RV storage

Mine sits outside under a layer of snow. I replace the tires every 5-7 years and have never had a problem with that. I would do the same if it was stored indoors.

I have had no problems with brakes or rotors and have never used an internal heater in storage.

Olddud wrote:
Those carports look nice, especially with sides.

I doubt that they would be allowed in the zoning for much of the Cary area. Perhaps out in a smaller town/location.
bumpy

Those carports look nice, especially with sides.

Here's the least expensive way to get your RV's roof - as well as partially the sides - protected from the sun ... which is the most important protection for an RV to insure that the sun's heat and UV rays don't ruin sealants and plastic items. (Of course this approach may not work if you live where you get heavy snow loads): http://carportsandmore.com/canopies.html

We've used one of these inexpensive carports for years to protect our 2002 family sedan. It's exterior is still in pristine condition being protected this easy way. I sunk concrete footings into the ground and bolted the carport's posts to the concrete to keep the carport in place during heavy winds.

Great feedback... headed off to order a proper RV cover!

Gary

Thanks for the quick replies. I am not sure I can put up a carport yet. I was looking at a tarp for a temp until I figure out what I am going to do.

I keep mine parked next to my garage, no cover or tarp or carport. A carport or garage would of course be nicer. I don't think covers or tarps are worth the hassle.

I have never heard of brake pads or rotors dying in a couple years from being stored outside. Brake fluid, being hydrodcopic, should be changed out every few years regardless of storage conditions.

We keep ours outside, but parked by some of our big trees such that it gets direct sun only a few hours each day in the summer and almost no sun in the winter. However, the most critical part of how we store ours is we keep in it parked so that the overhead cab window never gets any sun.

It's the sun that's the worst enemy of RV exteriors. It not only fades colors - which can be slowed down with good waxing habits - but most importantly it drys out, hardens, and cracks sealants around all side and roof openings.

Humidity is the worst enemy of RV interiors. If you store it anyway other than inside in a heated room - it's important to keep the inside of the RV ventilated and, if possible, heated somewhat using a small heater set on on a low setting. The small air circulating heaters used in cabin boats when stored moored at a dock are good for this. We keep both rooftop vents open all the way (they have roof covers over them) during the winter rains and a small electric heater turned on during the rainy season. The coach interior should be kept ventilated and warm. We once almost ruined a motorhome by keeping it all closed up and unheated during cold, wet winters - mold formed everywhere inside. That's one thing that really concerns me about those complete canvas covers for RVs. They keep the sun's UV rays from ruining the outside ... but they also prevent interior air circulation and interior heating during moist winters. They trap moisture all over the RV inside and out so mold can form inside and out.

Keeping your rig under a carport, with roof vents open and a small heater inside during the winter is probably the best way to store it other than the very expensive way of inside a heated space. A small heater can be set on a moderater setting and plugged into an inexpensive mechancal timer so that it only comes on nights during cold and wet seasons.

A handful of years ago, we had a hail storm that cracked one of the vents on our HTT. I did not have the time to fix it and we had no plans to use it the rest of the winter, so I put a tarp over the trailer and left it till spring. I bought a 20x30 that covered the HTT fine, but its flapping in the wind did wear a small spot on the edge of the roof.

I think one of the big differences between a tarp and a cover is that a tarp gets rigid in cold weather. Combine that with wind and it can cause problems. If you can keep the tarp tight over the camper, it might not be as big a potential hazard. Covers I have seen do not get rigid. Good covers are also breathable, so they do not trap moisture.

-Michael

A cover and a tarp are two different things.


Just say NO to TARPS!

Years ago, my BIL and I decided we would leave campers outdoors but tarp them.

We each purchased tarps large enough to cover each of our campers.

We took every step we could to secure the tarps.

In the spring I had a few areas where the paint was worn off the camper.

My BIL hd a HOLE worn right through his door. It appeared that a gromett had enough wiggle room that, blowing in the wind, it slowly rubbed right through the door.