Short term storage tips

[lfrese]

I just bought a motorhome and am learning about maintaining it. I plan to use it on weekends during the summer (every weekend almost), and during the winter, take it south where its warm in November, January, and March.

I know there are some things that need to be done when one plans to store the motorhome long term, what about if its just sitting for the week, and then in the winter (I live where it snows).. I dont want to have to winterize and de winterize it 3 times....


Here is what I have so far

Short term - weekender:
Turn off LP, water pump, water heater.
Empty fresh water, grey, black.
Add a few gallons of water back into black with chems.

Do I need to run the gas out of the generator too?
Do I need to put water back in grey tank with chems?
Should I put anything in the fresh water tank?
Any other tips for weekending?


For the winter season:
Same as above except also add some pink antifreeze to tanks while its sitting?
Insulate hoses?
Would I remove insulation prior to taking it on the trip?
Any other suggestions?

[klutchdust]

Harvey51 wrote:
My drain valve(s) were leaking a bit so I got a half a cup of liquid falling out when taking the cap off the drain pipe. It hasn't happened since I started putting a bit of vegetable oil down the toilet and sink after dumping.

I have noticed that after dumping my tanks i use a lathery bucket of dawn dish detergent and pour it into the toilet and if there is any drippage it is soap. Since using my formula I haven't had any leaks. Maybe it lubes the seal. IDK.

I take some dawn in a bucket and add some water. Using a paint blender/mixer attachment for my cordless drill available at HW store I blend the liquid into a lathery foam. It's great also when washing the coach, blend the soap into lather then brush on. I pour some down each sink and drain and my odors have been eliminated.

[Harvey51]

My drain valve(s) were leaking a bit so I got a half a cup of liquid falling out when taking the cap off the drain pipe. It hasn't happened since I started putting a bit of vegetable oil down the toilet and sink after dumping.

[BruceMc]

Letting it set for a week to a month:
o Charge batts with converter/charger for a few days, then unplug
o Turn off house power
--If leaving house power on:
o Turn off water heater
o Turn off pump
o Turn off refrigerator & open the door(s) to let it air
o Open windows & roof vents if stored out of the weather (as I do in the barn/shop)
o Empty black, gray

I don't mess with fresh while it is setting for up to a month, as I dump & refresh just before the next trip.

Winter: All of the above, and:
o Drain/flush water lines
o Pour in pink, draw until it comes out faucets/toilet/shower
Don't forget the stub line for the city water hose!
o Run a little pink down the drains to protect P-traps & gate valves
o Run Generator monthly with load as mentioned
o Run chassis engine monthly, take the unit out for a 1/2 hour or so every 2nd or 3rd month.
o Watch for evidence of mice. I put mouse bait under the hood and in other areas.

No doubt I've missed a few by drawing on memory when it is 95 degrees out...

[midnightsadie]

buy some fresh cab and put in the rv really helps with mouse control.

[suprz]

lfrese wrote:
I just bought a motorhome and am learning about maintaining it. I plan to use it on weekends during the summer (every weekend almost), and during the winter, take it south where its warm in November, January, and March.

I know there are some things that need to be done when one plans to store the motorhome long term, what about if its just sitting for the week, and then in the winter (I live where it snows).. I dont want to have to winterize and de winterize it 3 times....


Here is what I have so far

Short term - weekender:
Turn off LP, water pump, water heater.
Empty fresh water, grey, black.
Add a few gallons of water back into black with chems.

Do I need to run the gas out of the generator too?
Do I need to put water back in grey tank with chems?
Should I put anything in the fresh water tank?
Any other tips for weekending?


For the winter season:
Same as above except also add some pink antifreeze to tanks while its sitting?
Insulate hoses?
Would I remove insulation prior to taking it on the trip?
Any other suggestions?

For the winter, bypass and drain the hot water heater, and low point drains ( should be a bypass valve on the back of the water heater tank., and for low point drains, . See owners manual)
As far as pipe insulation, if the insulation isnt outiside or under the rig, no real need to remove it. For the generator, if it is a built in generator , i dont think there is a way to run it out of gasoline. During any extended NON use period, i go out to my rv at least once a month and run the generator WITH a load on it, ( a small portable heater , the roof A/C etc... ) run it for at least 20 mins. Its also good to start the motorhome engine if you can, and take it for a short ride, around the block etc.. For black and gray tanks, empty them and if possible flush them out. You can add chemicals to the black and they also make chemicals for the gray tank. I like to put some pink antifreeze in both tanks to keep any left over water that travels to the dump valves from freezing and potentially cracking a pipe. For the fresh water tank, drain completely and put in a few gallons of pink antifreeze and run that thru the water pump and water system. Then just do the regular stuff, check all gaskets, seals, doors, tires ( cover them to prevent premature aging due to UV damage)
Last but not least... READ these forums, and do a search with the words WINTERIZE, or STORAGE, etc....

Good luck and happy travels

[PartyOf_Five]

Bug screens on all the openings, ant and mouse traps

[Sam_Spade]

lfrese wrote:


Do I need to run the gas out of the generator too?
Do I need to put water back in grey tank with chems?
Should I put anything in the fresh water tank?

IF you really will be using it every weekend......then you NEED to do pretty much NOTHING.

If the gen is used some each weekend, it will be fine.

If the black and grey tanks were flushed out a bit after emptying, all they really need is a gallon or two of water. No chemicals needed until there is waste in there.....and no extra chemicals are needed in the grey tank EVER (well except maybe cleaning before winter storage).

The fresh water tank should have: Fresh water left in it, if your water source is good.

Be sure to turn the battery switch to OFF unless you can connect an automatic charger while not in use.

[Lwiddis]

Protect the tires from the sun. What's your comfort level regarding sanitizing the fresh water tank and plumbing?