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Topic: Storage of coach (Read 1438 times) previous topic - next topic

Storage of coach

My question is...is it better to store the coach indoors at a temp no lower than 55 degrees with no access to it.  Or is it better outside where you can start it occasionally.
We live in Ohio so the weather does get bad here.
So is it ok to leave it set for 5 months (Nov till end of March) without starting the engine or driving it.
Indoor storage is good for the the body and outdoor storage I think is good for the engine because you can start it up.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #1 –
Lots of opinions on this, here's one.  Inside, definitely.  It does not need to be started periodically.  Keep the batteries charged. 

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #2 –
Like the other Chuck said indoors is the way to go. The engine shouldn't be started unless it is going to be driven. It can't get up to temperature idling and vapors will get in the oil. I have some diesel trucks and welders here that sit for over a year and start right up when needed.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #3 –
Yup, indoors.

Even if stored outdoors, ONLY start the main engine if you can drive a minimum of 25 highway miles-- long enough to get the oil, not just coolant up to temperature.  Anything less just adds moisture to the crankcase.

Yes, the generator can be run, but only if you have sufficient load to equal at least 1/2 of its rated capacity.

If not, store it properly indoors:  Add a BIOCIDE such as Biobor JF to the fuel tank and completely fill the diesel tank to reduce condensation.  If you have #2/summer grade diesel in the tank, also add an ANTI-GEL to the fuel.  PS brand is available at most Walmarts.

Air tires to max on sidewalls (per Michelin in their RV tire guide).  Park on something (plastic, plywood, etc) if on concrete or asphalt.

If you do have a nice day during the winter, come back and drive it  or just come back and "bond" with it.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #4 –
Thanks so much.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #5 –
Rick,  Storing your Aqua Hot heater without running the burner for 5 months means the diesel on the nozzle has congealed ruining the fine mist spray pattern.  If burner starts next spring, it will smoke and may not fire at all.

So, plan on servicing the burner when you get it out of storage.

If you can run the burner once per month during storage, you will keep the nozzle clean.

Hope this helps you

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #6 –
You didn't mention if you would be paying for indoor storage. Here in Los Angeles it is $10.00 per foot a month. You can buy a good cover for a few months rental cost and store outside as long as you prep for freezing temperatures if you have them. Never happens here. I store outside under a canvas top cover.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #7 –
Should I winterize it if it is indoors
Again the inside temp is 55.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #8 –
Not  unless there is a chance that the heat will go out AND you would not have an alternate source of heat (like 120 VAC shore power).

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #9 –
If there is a chance that heat will fail I would at least have the water lines blown out and the tanks empty.  It takes so little effort to protect your coach and so much time and money to fix a frozen one. 

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #10 –
Rick, what's wrong with the best of both worlds, store inside and take it for a monthly exercise run and cycle all systems. You and your coach will much happier. Like others said I would certainly drain and blow out all the water lines just to be on the safe side.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #11 –
When you blow down the system, check to see if there is a strainer on the suction of the pump.  If so, it may have a plastic screw on bowl which needs to be removed and drained.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #12 –
Don't rely on blowing the lines if you have Aqua Hot.  You'll receive a very expensive lesson if it freezes.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #13 –
Rick:
Sounds like you may be considering storing your Foretravel here:
 Vehicle Storage - Car, Truck, RV, Boat at Wampum Underground

In our final winter in Boardman, Ohio, during our first year of Foretravel ownership, we stored our U270 in the above mine with no problems.  We just turned off the 12 volts to the house and disconnected the negative to the chassis batteries.  We dumped the tanks and did not winterize.

Bob

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #14 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
Don't rely on blowing the lines if you have Aqua Hot.  You'll receive a very expensive lesson if it freezes.
Are there any detailed procedures or videos for winterizing the aqua hot, especially for older coaches?  The only videos I have found have been for newer ones.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #15 –
Very timely. Just got a notice from my neighborhood association to move the coach from my driveway. I'm pretty pissed about this. I got guys with chickens in his backyard next door, and a guy with a sprinter van down the street that routinely blocks the sidewalk, but my coach, in my driveway is a violation?
The only places in my area that are covered are 200$ a month. Thats crazy IMO. It does come with electric, but still. I don't need it. Uncovered, its half.
Always said don't buy a home with a neighborhood association, but we were in a pinch for space for my elderly mother in law.
I like the house and neighborhood, but now can't wait to get out. Both kids should be gone next year, and  elderly mother in law in hospital and may not be back, or not for long. So no need of a big house. And I retire in 6 months.....

Right now when I want to work on the coach its just going outside. But for the storage place, will have to drive 4 miles. True not far, but still, less likely to do it. (I'm lazy....)
Pretty upset about this. I will get over it.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #16 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
Don't rely on blowing the lines if you have Aqua Hot.  You'll receive a very expensive lesson if it freezes.

If you are somewhere where it can freeze blowing your lines out might be OK but adding in the RV antifreeze is pretty easy and will make sure you are OK.  The line sucking in the antifreeze comes from a 5 gal bucket with 3 gallons or more or RV antifreeze in it directly to the water pump.  When you turn on the hot faucet in the kitchen for example the RV antifreeze will fill the cold side of the water manifold and flow to the AquaHot filling all those lines and back to the hot side of the manifold and then to the hot side of the kitchen faucet. When pink stuff comes out switch to cold till pink stuff comes out.  Then move to the next faucet, repeat. Put the shower head on the floor of the shower.  Do the toilet, drinking water, basement faucet and outside line drain valves as well. Save what comes out of the line drains.  There are specifics for a washer/dryer and ice makers. We don't have them so I won't say how to do them.  Once you are all done, start over and do all of them again until it is all pink.  It should take about 6 gallons.  You will have put some pink stuff into the black tank from the toilet, that is OK.  Some will have gone into the gray tank as well.  With what you saved from the line drains add a cup or two to each of the drains in the kitchen, bathroom and shower.  Make sure the toilet is filled above the level of the flapper, your toilet may be different. 

Our toilet had a flapper with a rubber gasket.  Once you have blown out your lines and the toilet has no water this is a good time to grease up the rubber gaskets on the flapper valve with plumber's silicone grease.

This will all take some time the first time you do this.  With some practice it takes less than an hour.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #17 –
Brett, I noticed you suggest wood or plastic under the tires if on concrete.  My concrete floor has an epoxy coating on it.  Is that enough of a barrier for the concrete ?  It is definitely moisture resistant, and there are no cracks.  Your thoughts ?

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #18 –
Epoxy paint is fine to protect the tires.

Re: Storage of coach

Reply #19 –
Why do you have to run the gen with at least 1/2 it's rated capacity?