One of the reasons we decided on a Foretravel was that our plans were to move a couple of times per month on average, with few (if any) stays longer than about a month. Well, the reality is that we're now working with Laborers For Christ. We're on our second project. The first was six weeks. This one has been going on for at least seven months, with no real end in sight. We were supposed to be here in early December, but we had some mechanical issues that delayed our arrival a month, so we've been here since January. If the guesstimate for completion is actually correct, we'll be done here the end of April. If not, we'll have to leave mid-May anyway. Long story short, we're going to be here for at least four months.
If this turns out to be typical of most projects, what sort of issues might we be exposing ourselves to by parking the coach for 3-4 months at a time? It does seem that Laborers can leave projects before the project is completed, since a couple that had been here for seven months left a couple of weeks ago, and another couple that came in early December is leaving tomorrow.
David ---- I would block it up to take the weight off of the tires and cover the tires to keep the sun off. Start the engines (main and generator) once a month. Exercise all equip't on a regular basis. Have a great day ---- Fritz
Only if you put the genset under load and can drive the coach to bring all fluids up to temperature. Just idling without load will allow condensation to form; you want enough heat so you drive off any moisture and idling won't do that (learned about that from Brett W).
If you can't drive the coach, better not to start the engine. Just take a weekend trip or something if you feel the need.
These are a few things I think about and or do when parked, on board;
1) smart battery minder for chassis battery bank. (many products available made for this purpose)
2) surge guard of some type, possibly autoformer, whole house voltage regulator. Theses items will protect your electrical system and ensure proper voltage to equipment providing longer life and peace of mind.
3) ensure batteries are charged before taking off after a long parked period. This will reduce the strain on alternator bearings and belts.
4) drain water from air tanks if compressor used. may or may not be required often dependant on conditions.
5) choose a site which will provide a good drop for emptying holding tanks.
6) if possible, orient the coach where less direct sunlight hits the refrigerator area
7) check with locals about pests which may infiltrate the coach and prepare defense as applicable.
8) consider wheel well covers that will also protect the air bags from the sun, use 303 protectant for UV protection on various surfaces exposed to sun deterioration.
9) exercise the generator with load as mentioned
10) keep the fuel tanks full to avoid moisture (condensation) use an additive if you feel there is protection from algae etc.
11) consider a third optional support for the awning that provides tension from the coach to roller (no water pocket) and a ground support attached to the tensor bar.
12 if near the ocean, lightly spray fins of air conditioners and the back of refrigerator with protectant to prevent rust and corrosion (Boeshield is an excellent product)
No doubt I have missed many, but those above are what come to mind.
David, reguardles of long-term parking.. I think it's wonderful what your doing with,
Christian Laborers ^.^d
What kind of projects?
Heres a couple things I do;
When I drive the coach I make sure I use the brakes going forward and backward more than needed.
Always set it on high idle before I pull out for 3-5 min
I put a spacer between the windshield and wiper (im lucky I have UV covers) for the blades
They make UV covers for the winshield/gaskets
Door step seal
If you don't have wiper blade covers a quick, simple thing to use is a split foam pipe insulation tube. Works great and if you lose it, no big deal.
David, I applaud the work you are doing, all of us , regardless of our differing beliefs should be doing some work to help others ( I help with meals on wheels ).
In your case I would simply mark out a date on the calendar at different intervals and take the Coach for a weekend trip somewhere. No matter where you are there are attractions to see for everyone.
Good Luck
Gary B
I think that the condensation issue deserves a little clarification. Condensation is not an issue in warm and dry climates, where it is a problem is in climates where the humidity is high and the temps get low. Even in bad conditions, a start up now and then is not a horribly bad thing. Start ups under bad conditions day after day for a while and not warming the engine is the problem. If you are warm and dry, I would not let this issue drive the bus. Have a great day ---- Fritz