank of fuel that dates to then, and a (I hope) completely empty black water tank, but I'm wondering about funny stuff that such a long storage time could cause. It's been in above freezing conditions and mostly indoors since 2011, and the motor and generator fired up on the first try. Not so much luck with the fridge (wouldn't start on AC), fresh water system (pump came on and never stopped- no obvious leaks though)or the AC. I intend to spend a lot of hours this weekend methodically going over what does and doesn't work, but years ago when I practically lived in this thing, I got terriffic advice on this forum and I hope to again.

Any tips for the idiot who let a perfectly good rig sit this long? The good news is that we have time and budget to do it right, and I'm pretty handy, but the memories are faded.

Thanks in advance.
Class A
  • becker's avatar
    becker
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2014
    jsosborn.....

    All of the other posters did a good job with their suggestions. There are three things I would be very concerned about.....
    1) When a coach has set that long without any TLC you need to change the fuel filters (there may be two of them) before getting on the road. Setting up that long sometimes a fuel problem will not show up until you have driven a 100 miles or so.
    2) Double check(super important)those tires. Has it been setting on concrete or something else?..... can you see any cracks, you can't see those inside duals, etc., how old are the tires? May be a good idea to have a commercial tire store take a look at them. Don't forget you have your family with you.
    3) For the first time out and this is going to be a "shakedown trip", you might want to stay close to home since you don't know how the coach is going to react. I repeat, you are going to have your family with you.

    Good luck!
  • sdbounderdiesel's avatar
    sdbounderdiesel
    Explorer
    Jul 06, 2014
    Sounds like you've got most of it back online. My biggest concern after sitting so long would be condensation (water) in the fuel that might not show up as a problem until you've run the engine for a while. I would check/drain the fuel water separator to make sure there is no water present. Good luck!
  • xctraveler's avatar
    xctraveler
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    With new family who have not been RVing before you might explain that things not working right might well be part of the fun. Have a sense of humor and accept the pleasure you get.

    I 2nd the comment about tires. If they are more than 5 to 7 years old, they probably need to be replaced. I personally am a nut about 5 year life, but do understand that some will go to 7 years. However since they have been untended and unused for 3 years it would pay to have a tire pro at least look at the exterior to be sure there is no rot of checking. I suggest an outsider as you might not see a flaw that was noticeable to someone else.

    Have Fun!
  • jsosborn's avatar
    jsosborn
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    Thanks for all the great input. Here's an update. The air conditioner got around to cooling in its own sweet time and seems good and cold now. The fridge ended up okay on AC and will try propane today. The auto leveling jacks worked flawlessly extending. Getting them back up comes next. Both slides worked after spraying with silicon. The fresh water system just need a clearing out with city water (thanks again) and will get sanitized today or tomorrow. Both auto extending awnings worked with a little convincing. Still haven't tried the propane stove or the fridge on it, but that's today's work.

    It's enough to do for the weekend, and if I can find a reservation anywhere in Northern California next weekend, we'll take it on the road. First time with new family. Wish me luck!
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2014
    Water pump may be because you left the rig and your last hookup was with the water hose to an outside tap.

    Essentially, you get some water flow, but very little, and the water cannot build up pressure and just circulates. Check your valves and be sure on that one.

    Your fridge has a 120 volt plug in behind the outside panel, check that with a meter and see if you have good power first.

    Read the manual, sometimes there might be a reset, or an error code on the LED readout.

    Nothing to worry about, just do your homework and enjoy it.
  • Wrong_Lane's avatar
    Wrong_Lane
    Explorer
    Jul 02, 2014
    Sanitize your fresh water system.

    You can use bleach chlorine or some of the RV products available for this purpose
  • msmith1199's avatar
    msmith1199
    Explorer II
    Jul 02, 2014
    Waterpump may just have air in the line. Try hooking to city water and run all the air out. I'd change the fluids too. Even though you haven't used it since 2011 and the oil was new then, my understanding is it can break down over time. The good news is it's been indoors. That will have helped a lot.
  • GENECOP's avatar
    GENECOP
    Explorer II
    Jul 02, 2014
    Since you started it up already I will pass the part about draining the fuel and changing all the filters...toilet seals.....tires if more than 7-8 years old should be changed before taking your family..batteries.....just go over EVERY system,,,,use everything multiple times.....lube dump valves...flush tanks....keep us posted....

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