We are thinking of buying a 5th wheel down in Az and leaving it over the summer and spending 5 months in a park. Anyone done this and were there any problems?
My parents do that. The summer heat and sun are brutal. You'll find caulk turning into chalk, and paint takes a beating, so there's maintenance to do. They also mount cheap, temporary curtains (bed sheets) in the windows to limit sun damage. Other than that, they unhook from utilities and lock the door.
Lynn
Tyro2u wrote: We are thinking of buying a 5th wheel down in Az and leaving it over the summer and spending 5 months in a park. Anyone done this and were there any problems?
I do, but I spend the time in my house in Az.for part of the summer and travel the rest of it in my RV.
2005 Chev 5.3 Supercharged 395HP 425 T hp. Two wheels on front, 2 on back. one seat, tint windows. front and rear bumpers, headlights, windows. Door on each side. Heater, floor mats, junk behind seats, some dirt. Pulls so hard.
My dad did it in Bullhead/Laughlin area, and be aware that the Summer sun in Arizona, as previousily posted is like that of living on the sun...horribly brutal (actually, pretty much year round!) and paint fade, plastic discoloration and destruction (roof vents, skylights, window trim), tire damage, paint fade, decal delamination as well as interior damage from the heat and UV (fabric fading and coming apart) is severe. If possible keep it at a park where they have sun shelters that the rig fits under. His new fiver lasted for 3 years before it was worthless.
I have been leaving my RVs in Yuma for over 10 years now with very little problems. At the present time I have a 40ft 5th w, a 34 ft TT, a Park Model, last but not least a House. I seal up the windows, seal up the vents, cover the car. I clean every thing good when I get back to Yuma, like I said very little problems.
Mine is sure taking a beating from the heat and sun! A snowbird friend from Mich left his 5er near Yuma for one summer and the fading was very noticable from just that one summer. Craig
2003 Dodge HO CTD, NV5600, 4.10. Real 1Ton - pregnant with twin spare tires, 4WD - all on the rear. Aurora 2000 turbo, Diablo Predator, 4" muffler. 98 Sunnybrook 30RLFS 5th wh. WHOEVER INVENTED WORK DIDN'T HAVE AN RV!
There are thousands of 5ers on sites and lots year round in Yuma. Some fade more than others, some folks put boxes over the vent covers. Some put slides in, some leave them out. Most put gallon jugs of water thru-out the interior to add a little moisture. There is a guy behind me that has left his travel trailer there for ten years (a so-called cheaper brand) that has aluninimum skin and a gold band around it, that I would put up against anybody else's that sits in a northern driveway year in and year out, If you are a Kalifornia duster and washer freak, I don't think I would advise it. There are folks who live year round in Yuma and have RVs too, they don't seem to have any problem either.
Ditto on the water jugs... I used 5 gallon buckets in the bathroom and living area. If you don't do this the woodwork will shrink and crack, wallpaper will peel and calking will crack. Also, be sure to add water to all p-traps and put a capfull of cooking oil in them to prevent evaporation. Add lotsa water in the toilet and a capful of cooking oil. This will help protect the toilet seal. Turn off the gas at the bottles and disconnect the batteries and service them. There is some disagreement about leaving a vent slightly open. If you leave it open it will allow some of the heat to escape... but it will allow dust to enter. Your choice.
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