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Topic: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat (Read 363 times) previous topic - next topic
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Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
I've had my Lazy Daze for over a year and when not traveling it sits on the street in front of my house.  However, those nasty Las Cruces codes enforcement people decided that my street parking holiday was over.

I decided not to travel this summer because my house needed some "attention," and it seems to be hot EVERYWHERE.  So, I found a very nice store facility with hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (it seems 24 hour access tend to increase crime), a person onsite during business hours, and a number pad key code entry.

Three sided storage was $80.00/month and currently there's none available.  So, I opted for outside storage at $35.00/month or $300.00/year.  I suppose if you're a full-timer, your RV is outside 24/7.  However, sitting in the heat probably isn't the best thing for an RV.

I put on the window and tire covers, took a pool noodle and cut it to fit the windshield wipers, and put Reflectix Insulation (cut to size) between the shades and the windows.  Other than that, and going over to start the engine and generator periodically I don't know what else I can do.  Any additional ideas are welcome.

I may take a little trip later in the summer and plan to winter in Mexico.

The sun is cruel - especially here in the Desert Southwest...

Cheryl
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 midbath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
Reply #1 –
If you can afford it, I'd sure get the covered parking when it's available. Mine is covered and I pay $180 a month so you are getting a fair price. Here we have to worry about hail storms also. About the only thing I do different because it's covered is slightly open 2 of the vents to let hot air escape.
Rick and Melissa
2016 27ft RB
Re: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
Reply #2 –
Check your batteries when you go over.  I have vent covers over the three vents. I open the vents to let the heat out.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
Reply #3 –
I've stored RV's in the So.FL sun for years , and now in CO, doing what you are doing.
Be sure to keep water in the toilet so the seal doesn't dry out. Some people cover the toilet bowl with plastic wrap to reduce evaporation. I just added water during my monthly visit.
Every three months, I would take it out for a 30 minute drive to keep everything lubricated, the tires rotated, etc.
I've read that it's good to change the oil before long term storage. I usually did.
Hopefully the storage place has a rodent control plan of some type. They can cause a lot of unseen damage.
Enjoy
Ed
Re: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
Reply #4 –
If you have vent covers and solar, leave the vents open and set the Fantastic Fan to turn on at about 90 degrees.
Our LD is parked in the sun and the fan runs more than half of the time, even into the night.

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: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
If you have vent covers and solar, leave the vents open and set the Fantastic Fan to turn on at about 90 degrees.
Our LD is parked in the sun and the fan runs more than half of the time, even into the night.

Larry

Dang, I've never thought of running the fantastic fan with a high temp setting. That would stop the 110 degree blues.

I love this forum!
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
If you have vent covers and solar, leave the vents open and set the Fantastic Fan to turn on at about 90 degrees.
Our LD is parked in the sun and the fan runs more than half of the time, even into the night.

Larry

I don't have rain vents, nor do I have a thermostat on my Fantastic Fan.  However, that's a great idea!
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V
Re: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
Reply #7 –
It might be worth the few bucks it cost to install a couple vent covers, so the rig can be ventilated , during the summer.
If you have a Fantastic Fan, it can be replaced or updated to a thermostatically controlled model.

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: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
Reply #8 –
I have a cover you could have if that would be helpful...It is in MN. The previous owner kept the RV covered on an open lot. (We are fortunate to have inside storage for $750/ year.)
The cover was effective, our '99 is not faded.
27 RB
Todd (and Steve)
'17 Winnebago Minnie Winnie and '13 Honda CRV
(Former '99 RB owners from 2012-2016)
 
Re: Long Term Storage in Southwest Heat
Reply #9 –
Quote from: tjfhrb_16034  - 
I have a cover you could have if that would be helpful...It is in MN. The previous owner kept the RV covered on an open lot. (We are fortunate to have inside storage for $750/ year.)
The cover was effective, our '99 is not faded.
27 RB

Seriously?  I'd be game and would gladly pay the shipping charges. 

I actually "went to visit" my Lazy Daze at the storage facility today and everything seemed just fine.  OK, well except that I felt a severe pang of "hitch itch."   ;)
Cheryl (a.k.a. Desert Diva)
1998 Lazy Daze (26.5 mid-bath)
2002 Honda CR-V