Storing the trailer for the Winter

[marcel-JAY]

Hi,

This weekend will be my last camping trip of this season, after that I will prepare my trailer to store it for the winter. My previous travel trailer was an A-liner type that I used to store in my garage, now it is a different story...

The trailer will be stored on those RV storage places.
I will winterize the trailer and put a cover on it.


Some people tell me that I need to lift the trailer as the tires can go bad, is that true?
Do I need to put the stabilizers down?
Any TIP to protect the trailer from bugs or other critters that can get inside?
Any other thing that I need to do?


Thank you!

 

[OurJayco]

Hello Marcel and welcome to trhe forum!!

Some people tell me that I need to lift the trailer as the tires can go bad, is that true?

ANSWER = I would not lift the trailer so the tires are off the ground. You can bend or twist the frame. I have left mine outside and on the ground for the past 3 years without a problem.


Do I need to put the stabilizers down?
ANSWER = If you feel you need to put them down, there is no harm in putting them down. You are only asking for another way for critters to entire your trailer. I leave mine up.


Any TIP to protect the trailer from bugs or other critters that can get inside?
ANSWER = My wife puts almost entire box of the "Bounce" fabric softner inside all compartments and cabinets. We leave all doors open including the cabinet doors. Small animals like dark areas to hide.


Any other thing that I need to do?
ANSWER = 1) You may want to consider tire covers (if it is sitting outside). This way the tires are protected against the UV rays of the sun while it sits all winter long.
2) Make sure you drain all the water out of your water heater
3) Pour the pink stuff down the drains to make sure you have the pink stuff in the P traps.

 

[Albertaguy]

If the tires are on pavement, then you are OK. If it is on the ground then get a couple of boards and drive your trailer on it, then cover your tires. You can put your stabilizers down if you wish but there is no need. Put steelwool in any openings under the trailer or in storage areas, and then you might bait a couple of traps and put them in cupboards. DO NOT LEAVE ANY FOOD IN TRAILER.

I have read too many horror stories about the damage that can be done if you cover your unit. I say don't. In the spring you can climb on the roof and give it a good cleaning, I did that last year but I think I will have someone do it next time as I don't like heights.

 

[Glazier]

Good advise given already. Do not put the stabilizers down, they won't be helping anything.

 

[jonathan28]

What damage can be done by covering the trailer?

 

[Albertaguy]

What damage can be done by covering the trailer?

Do a Google search, but a few come to mind, moisture, mold, rubbing due to wind, etc. There are many more examples that are available on other RV sites.

 

[chrisvandette]

I always keep my stabilers down , helps support the trailer , I camp that way so I always park it that way

I try and keep my tires on a couple boards just to keep the tires off the grass/ rocks

I have covered the top of my first trailer ,since it was the old steel roof, with the new rubber roofs I never have worried about a cover for the trailer at all

I have max air covers on all my vents to protect them from the snow and leave the vents open just a hair to help keep the trailer ventilated and it helps stop moisture from building up in the trailer that can cause problems , we always keep a couple vents open when camping , we started that when we first started camping with out tent trailer, and we never have had a issue with moisture at all.

If the snow is over a foot or heavy snow(wet snow) i clean the snow off the roof except for about 1-2 inches so you do not dig into the rubber roof and cause a leak

and blow out all the water out of the water lines and water tanks and put some rv anti freeze in the p-traps and in the water lines.

I blow the water lines out in the spring then just flush and sanitize the water lines and water tanks doesn't take to long

you will find what works best for you

Camping in the winter is fun

Happy camping

 

[ByDesign-JAY]

Camping in the winter is on my 'bucket list' .... !

 

[camende]

I have 4 more weekends left that I can spend at the trailer. I work every 3rd weekend and I have a business trip out of town on one of my off weekends.

 

[McMonk]

We've got year-round campgrounds here on the island - while we'll still need to winterize the trailer for a few weeks, I'm looking forward to winter-camping too!

I also don't suggest you cover the trailer...ah, but to each-his-own!

 

[mtkeg15]

I have stored my HTT with the Stabilizers down- worried about high winds which can whip down where I park it. I do not close mine until the last days....so that I can make sure that any mice who have bunked down can be discovered and removed. I also make sure to keep mine away from shrubs, trees, woods, whatever. My HTT is in the driveway and even though I know mice travel- they have to cover more open ground as opposed to "covered ground". The fabric sheets are key and going from a 17 foot to a 23 plus will require a box or more. I also put moth balls in key corners or possible entry paths- but not enough to start the whole camper from absorbing the smell.

Hearing others thoughts, and my own concerns over the years- let me bounce this off some of you- What if I put the stabilizers down a portion of the way, like maybe 3/4s for added mental support (maybe actual support) in case of winds? This unit is about 5300 lbs compared to the 2800 on my smaller- so I would think it would take one big hurricane to move it. Safe to even bypass lowering at all?

MTKEG

 

[Topflight]

We just purchased a Jay Feather 21M HTT. The manual states that the stabilizers should not be put down when in storage. No reason given.

My .02

BTW we're leaving today for it's maiden camping trip.

 

[Denise-JAY]

We just purchased a Jay Feather 21M HTT. The manual states that the stabilizers should not be put down when in storage. No reason given.

My .02

BTW we're leaving today for it's maiden camping trip.

(Have FUN!!! Make sure to start a thread and post pics about your trip!)