Winter: Storage or Usage

[PartyOf_Five]

One of the benefits of a C is that you can drive it like a car during the winter to turn over the fuel, fluids, tires, etc. This year we're storing in a parking lot, and so will have to move our's every so often - or not. Is it better to cover the tires, dashboard, etc. or to leave those exposed so the RV can be driven around when there's no snow on the ground? I've already winterized the water supply, covered exterior vents, etc. so that's not a concern but I've been reading about cold starts, and started wondering if it isn't better to leave it alone for 4-5 (very long) months and just run the generator periodically. We're already 18 years old, so I can't imagine there's too much damage left for me to do either way...

Thanks!

[Rick_Jay]

IF you live in an area where they use salt on the roads, make sure the roads are dry before you take it out. In fact, it's best to wait for a mild spell, after it's rained (to wash away a lot of the salt), then go out when the roads are dry. Otherwise the salt on the undercarriage will quickly start turning all of the steel to a nice rust color.

I sometimes take our Class A out during the winter for a drive, but ONLY if I can find a day which meets the above conditions....AND I'm not working! LOL And yes, WITH the generator running & the heat strips on too!

~Rick

[Lwiddis]

Good point, dedmiston!

[dedmiston]

Lwiddis wrote:
Just run the generator periodically? If running the generator is to top off the house batteries, there are easier ways...small solar system on the roof keeps my batteries charged when Winnie is covered up. 25 watt panel with a weatherproof WindyNation controller.

If he has a generator, he has to run it 30-60 minutes per month under a load to maintain it.

[Lwiddis]

Just run the generator periodically? If running the generator is to top off the house batteries, there are easier ways...small solar system on the roof keeps my batteries charged when Winnie is covered up. 25 watt panel with a weatherproof WindyNation controller. And you bet my tires are covered in storage...takes two minutes to remove the covers and five minutes to reinstall.

[lhenry8113]

I am in So. Calif. with our Class C in our driveway. Have tires/wheels covered and windshield covered as well as passenger/drivers side windows covered. Today it is about 75 but the last month has been in the 80's-90's. Bought the covers through Amazon. Particularly like the windshield cover because of the additional privacy it offers while in campgrounds.

[DutchmenSport]

I would think if you covered anything, it would help block the suns UV rays and that is never a bad thing. I cover my tires when home, even if we are home for a couple days and then take off again. It's not any problem covering and uncovering the tires with properly sized tire covers.

About your dash? I see folks in parking lots putting sun screens across their windshields in the cars all the time, mostly in the Summer, to help keep the sun from heating up the inside so much. They just fold up when done and tossed in the back seat.

If not in use, covering is always beneficial against UV rays. The only exception may be covering the entire camper and then you plan to use it again soon. Covering with an RV cover and removing it repeatedly over the winter is a real pain in the neck. If the camper sits though, covering is beneficial.

[donn0128]

Short drives can be more desteuctive that leaving it sit. If you do drive it, plan on at least an hour at freeway speeds. Short drives can leave a lot of unburned fuel, lots of moisture etc sitting getting fluids gunked up.