We have sold our 17 Foot Tent Trailer, we used to store year round in our 3 car garage and tomorrow we purchase our 22 Foot TT, hurray!!!Exciting and scary at the same time.Since this rig is too large for our garage, we have found outdoor storage in a field where others store their RVS about 3 minutes from our home for $40 per month.In scanning many of the messages and speaking with others it looks like a lot of things have to be done to an RV if we plan on storing it outdoors. Yes, call us clueless, we are in learning mode and want to prevent unnecessary damage and $ cost for repairs.My questions are:1. is there a link that someone has posted of all the things that need to be done to the TT for the Winter months? Portland, OR has very mild Winters but night time temperatures often dip in the teens and we do have occasional snow on the ground.2. Is it worth to just pay more for monthly indoor storage rather than taking off the Batteries every time, securing the gas tanks, draining the water, making sure everything is Winterized, purchasing covers and tire covers etc etc and all that needs to be done?I understand we are newbies in this department and others forget that they were there once too Thank you in advance for you "kind" responses.Ufoureah

If your buying new the dealer probably has already winterized it. Ask to be sure. If he has, then go park it, get some dry eze containers and place them inside, like in the sink. Replenish them about once a month and you should be good to go until spring.

I would consider a metal carport for storage on your property. Keeping the weather off of it will dramatically extend the life.

We live in a home development where the HOA is very strict, so we have to park it on someone else's property…Ufoureah

It doesn't take long to winterize it once you have done it a couple of times. Depending on what it's like in your area and where you are storing it you may not have to remove the batteries tanks and such. Only you can decide if you need to in your area.

There are winterization threads on the Forum.Rather than removing batteries, buy and install a disconnect switch. Also a locking bar if not equipped. Lock down the propane tanks, cover the tires with garbage bags and tape or covers, park it. My trailer is 42 years old and has never been covered for Winter storage.

Questions about new TT upgrade from Tent Camper

Ufoureah
Explorer
Dec 03, 2013
Thank you so much for all your input

Ufoureah
wrvond
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2013
We stored our old TT at an outdoor facility in another state, and had it delivered to the camping park whenever we wanted to use it. It seemed like every time it was delivered, something was damaged on the outside. A gouge here, a scrape there. Dirt everywhere. Even grass from mowing while wet stuck to the skin of the camper. We keep our new one here at home now. Nobody else is allowed near it.
I know that's not an option for you, but, you might want to consider a high quality Adco (or similar) cover for your unit. Or, if you are a long-term renter, perhaps the property owner will let you install a metal RV port to park your camper under. This would go a long ways to helping preserve your roof and all the caulking.
calamus
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
Cover it will it will last a long time. Take your batteries they will freeze after sitting and losing power and people like to walk off with your propane tanks good luck hope you enjoy it. I would move I hate HOA I like having my camper out back.
xteacher
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
Have the dealer winterize your camper before you bring it home. Definitely remove the battery at the storage lot and store it in your garage - all year. We had one stolen - at a fenced/"secured" storage facility...
Vapor_Trails
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
Also consider potential theft of the batteries and/or the propane bottles. Some folks bring their batteries home with them when storing the RV. Others have them in a lock box.
handye9
Explorer II
Dec 01, 2013
Besides winterizing, consider the surface the trailer will be parked on. You may want to place wood under the tires, if you're parking on grass / dirt. Consider purchasing some tire covers and do a thorough springtime inspection.

Outdoor storage will weather the tires and caulking faster than being indoors. In the spring, check caulking on roof seams, around running lights, doors, and windows. Clean and recaulk any cracks.
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
Ufoureah wrote:
We have sold our 17 Foot Tent Trailer, we used to store year round in our 3 car garage and tomorrow we purchase our 22 Foot TT, hurray!!!

Exciting and scary at the same time.

Since this rig is too large for our garage, we have found outdoor storage in a field where others store their RVS about 3 minutes from our home for $40 per month.

In scanning many of the messages and speaking with others it looks like a lot of things have to be done to an RV if we plan on storing it outdoors. Yes, call us clueless, we are in learning mode and want to prevent unnecessary damage and $ cost for repairs.

My questions are:
1. is there a link that someone has posted of all the things that need to be done to the TT for the Winter months? Portland, OR has very mild Winters but night time temperatures often dip in the teens and we do have occasional snow on the ground.

2. Is it worth to just pay more for monthly indoor storage rather than taking off the Batteries every time, securing the gas tanks, draining the water, making sure everything is Winterized, purchasing covers and tire covers etc etc and all that needs to be done?

I understand we are newbies in this department and others forget that they were there once too
Thank you in advance for you "kind" responses.
Ufoureah

Winterizing can be found right here. Go to the top of the page and click on "RVing FAQ" located in the blue bar. Then scroll down three pages to number 23. Great hints there.
westend
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
There are winterization threads on the Forum.
Rather than removing batteries, buy and install a disconnect switch. Also a locking bar if not equipped. Lock down the propane tanks, cover the tires with garbage bags and tape or covers, park it.
My trailer is 42 years old and has never been covered for Winter storage.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Dec 01, 2013
It doesn't take long to winterize it once you have done it a couple of times. Depending on what it's like in your area and where you are storing it you may not have to remove the batteries tanks and such. Only you can decide if you need to in your area.
Ufoureah
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
We live in a home development where the HOA is very strict, so we have to park it on someone else's property…
Ufoureah