TT Storing Basics

[Country_Mouse]

We are about to take possession of our first TT here in a couple of weeks. I would like to know the in's and out's of storing a trailer.

Ours will be off site at a storage facility.

Please share with me your routine when you go to drop off your trailer after a camping trip. What do you do with propane, batteries, tanks, tires, a/c, etc.

When you visit your trailer do you move it a couple of feet for the tires? Should you place something under the tires while storing when the TT will be in the hot sun on asphalt?

Thanks!

[Skaling]

Originally Posted by Country_Mouse

We are about to take possession of our first TT here in a couple of weeks. I would like to know the in's and out's of storing a trailer.

Ours will be off site at a storage facility.

Please share with me your routine when you go to drop off your trailer after a camping trip. What do you do with propane, batteries, tanks, tires, a/c, etc.

When you visit your trailer do you move it a couple of feet for the tires? Should you place something under the tires while storing when the TT will be in the hot sun on asphalt?

Thanks!

I make sure it's clean of food so no rodents want to get in. Close all blinds/shades. Open roof vent. Lift up mattress and cushions. Open fridge/freezer to the locked open position. Make sure toilet bowl and drains have water in them(it will evaporate and dry out seals). Set up my 'dri-zorb' to control excess humidity bOutside, turn off propane, drain water out of low point drains and Hot water tank. Remove batteries(I charge them at home).check tire pressures, Cover tires so sun doesn't break them down faster than normal. Lock it all up. I check on mine at least 1 time a month when in storage.

[clubhouse]

Originally Posted by Skaling

I make sure it's clean of food so no rodents want to get in. Close all blinds/shades. Open roof vent. Lift up mattress and cushions. Open fridge/freezer to the locked open position. Make sure toilet bowl and drains have water in them(it will evaporate and dry out seals). Set up my 'dri-zorb' to control excess humidity bOutside, turn off propane, drain water out of low point drains and Hot water tank. Remove batteries(I charge them at home).check tire pressures, Cover tires so sun doesn't break them down faster than normal. Lock it all up. I check on mine at least 1 time a month when in storage.

We do exactly the same.

I'll add I store it nose high for the rare chance it rains that the water runs off the back.

I only bother draining the HW tank when its going to be stored for a long period, a couple months or more.

[bedrck46]

Slightly open roof vent just far enough so rain doesn't come in.

[RedHorse1]

All the above plus...
I park on 2x6 planks to keep the tires off the dirt.
Hitch lock in place.
Electrical connector off the ground.
Make sure all compartments are locked.

[Angus]

If leaving the battery, pull the fuse by the battery to avoid trickling your charge away.

[Bucko06]

Are you talking about storing for a long period or just a few days/weeks? Between trips I clean, empty food and shut off propane. Over winter the to do list is quite long and in line with Skaling's comment.

[Country_Mouse]

Originally Posted by Bucko06

Are you talking about storing for a long period or just a few days/weeks? Between trips I clean, empty food and shut off propane. Over winter the to do list is quite long and in line with Skaling's comment.

Just between trips but could be a couple of months. In SoCal so we don't have to worry about winter. The storage facility reccomends closing roof vent because of the wind I am guessing.

[Country_Mouse]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

All the above plus...
I park on 2x6 planks to keep the tires off the dirt.
Hitch lock in place.
Electrical connector off the ground.
Make sure all compartments are locked.

Should we park on planks on asphalt that can get up to 100 degrees too?

[Skaling]

Originally Posted by Country_Mouse

Just between trips but could be a couple of months. In SoCal so we don't have to worry about winter. The storage facility reccomends closing roof vent because of the wind I am guessing.

Keep vent open, but get a maxxair vent cover for it..

[Skaling]

Originally Posted by Country_Mouse

Should we park on planks on asphalt that can get up to 100 degrees too?

Wouldn't hurt.

[clubhouse]

MaxxAir vent covers are a must, especially in sunny CA.

I also purchased a plug guard to keep the trailer cord off the ground and protected. I bought it from Amazon, but here is a link to the mfg.
RV and Trailer plug protection - Plug-Guard

[oldmanAZ]

I place a small trash can upside down over the hitch to keep water out. The safety chains are off the ground, holding the trash can on the hitch. The electrical connector hangs in the trash can with the open end down to keep water out of it.

In a public lot, I used sections of 2x4 for chocks so I wouldn't mind if they 'went missing.' They never did.

[Country_Mouse]

These are all great tips, thank you!

[Bsikes]

That's all for uncovered storage. How about covered?

[spoon059]

Just a couple thoughts OP...


The blinds in our RV's aren't that great. If you leave them closed for extended periods of time they will sag and lose shape. I would suggest you leave them open but place cardboard or something else over the windows. That will keep some heat and UV out and keep your blinds in good shape.


I would encourage you to get a ceiling vent cover and leave your vents cracked. Fresh air circulating through is the best thing for keeping temps down and for reducing the mildewing smells that older trailers have.


I can't offer much other opinions about off-site storage. We are fortunate enough to keep our camper in the backyard and plugged in and we go in and out often enough not to have to worry about long term storage.