sunlovers
New Lenox, Illinois
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Joined: 03/12/2006
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Hi -
We have loved our first year as Winter Texans so much that we have decided to lease our lot and store the RV on it. This just made good sense for us right now based on gas prices, etc. and how much we want to return here.
We know it gets very hot here during the summer in Donna and we are wondering what tips, tricks and recommendations you may have on what we should and shouldn't do.
We have heard some "rumors" about things we should do and things we shouldn't leave inside, etc. but I am asking you, the experts, for suggestions.
Thanks in advance!
Nancy and Jerry
Illinois
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Joy
Henderson KY 42420
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Joined: 08/10/2001
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Remove any food, otc meds, etc., that heat will affect. Empty water tanks, hot water heater, black water tank. Clean BWT well. Leave toilet bowl full of clean water to protect seals. Clean fridge & leave doors propped open. Leave slides closed & awnings rolled up. Store all outside stuff - leave nothing outside. If possible, leave key with trusted neighbor or office and ask them to check on things every so often.
See ya' down the road!
Don-SCPO USN Ret.Corpsman
Joy-Ret.Off.Mgr.
Katie-Mini Aussie
Sam-Calico Fat Cat
Maggie-Chihuahua
2003 38'Phaeton DP
2006 Saturn Vue
LIFE ISN'T ABOUT HOW TO SURVIVE THE STORM BUT HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN.
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pawatt
Brainerd MN / Mission TX
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Joined: 01/19/2005
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I would disagree with some of the above advice.
I would drain your tanks but then put some RV antifreeze in the tanks, traps & toilet. Then cover the toilet with saran wrap & lower the lid. Pull out your sink & tub drain plugs, wrap them in saran wrap then put them back in.
This will prevent the seals from drying out & the saran wrap helps prevent evaporation.
Stuff your refrigerator & freezer with crushed newspaper, do not use the colored funny pages. Coat the gaskets with Vaseline and close the doors. This will keep the gasket from drying out & the doors from sagging. The newspaper will absorb moisture & odor.
Empty water tanks, Run a little RV antifreeze thru the water pump to lubricate & keep it from drying out.
Remove white clothing & clothing with elastic. The whites can yellow and elastic disintegrates.
Cover your tires to protect from the sun.
Don't worry, many leave there RV's here without problems.
pawatt
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MoRambler
Springfield, Missouri
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Joined: 07/16/2002
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Also....place rodent poison near any possible entry point(tires,jacks,stabilizers,etc). Inside the storage compartments, place ant traps/poison.
We had a lot of problems when we first got here in November with both mice and ants. However, it wasn't just rv's, homeowners were experiencing the same issues.
Larry & Ann w/Lucy the cocker
'00 Mountain Aire 350 Cummins/Spartan
Toad: '05 Jeep Liberty Ltd.
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MNtundraRet
Bloomington, MN
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Joined: 12/06/2007
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You mentioned you had a motor-home only in the subject title. No one mentioned the batteries. With a trailer, you could take the batteries home with you. The motor-home will need stabilizer added to the gas tank. How are you planning to handle charging of your house and chasis batteries? Do you have someone to come out and check batteries, or to start up motor-home and generator each month? With no one checking on the unit each month, you better figure in the cost of replacing all the batteries after returning 6 months later. Is there someone in your area that has a service to check out units stored while people are away?
Mark & Jan "Old age & treachery win over youth & enthusiasm"
2003 Fleetwood Jamboree 29
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rvtommy
blooming prairie minnesota
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Joined: 07/15/2004
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Is there anyone here staying at Winter Ranch in Alamo??? thanks rvtommy@aol.com
this is rvtommy
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bjbear
Cold Lake, AB, Can
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Joined: 02/14/2004
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Make sure you add fuel stabilizer, and run engine long enough to ensure it makes it to the injectors (or carb). Do the same with a generator if you have one.
Also, buy a 15 watt solar panel and hook it up to your batteries. This will keep them topped up and they will be fine next year. If you have separate house and engine batteries, you should use a separate panel for each bank. Don't use too large a solar panel or it will boil the water off (unless it has a controller). Also, before you leave, make sure the batteries are topped up with distilled water and the master disconnect switch is off.
If rodents are a problem, take 2 or 3 plastic margarine containers or similar. Cut holes in the top then add a few real moth balls. Place randomly in cupboards, closets, etc. This will keep the mice out. When you return, dispose of them and the smell will go away quickly.
2003 Dodge 3500 DRW HO with:
Edge Juice
Banks Ram Air, Pac-Brake, Exhaust
ATS 5-star Torq Conv
ATS Hi-Perf 48RE Trans with Billet Input Shaft
Trailersaver T3 Hitch
2005 Komfort Karryall - 36 foot
2006 HD Electra-Glide FTHCI
2 - Kaw Brute 650i Quads
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pawatt
Brainerd MN / Mission TX
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Joined: 01/19/2005
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Or you could simply but a battery minder charger on the batteries if you have power.
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olstuf33
sherman, tx
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Joined: 10/30/2007
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We have some friends that leave containers of water inside the unit and do most of the above listed procedures. It is unlikely you will have shore power unless you pay for it. You can remove batteries. RV anti freeze does not have rust inhibitor in it and can allow rust to form in the places where it is installed. Common petroleum jelly spread around the toilet flap will help it from drying out. Vermin proofing the unit is a must. It does get hot in the valley. Tires, slide and other seals are going to be affected even with precautions. Water in the fridge, open containers, help with moisture there. Traps are okay without water as the tanks are shut. Anything outside the unit is fair game for thieves. Gas tanks, tires and wheels and remember, outside door into storage bins only have a few different keys so empty them and put that material inside or take it with you. Secure the hitch so that it is not easy to move. Some of these folks can be hooked up and out of the spot much faster than you can. Whatever you do make sure you don't leave a F250 diesel 4 door pickup. A favorite of thieves. I keep looking for a commercial from the auto thieves stating as much. Clyde Barrow said he chose Fords for his villanous work and apparently so do these folks.
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pawatt
Brainerd MN / Mission TX
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Joined: 01/19/2005
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DO NOT LEAVE CONTAINERS OF WATER IN YOUR RV.
This is for dry climates like AZ. There is plenty of humidity in the valley.
DO NOT LEAVE CONTAINERS OF WATER IN YOUR RV.
It can cause corrosion to cabinet & other hardware.
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