RV parked for a lengthy period

[marpel]

With winter here, in conjunction with the previous year of Covid, I suspect many have not used/are not using their RVs as much as in normal times.

I have a travel trailer that has remained dormant since the fall of 2019, in fact, it hasn't even been de-winterized for 2020. I ensure the tires are maintained/inflated and do routine checks of the components, but nothing else.

Is there some extraordinary care, especially I suppose for motorhomes and their engines, that is recommended for extremely lengthy dormant periods?

Marv

[Grit_dog]

cummins2014 wrote:
As far as tires, I have read its a good idea if on concrete to put something under them if they are stored for long periods of time , wood ,rubber mat.

Old wives tale.

[jdc1]

Maybe the guys at a RV dealer would know more? They have hundreds of RV's that sit for a year, then someone comes a long and buys them. All they do is recharge the battery (sometimes replace it).

[cummins2014]

As far as tires, I have read its a good idea if on concrete to put something under them if they are stored for long periods of time , wood ,rubber mat.

[Seon]

Regarding mice, put Irish Spring soap bar in the compartments and cabinets. It repels mice.
My RVs are parked in a barn and have never had mice/rat poop in any of them.

[midnightsadie]

sounds like your ok, look for signs of mice.

[doxiemom11]

We have never left our motorhome idle for that long, but for 6 months we sit in one place. We cover the tires and put Stabil in the gas. Run the engine and the generator for while (under load) and get the Stabil thru the fuel systems. Then we run the generator every month or so to keep it in good running order. We are in the motorhome using the house part during that time.

[marpel]

Thanks for the replies. To answer a couple questions -

The trailer was winterized for the 19/20 winter, but was not de-winterized in the spring/summer of 20, so it has sat as is since then. Battery was removed at the time of winterizing and has been on a maintenance/trickle charger since then.

I have periodically checked the interior and exterior. I anticipate it will remain so until the spring/summer of next year, at least.

Marv

[valhalla360]

For a travel trailer: Check the roof and reseal, check for any other leaks. Keep the battery watered and charged up. Keep the tires covered as much as possible. Otherwise, best to just leave it alone.

A motorhome also has to consider the drivetrain. Was it put away with a fresh oil change? Was the fuel treated and how long does the treatment last? Did you fog the cylinders? If you pickled the engine properly and haven't been driving it regularly, I would leave it alone and plan on going over the belts and hoses before the first trip. If you haven't properly put the drivetrain to bed, I would look at doing so now and include a 50 mile run before hand to boil off any moisture that may have made it into the motor.

[AJR]

On a TT I would cover the tires and call it good.

Now if you have power to it I would check the batteries every other month for fluid.

What do you mean it has not been winterized for 2020? Was it winterized for 2019 and never used again?

[MFL]

If trailer is easy to move, I'd hook up, take it for a 10 or so mile tow at speed to warm tires and bearings.

Jerry

[JimK-NY]

One of the big issues is dry rot. Tires will dry rot in roughly 4 years when not used. They actually last much long when used periodically because heat brings protective chemicals to the surface of the tires.

Sunlight merely hastens the deterioration, but air alone will cause oxidation and dry rot. Typical tire dressings are cosmetic and may actually harm the tires. Aerospace 303 is water based, does not harm tires and may help prolong tire life. Before application you would need to wash the tires thoroughly on all sides. Spray on 303 and rub in on to every bit of the tire surface (excluding the tread). You need to re-apply every few months especially on the outside surfaces where rain water will wash of the treatment.

In any case carefully check your tires before the first trip and keep an eye on them for cracking after you start to use them.

Have you pulled the batteries and periodically check the charge?

Do you have a generator stored separately and used at least a few times a year?

I would also inspect every square inch inside and out checking for leaks or sealant issues.