Summer storage in Arizona

[Paul_G_]

Hello:

Don't know if this is the correct place for this question but here goes.

We are planning to leave our 5th wheel in Arizona over the summer and am wondering what if anything is suggested for ventilation or leaving water in a bucket for moisture. How about a solar vent fan? Or just leave it alone, like we do in Minnesota.

As it stands now, I can leave the bathroom vent open as it has a vent cover. I have cut 1' blue insulation board to cover all windows from the inside. I'd like to do more but don't really know what else to do.

I know the sun and heat are hard on it but so is dragging it back and forth each year.

Just looking for ideas or comments.

Thanks.

Paul...

[larry_barnhart]

u-Hual in casa Grande has covered storage. chevman

[Supercharged]

Paul G. wrote:
Hello:

Don't know if this is the correct place for this question but here goes.

We are planning to leave our 5th wheel in Arizona over the summer and am wondering what if anything is suggested for ventilation or leaving water in a bucket for moisture. How about a solar vent fan? Or just leave it alone, like we do in Minnesota.

As it stands now, I can leave the bathroom vent open as it has a vent cover. I have cut 1' blue insulation board to cover all windows from the inside. I'd like to do more but don't really know what else to do.

I know the sun and heat are hard on it but so is dragging it back and forth each year.

Just looking for ideas or comments.

Thanks.

Paul...

When you get back it you might be able to put all of it in the back of your pickup.

[harley-dave]

We use RV Harbor in Surprise, AZ since its got power, covered and paved. Around $160 for 45 foot space. Worth every penny when the rig is parked in the summer.

Dave

[marcsbigfoot20b]

Sadly be prepared to spend $150 to $225 a month for just a simple covered parking spot. Storage places here know the sun kills RVs and they will charge for it.
I just pulled mine out due to 2 price increases in less than a year.

[ctilsie242]

I definitely would look for a storage facility that is covered, if only to get the relentless sun off your rig.

If you were building a storage area, I'd consider building an aluminum carport or pole barn, put solar panels on top with a good converter and some maintenance free batteries, and have the electricity obtained from the panels power some fans, just to keep the air blowing. Adding an inverter doesn't hurt either for keeping the batteries topped off... but I'd recommend a Battery Minder or other trickle charger so there is far less chance the batteries will be boiled dry.

[MarkTwain]

Paul G. wrote:
Hello:

Don't know if this is the correct place for this question but here goes.

We are planning to leave our 5th wheel in Arizona over the summer and am wondering what if anything is suggested for ventilation or leaving water in a bucket for moisture.

Thanks.

Paul...

Suggest you find a storage facility that is covered or enclosed.

[4aSong]

I'd recommend indoor storage in Arizona.

[2oldman]

Don't leave batteries in it.

[TucsonJim]

I live and store my trailer in Arizona and you're right, the sun does take a toll. If you have a vent cover, it will help mitigate the heat when the sun is at it's worst. Just leave the vent open about an inch so if there is a dust storm your FW doesn't fill up with dirt. You won't need to leave a bucket of water in the coach for humidity. Arizona can get quite humid from early July to September due to our monsoon rains.

Make sure your tires are covered and protected from the sun. Although impractical, they'll be in even better shape if you can somehow jack up the rig and take the weight off of them.

I'd recommend you wax your RV with a UV protectant wax to help Prevent decal damage. 303 works well for many, but you need to reapply it every 30 days or so which won't work for you. I'd suggest Thetford RV wax which lasts many months before it needs to be reapplied.

Before you store it, make sure you have a full charge on your batteries and then disconnect them. Before hooking them back up again, you'll need to check the fluid levels and top them off.

Putting the insulation board in the windows is a really good idea because it will keep the sun from damaging interior materials.

Jim