RV Storage Advice - Montana Owners Club

wecker1 · 06-15-2018, 04:50 AM

We're still in our first year of RV ownership and while we've learned quite a bit, especially from this forum, we still have a lot to learn. As we're not full timers yet I have some questions regarding best storage practices that I would appreciate guidance on. We have a 3-sided storage unit where we park our 3791RD when not in use, which can be for months at a time. I'm curious if it's best to leave the slides in or out? Roof vents open? Windows open? We live in the southeast where it's obviously hot and humid most of the year and one of my main concerns is combating humidity in the unit. There's no electricity in the storage facility so running a dehumidifier isn't an option. The storage unit is large enough where the RV roof and windows are protected from even a blowing rain. I've been keeping the unit closed up, slides and vents/windows, but my damp-rid seems to be working overtime collecting moisture. Your guidance will be much appreciated.

jimcol · 06-15-2018, 05:59 AM

My storage situation is very similar to yours. I do leave my roof vents full open spring through fall. This really helps to prevent heat build up inside. In winter I leave both roof vents opened about an inch. I use charcoal hanging in an old pair of pantyhose to absorb moisture.

1retired06 · 06-15-2018, 07:45 AM

Windows closed, slides in, vents slightly opened, charcoal and clay kitty litter, battery disconnected. Some folks construct inside window covers.

mlh · 06-15-2018, 08:51 AM

My camper is in a shed similar to yours. I leave the slides out roof vents open and some of the windows that wont get rain in open and plugged in to keep the battery charged. I’ve done this 2004 with no problems. With the slides out I can go take a nice nap any time I would like to.
Lynwood

wecker1 · 06-15-2018, 01:03 PM

Appreciate the advice but have to ask how you utilize the charcoal and kitty litter...thanks again!

CaptnJohn · 06-15-2018, 02:12 PM

Mine is in use Sept - May, stored during the hot season in the south. Roof vent open, Fresh Cab out, water absorbent chemicals out. No problems in nearly 50 years.

richfaa · 06-15-2018, 05:04 PM

Ours is never stored as we use it all year however when at rest as it is now along side the S&B we leave roof vents open .

jimcol · 06-15-2018, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wecker1

Appreciate the advice but have to ask how you utilize the charcoal and kitty litter...thanks again!

From my earlier post, " I use charcoal hanging in an old pair of pantyhose to absorb moisture."
8 to 10 briquettes in the leg of an old pantyhose. One hangs in the front room and one hangs in the bedroom. I change them every couple of years. They are a known humidity absorber and pretty cheap.

jeffba · 06-16-2018, 02:44 AM

Y'all are trying to get me in trouble. DW doesn't wear panty hose. So how am I going to explain the women's loungerie charge on my credit card? No honey REALLY it was for the camper!!!

jeffba · 06-16-2018, 02:48 AM

Oh and my idea of summer storage is taking it in for warranty work.

wecker1 · 06-16-2018, 05:18 AM

Too funny. Luckily DW still has a few pair that I can grab. Thanks again!

whutfles · 06-20-2018, 03:28 PM

Ours is in Nebraska stored in the summer in a lean-to with a high roof where weather can hit the front. Slides are in because other RV's are about 4 feet away. Vents are closed. No moisture problem. But I like the charcoal idea.

When you're storing it, don't forgget to put steel wool around your water pipes where they enter the floor to keep the mice out. If mine is stored for an extra long time with no use, I will take a gallon jug of water to the RV about once a month and poor a little in the sink drains and shower drain so that the traps are full and poor some in the stool basin so that the seal stays moist and shut. This keeps the smelly tank gasses from permeating your RV.

I don't disconnect the batteries, but I turn the battery disconnect off. Once a month I'll go to the RV with my truck, connect the RV hitch cable to the truck and leave the truck run charging the batteries.

lmf580 · 06-20-2018, 04:31 PM

I live in the northeast so mine is covered from nov-april. I use a water absorbent from wal-marts, for the moisture works well. Also put 100% peppermint oil (e-bay) on 10-12 cotton balls scattered around the floor, to keep the nice out. that works well also. Vents are open about 2 inches and fridge door is open a little. Been doing this for about 15 yrs.

The Bone · 06-20-2018, 05:34 PM

Rice works with moisture. Not as dirty as charcoal. I also leave my fridge open a little. I put a towel in there to hold the door open. vents closed and slides in.

phillyg · 06-20-2018, 05:47 PM

It's hot in storage here in SWFL, but I close everything up. No issues so far.

garyka · 06-20-2018, 07:52 PM

I use litter, slides in,vents open,crank out windows open a little and I place small solar fans in the rv to circulate air in self for the summer

Texan · 06-20-2018, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffba

Oh and my idea of summer storage is taking it in for warranty work.

It's a wonder the dealers don't start charging for storage when you bring your rv in for warranty work.

mlh · 06-21-2018, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texan

It's a wonder the dealers don't start charging for storage when you bring your rv in for warranty work.

They just haven’t thought of it yet but thanks to you now they will.
Lynwood

The Bone · 06-22-2018, 05:21 PM

If dealers were worried about storage maybe they would get your rig back to you faster. LOL

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