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Topic: RV During Storage (Read 639 times) previous topic - next topic

RV During Storage

We have arrived at our storage shed in our new to us 2004 U270 3610. We could use a lot of help with preparing for a two or three week storage period. The RV will not be on shoreline.
Do we dump the air system?
Do we turn off the inverter? The inverter is a Xantrex SW 3012. It was installed new a few days ago by Foretravel of Texas. The manuals were lost during the installation process, but I was able to obtain a PDF manual from Xantrex.
Do we disconnect the chassis batteries. Our coach does not have a disconnect for the chassis batteries.
We have turned off the refrigerator which is a Propane/Electric unit.
Thanks. Larry
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: RV During Storage

Reply #1 –
I'll take a stab, and hopefully not incur too much disagreement.  I keep mine plugged in whenever in storage, as it is much, much easier.

There would seem to be no reason to keep the inverter on, no matter the brand, as it is not going to be doing work.

I'd turn the propane off at the tank, not just the refrigerator, and open the refrigerator doors.  I was always told that would prevent odors, but have no proof.

I lower my coach.  As a side issue, many of us have gone out to our coaches to discover the 12 volt compressor running, with no idea how long it has been on.  There is a 5A fuse near the compressor that can be pulled to prevent the compressor from coming on and getting "stuck" on.  Putting a switch in the line makes it easier to just shut it on and off.

If you are outside, there is argument here whether it is a good idea to turn the generator auto-start on and leave it unattended.  Some do, some don't.  Of course, you would never do that if the coach is stored inside an enclosed area. 

Battery disconnects would certainly help prevent discharge...and then, of course, your inverter would be off.  2-3 weeks should really not deplete the batteries, but it has happened to some.  Remember, the door switch won't really serve as a battery disconnect, as some circuits are still live. 

I'm sure you'll get more advice, but these are a few points.  If there is any way you can find a place/way to have the coach plugged in, you will be a lot more at ease, knowing it will not have depleted batteries when you return.  Your previous owner may or may not have added a Trick-L-Start (or equivalent) to keep the starting batteries charged from the house batteries...so even if plugged in, you might come back to dead starting batteries and need the boost switch.
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: RV During Storage

Reply #2 –
Larry, Mine is stored in a lot outside, all I do is cover the tires, leave the reefer off and open, level and then turn off system, turn inverter off and cover dash and windows.  It will sit for a month in same level position. After a few days I close the step as the air has gone down.  When I get ready to travel the day or so before I flip the boost on to top the chasis batteries and after the normal pre trip checks I am ready to go.
Gary B

Re: RV During Storage

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter –


  Your previous owner may or may not have added a Trick-L-Start (or equivalent) to keep the starting batteries charged from the house batteries...so even if plugged in, you might come back to dead starting batteries and need the boost switch.

I use a solar panel to keep the trickle going on my TT, should work on a MH same way

Re: RV During Storage

Reply #4 –
Quote from: LI_Pets –
I use a solar panel to keep the trickle going on my TT, should work on a MH same way
If stored outside...lol.  He said he was at the storage shed, which I took literally.
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: RV During Storage

Reply #5 –
Turn off everything that you are able to turn off. Leave the refrigerator open. You may want to leave one roof vent and one window open 1/2" to allow some fresh air to move through.

After you turn off everything you can, there will still be some loads on the batteries. They might be fine for a couple of weeks. I would be inclined to disconnect the negative leads to all the batteries for storage of more than two weeks. If you can get even a 15A 120VAC connection for shore power, it will maintain your batteries.

Our coach lives outside about 50' from our house. It is hooked to 50A shore power. I see the coach daily, and go inside to check things every few days, or immediately if anything appears abnormal.

During storage, I leave the leveling system on, "salesman's switch" on, and refrigerator on. Inverter, water pump, water heater, and most other appliances are off. In summer, air conditioners are set at 84F. In winter, furnaces are set at 45F. I leave the kitchen vent open a little and leave the small window next to the passenger seat open just a little. We are in a mild climate and do not winterize.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: RV During Storage

Reply #6 –
By all means turn the inverter off; the idle current on it will deplete your house batteries quickly.

If you cannot provide a trickle charge to the house and start batteries then, as this is early days in your ownership, you should plan to return to the coach every few days to check on the battery condition. Use a digital voltmeter. 12.6vdc is usually full charge; 12.0vdc is discharged. Anything under 12.3vdc should be cause for a charge cycle (generator or engine).

As said earlier, but bears repeating, the near-door battery switch does not shut off everything. By checking frequently you'll get an idea of how quickly the "parasitic" loads impact your batteries.

If you do not have sealed batteries then this would be a very good time to add distilled water to every cell. Usually this is no fun. I use a bulb to suck the water in and then reach in and squeeze water into the cell. Most of the time I get water all over. I try hard not to overfill but it's very hard to see the water level on the cells in the back (at least on my coach).

If you can put a solar panel outside the shed in the sun then even a 30-watt panel will keep the batteries charged. Do not leave the "boost" switch on, however.

Cover the tires if they are in the sun at all. Walmart sells the tire covers pretty cheaply.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."