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Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Yahoo Message Number: 151305
I've been getting really excited about possibly ordering a 31 footer, but then decided to see for myself where there is available storage as I have no space available on my property.  Ideally I would get either a rented covered space or an enclosed bay with door lock.  Pricing for this is very high.  With a less than 30 ft rig you don't have as much problem, but once you pass 30 you may as well be renting something for 40+ and the cost is very high.

In the past I've stored my 40+ ft motorhome out in the open near our winter home in southern Calif and never had a problem with rat infestation.  The weather is generally so warm already (and there's little rain) that rats are not seeking a place to nest --- at least was the case in my storage lot.  But, in Washington that would (could) be a different story.  I'm fearful too of rats eating the wiring.  That could cost $10's of thousands to repair on a big motorcoach.  When you can store the big coach in an enclosed bay (and put out rat traps, poison, etc.) then you are less likely to have them eat your wiring, etc. or nest.  Perhaps a LD is no more vulnerable than a car or truck --- is it?

A lot of you store your rigs at home and I'm sure you can either get it in your garage or you have built some nice covered space.  You run power to it to keep it from freezing, etc.  That's well and good, but I don't have that.  I'm more interested in hearing from those who don't have that either.  What do you do and how are you keeping the rats away from the wiring, etc. and nesting?  How much do you pay to store in a covered space or enclosed bay?  Are you satisfied just parking in an open rented lot that has decent security?

I know of a place just below Seattle that you can buy a 20 ft x 50 or 60 ft storage bay like a condominium.  You can decorate it, heat or cool it, have a tv and sitting area, basically a big man cave to watch over all your collection of toys LOL.  All for $150,000 (starting) and high HOA dues, property taxes, and utilities.  I'm looking for something I can rent economically.  I've searched ads on Craigslist and not much there.  In Portland there's a big warehouse you can store your toys, etc., but again, very costly rent.

Perhaps I should just store in an open lot and use the LD a lot.  But, not always convenient to do that.  I'm leaning now toward not getting back into motorhoming unfortunately.
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151307
We store ours in a warehouse that's specifically used for motorhomes, classic cars and boats, that is outside of Sacramento.  We have year round access to our rig.  We just call them up 24 hours in advance and they pull it out of storage and into a locked yard.  They store our car in the warehouse during the time we're out traveling.

When I was looking for a place to store it I checked out all sorts of self storage places between Reno and Sacramento.  This was cheaper than any of them and there's someone there looking after all of the expensive toys, rather than having it just sit in a storage unit somewhere.

I don't know what's available in Washington, but you might try looking at boat or classic car storage places as well as RV storage.

Syndi

2014 TK
The Super Flea
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151310
If you enjoy the life it would be ashamed to give it up because you do not want to store the rv outdoors.  Try calling the local dealers and RV repair shops to see where they send their clients.

We found our storage location from a North East Lazy Dazer who lived in the DC area.  She has sold hers just after we purchased.  The location where RVs are stored is outdoors and is either paved gravel.  I have been there a little over three years now.  No issue with rats or other vermin.  The area is gated, has a dump station (no extra fee), washing station (no extra fee), 50 cent air pump with a accurate gauge, and the owners will do some limited work on the RVs.  They sell boats, camp trailers and some Class A's.

The fee, based on length, is $102/mo for my Mid Bath.  A good price in the northern Virginia, Washington DC area.  There are slightly closer locations (more costly) and locations for a small amount less (further away) but not ones with the same combination of features.  The more I read about pest the more I like a hilly paved parking area.

We live in McLean, Fairfax Co, VA  there is an county ordnance about RVs parked in driveways or on the streets.  We've had no one complaints when parked infant of the house for a week or so either side of a trip.  I sure that if it were a ratty looking thing or it never moved someone would say something to us.

DaVee (our name for the MidBath) gets used 50-60 days a year, mostly weekends with the wife and two or three longish trips (6 days to almost a month) with me going someplace solo.  I am retired but the wife is working for a few years more has has very little vacation time.

John DaCrema
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151311
"...a place just below Seattle..."

---

If you're looking for RV storage near Seattle - this place is in Lynnwood - this is one option:

http://seattlervstorage.com/Home.html

Not cheap, but costs, features, ease of access, and security of RV storage yards/buildings, if these are available at all, vary *widely* in different parts of the country.

If not fulltiming, and if one isn't able to keep the rig at one's residence (or at that of a friend, relative, or other cheap/free/convenient option), the where, how, and price of stashing the RV between road trips are definitely issues for consideration before committing to the lifestyle.

As ever, YMMV.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151312
We store our Lazy Daze RB in a covered commercial storage area that is for vehicles.  There are also storage rooms (charged separately according to size) available, which is handy.  The cost for the covered storage is about $100. a month, with a senior discount, but they provide an electrical plug for keeping the batteries charged.  It is not for leaving a refrigerator running; only for battery charging.  We have been doing this for about four years - ever since an enormously intelligent packrat decided to make our rig its home while stored in a parking field near to our complex.  The repairs amounted to $2500..  We've spent twice that amount for storage since then, but no damage has occurred.  Another benefit is that, being covered, the monsoon hailstorms that surprise Arizonans now and then do not damage our roof or solar panels.  A completely enclosed building in my back yard would be ideal, but few of us have that option.

This storage area is about eight miles from our home, and I find it to be a real show stopper in getting anything accomplished, but for someone with more energy than I seem to be able to muster, it shouldn't be a problem.  We are allowed to bring the Lazy Daze to our driveway for a few days to load and unload, so my whinging is really not very justified.  Like any little girl, I like to have my playhouse in my back yard for instant access!  ;->

If an RV length of over thirty feet is a problem, then you should consider what your biggest objection(s) would be with any given floor plan and make your decision accordingly.  RV'ing involves a lot of compromising - you mention having had a forty footer (me, too) - and length is certainly one of the biggies.  Each person/family has different needs as to what is acceptable in any given area.  If a short Lazy Daze (24 feet) would be easy to drive and park, but make you miserable to live in, then that is not a good choice.  The next size at three feet longer gives you more wiggle room for a family, and is only moderately more difficult to deal with.  Add an additional four feet for a 31-foot floor plan, and several new problems crop up to offset the extra comfort of the interior.  The biggest problem for most is the diminished payload - you will be able to carry about a thousand pounds less.  That is a considerable amount.

As my energy level continues to wane, I have considered a compromise of a fairly comfortable camper van for transportation and a night or two on the road, combined with a vacation rental in an area that I wish to visit.  If you like to dry camp in remote areas, then this would not be a good plan, but I found that when we went somewhere in the forty-footer, we tended to stay put for several months (record of eight+ months) at a time, and just do day trips, or overnights, in the camper van.

So each choice has upsides and downsides, and only your own needs can dictate which is best.  This is not an easy task.  What seems clear cut one day may seem entirely unsuitable the next.  You can pull up your memories from your days in the forty footer to help with the decisions.  What did you like/dislike about those experiences?  What compromises are you willing to make?  Sometimes the answers are elusive.

Virtual hugs,

Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151313
I would love to have covered storage for my RV.  Sadly the cost of real estate in this area is a killer.
John DaCrema
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151321
Is that the warehouse out on US 50 at Sunrise?

For us,  our 31 IB lives in the side yard. I will be moving the RV gate about 8 feet forward this year to accommodate it.  We could have fit a 27' but were sold on getting out of bed on either side.   It gets a tarp when we aren't  using it for an extended period (tarp spends more time  in the shed than  over the rig).  We have CC&Rs here so there are hoops to go thru to move the fence.

joel

Orwan - 13  31IB

Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151323
Wood rats and field mice prefer dark spaces and sweet smells. We live on a tract of wooded land along a river in N Florida and keep our cars and 27 ft LD MB under pilings- WITH THE HOODS UP. The secret is to provide light. Also we keep moth balls in containers under the vehicles. Also moth balls on the tray under the generator. It works.
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151326
No, it's in Rocklin.  24 Hour Recreational Storage.

Syndi 2014 24 TK Super Flea

2014 TK
The Super Flea
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151331
"Yonder" lives a sheltered life in an attached RV garage, workshop, tractor garage and gunsmithing/reloading room (Whew!) at the side of our house. Prior to that, Yonder stayed in my airplane hangar, so doesn't get out to play as much as some.

For anti-rodent outdoor storage, wonder of some sort might work. Perhaps made of corrugated aluminum or plastic, cut crosswise so the pieces would be rigid vertically and easy to handle/assemble.  Or maybe a mesh (expanded metal, hardware cloth etc) for minimal wind loading, edged molded for anti-scratch and handling convenience. There are companies making vinyl skirting, but that doesn't seem to stop vermin - though it would serve to keep the underside of the RV warmer in winter and, of course, more comfortable for the critters.

bumper
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151332
Rats love to live in the engine bay, in the empty area under the V-10's intake manifold.             It's a perfect home with lots of room and nest building available in the form of firewall insulation, plus there is plenty of tasty plastic to chew on,  some even with wire inside!  The damage can run into the thousands of dollars quickly.

Almost every V-10 LD that I have removed the doghouse on has the remains or the start of a nest.     They usually consist of a layer of grass, lint, nuts and many time, mothballs. Yes, they are commonly used and some rats evidnetly don't mind them (maybe they wear wool?).            Lights and open hoods works on many but not all rodents.                                                            Here is an example of the problems they cause.                                       https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157628789839867/show

Parking in a building will be better than exterior storage but there is no guarantee that this  will eliminate rodents.   I would seek local knowledge of what works in your area to keep the little nibblers away.
Hungry cats can be an effective remedy.

The good new is the interior of LDs are well sealed and rats and mice are not normally a problem when the rig is closed up.                                                                                                                                                           Pre-2003 models have a permanent power cord, stored in a interior compartment, that can allow mice to enter. Seal the cord storage compartment to keep them out.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151333
Actually, LD started using the Marinco power cords in the 2002 model year.  Ours had one when delivered in Feb 2002.

Art

---In lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com,  wrote
 Pre-2003 models have a permanent power cord, stored in a interior compartment, that can allow mice to enter. Seal the cord storage compartment to keep them out.
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151334
"Actually, LD started using the Marinco power cords in the 2002 model year.  Ours had one when delivered in Feb 2002."

Art

Thanks for the correction.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151343
For all those who think their parking situation is difficult or expensive, I offer our situation to make you feel better.  We live on the west side of densely-developed Los Angeles on a very narrow street, on which most neighbors park their cars at the curb.  We can't park the rig in front of our house, as it is too wide to allow traffic past if anyone is on the other side (which is usually the case).  We also have no driveway or side yard parking.  Consequently, we store the rig about fifteen miles away in a boat/rv storage lot, open air, between a freeway onramp and its split exit ramp.  This ensures maximum deposit of exhaust grit on the roof, requiring a roof scrub before every outing.  There's no dump facility and no wash facility, and no repairs or working on the rig is allowed.  For our simple patch of exposed concrete, we pay the princely sum of $176 per month.  Gurk.  There aren't any other options that we've been able to locate.  When we need to wash it and provision it for a trip, I ask my neighbor to move his car and then block off the curb space in front of his house with buckets to save the place.  His house faces a "T" road intersecting with ours;  with no curb on the opposite side, this forms a wider patch of asphalt for cars to use when maneuvering around the rig.  I use 100 feet of hose to reach the rig for washing, which has to be done quickly as we don't like to block the road this way for more than one night before departing.  We put out highly reflective cones to try to keep night traffic from ramming us.  So far so good.  We've got the outfitting and cleaning down to an artful dance so that we can get it all done in one long afternoon.  We are truly envious of our fellow SoCal Caravan Club members who can liesurely attend to such things in their own driveways  for as long as, and whenever they want.  That said, we've been doing it this way for eight years this month, so the rewards have been worth the hassle.  Anybody in a worse situation that could make us feel good?  -- Jon & Loni ('06 TK "Albatross" and the wonder Scoot [it's a wonder it still runs after being dropped so many times])
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Where do you store your LD? How do you protect from rats?
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 151344
We always put a large piece of wood in the engine so it is open slightly.  We have been told that the rats and mice do not like the light and it has worked.

Going to miss this group.  Bought another RV and will be selling my 2001 27 foot Lazy Daze.  Have loved it and we even thought about keeping two RV's but finances prohibit that.  If anyone knows of someone looking for one let me know or give them my email address.

sandymueller1945@...