We have our 34' (Ole Red) home and plugged into 50 amp next to the house. Florida sun can be tough so I have a few questions. We do not have a pole barn and not likely to be welcomed in the neighborhood. Have not read that an RV Cover is typically a good idea due to chaffing and would also require gymnastics to get it on and off. Just had the coach detailed at Precision in NAC so it has a good coat of wax.
The options I'm curious for input on deals with the window awnings. Keeping them out would allow the windows to be spared from the east/west exposure of the coach....but at what cost to the sunbrella fabric? Leaving the window awnings up would expose the windows to that exposure with potential for damage to the windows themselves (snaking?). We'd leave the big "patio" awning up.
Thanks in advance.
Randy
Sunbrella is pretty long-lasting, even in the sun-- that is what our boat bimini is made of and it is in the sun full time and looks good even after 5 years or so in the elements.
But, they will get dirty-- dew and rain plus dust means you will need to clean them. ONLY, REPEAT ONLY use Zip Dee soap. Any detergent or petroleum-based product will remove the waterproofing. One packet from Zip Dee is enough to do all the awnings on the coach.
Certainly if convenient, stowing the awnings reduces the dew on them and therefore how quickly they get dirty. Likewise if a front or storm is moving through with high winds, stow them.
Just an opinion here - everybody has one.
Our coach sits outside 24/7, wherever we happen to be. At our house, it's parked in the driveway. West Texas sun is pretty intense. I've never even thought about putting out the awnings. Besides the problem of dirt buildup, I would also be too worried about the chance of wind (which in West TX is ALSO pretty tough) ripping them off. We have single pane windows (with limo tint on all but windshield), so no worry about snakes. We do keep all our sun-blocker window shades pulled down to help moderate interior temps. Our coach bears up pretty well under this treatment, but it would REALLY like to have a enclosed garage.
You could consider a local indoor storage facility, but some can be pretty expensive
Agree, that is what we do. Not cheap, but the right answer to keep a coach in top condition.
We are have been parked in a "wind tunnel" through most of the summer months, in a small river valley between two long stretching hills.
I've found the main large awning is easily affected by wind, but the smaller zipdee awnings over each window are extremely sturdy, and wouldn't think of putting them in except in the strongest of storms. We see 40-50 gusts pretty regularly, no problems so far.
Before we sold our S&B we rented a covered storage 6 miles from the house. It worked well, as we could keep it plugged in and it was easy to maneuver in and out of. One Caution, the coverage allowed sun to hit, but only in the morning. When it hit 11am or so, the bus was covered. I am sure that had some effect on the rear of the bus, the major portions were covered when UV was at it's highest.
Something you might look into if you rent a covered storage.
Len
Have our small window awnings out except when driving. Main awning is out except when strong wind is forecast. Main awning was relaced two years ago due to a misguided truck. The material as well as the original window awnings was still good an I re-purposed the main awning material. The only thing going on our 22 yea old awnings is the white thread. Other than that the sun doesn't seem to be a problem. Just need to stay out of the pr editor truck zone.
Bill's place is big enough for 10 Foretravels and he has enough tools to keep several crews busy. The number of rechargeable batteries is enough to power a Prius. Plenty of space outside to be an RV dealer. There is still another big room past our coach.
P
It was important to me to lock down storage before we brought our coach home. Getting it to our house is not possible. We live up in in the mountains at the end of an 8 mile dirt road.
We found indoor heated,storage with power for $150 a month. Hard to beat it.
Redneck fix: 4'x8' sheets of 1/2" thick insulation board. Cut to fit each window plus "tuck " up under window awning. Pull out awning just enough to slide insulation board up behind roll. Bungee strap across awning arms to hold bottom of insulation board in place if windy.
Paint matching color for aesthetics if wanted.
All window awnings are rolled up when we leave the coach, at night and during wind & rain. Big patio awning is never out. All awnings are "latched / locked" when driving.
^.^d When I grow up, I want to be just like BILL!
I'm afraid the only way I can be anywhere close to being like Bill is if I hit the lottery.
Randy, would a canopy be unwelcome also? My brother uses a good cover for his Monaco as he doesn't have room for anything else at his house. I use a canopy and have to change the canvas every 10 years. It is in the background.
You mean with a full head of hair?
Me too!
A canopy is a viable option. do you recall where you purchased? Thanks.
Costco sold these 20 years ago online but the company quit making them. I buy the canopy material from an online canopy company. I have seen a similar canopy sold by HF but it doesn't show up on a search at this time. There are many just Google search motorhome canopy.
ShelterLogic Peak Style Garage/Storage Shelter — 36ft.L x 15ft.W x 16ft.H |... (https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200583495_200583495?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Tarps,%20Canopies%20%2B%20Shelters%20%3E%20Instant%20Garages%20%2B%20Instant%20Shelters&utm_campaign=ShelterLogic&utm_content=65438&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4M262sGW1wIVQpR-Ch2BZQL4EAQYAyABEgIXHvD_BwE)
Aircraft hangers ?
Shelter logic is a good brand. Their website still works and I hadn't heard of them closing. My uncle has two from them they stand up quite well. One tent has his 40 ft sob plus his boat and a backhoe in it. No issues with snow load.
If tents aren't allowed you should look into whether a greenhouse is allowed
George Re: Storage Options Between Trips
Aircraft hangers?
George,
You are correct as many RV owners I know park their RV in their hangars. Been doing that for 17 yrs myself since we got to Texas.
John