Checklist for Short Term Storage Prep (Newbie)

[drhroo]

OK. (That's me catching my breath after a whirlwind couple of days!) We purchased a new 23IKSS on Wednesday and immediately pulled it to a state campground and camped there for 2 nights. More on that later. (Enjoyed it and so glad we have full hookups as it was in the mid-90's outside.)

Yesterday dropped it off at its new storage location and tucked it in for the night. Literally just that. Other than having dumped the tanks at the park before leaving and turning everything off I haven't yet done anything with the trailer.

This weekend we want to appropriately prepare it for short term storage (meaning 2-4 weeks before we take it out again.)

Anyone have a checklist?

Also, any good ideas on how to lock it?

I know I need to get tire covers.
I'll also put on wasp guards where I can. I read the thread on wasps - which gave me nightmares last night! (I have a bit of a bee/wasp phobia.)

What do I need to do with the water? Pull the plug and totally empty it? Leave some in a put a deodorizer in the water? Different for each tank?

I did remember to pull the battery disconnector pin. Do you all take that with you or leave it cabled/chained to your rig?

Do I put the stabilizers down while storing? Does it need to be level?

That's all the questions I can think of now which is probably because I don't know what I don't know.

[Hicks43]

Drain the water out (fresh water not waste water). I leave the key for the battery. No need for the jacks to be down. I also chock the wheels. Drain the hot water tank turn the switch off.


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[aceinspp]

You do want it fairly level so as not to screw up the refrig. For now would not worry to much on tire covers till you put it up for the year. makes sure the black tank is sanitized. Follow the other recommendations from Hicks43. Later RJD

[bikendan]

Make sure you left 2-3 gallons of water in the black tank.

[RCCS]

drhroo, what do you mean by you pulled the battery disconnector pin? Do you mean the one attached to the cable by the hitch? If that is the one you pulled your battery will be dead in no time since it is the breakaway switch for the electric brakes. Or do you mean you pushed in the battery disconnect switch inside the camper?

[jking46]

If you have a fantastic fan, try leaving the vent open a bit. Keeps the inside temp lower. Also pull the nightshades for the same reasons

[iceblaze580]

When I store mine depending on what time of year it is determines what I do if I put it in storage during summer I drain water heater,fresh water and waste water disconnect the battery and put about 5 gallons of water in the black tank. If it's winter I do the same but I drain the water lines

[drhroo]

When I put a few gallons in the black water tank is it just plain water? Or do I add a deodorizer or something?

So I'm not clear on the hot water heater. This will be for 4-5 weeks (maybe 2-3) between uses. Do I drain it each time like that?

And since I won't be using the frig, how concerned should I be about being level? The storage area isn't bad but I am sure its not perfect.

As for the fan, if I leave it cracked open a bit doesn't that invite wasps to make a nest up there. (My bee-phobia again.)

[Rigpdx]

I camp all year long, with 2-3 weeks in between trips. I don't empty the water lines/water heater unless there is potential for freezing. I leave a couple of gallons of water and a sani-packet in the black tank.

Mine is not stored 'exactly level', but close, and I leave the fridge open with one of those damp-rid containers on the kitchen counter.

Enjoy your trailer!!!

[jking46]

When I leave campground, I put 3 to 5 gals of water in black tank. I usually just empty the rest of the fresh water by holding the foot pedal on the toilet. Then I add a squeeze of Dawn dish soap. Driving home mixes it up and helps keep the tank clean.
Hot water tank I don't drain until winterizing. Opinions may vary on this.
Leveling...close is good
As far as wasps in the fan, it hasnt happened to me.

[drhroo]

Thanks! Being new to this camping trailer stuff. All the help we are getting from the RV community (you all) has made it a pretty cool experience even though we haven't had any time to really enjoy the camping part yet. (Yes, the 2 nights in a local state park with full hook ups was nice even though it is only 30 minutes away. Sort of like setting up a tent in the back yard when I was a kid.)

OK, off to the storage lot to take care of these items.

[brandon 2]

I always drain the fresh water tank. Also put some Dawn dish detergent in the black tank, works good. I use the tank treatment when we next go camping. Sounds like no issues when you store for a short time. Good thing to do is check the fluid levels in the batteries. In hot weather they do go through some fluid in the cells especially in hot weather and they are just sitting..

[drhroo]

Thanks, All. We went to the storage lot this morning and moved a few gallons from the fresh water tank into the black water tank with a bit of dish detergent. The we used the low point plug to empty the fresh water tank. I didn't mess with the water heater tank yet as I didn't have the correct socket to remove the anode/cap. If we don't travel for a few weeks I'll make a visit or two to ensure everything is still good.

My next chore is to get the Hensley hitch on it. That bugger is heavy!

[1beachbum]

My wife found that if you close the fridge all the way mold developed. She only closes the fridge & freezer partially for short term storage and we don't have any problems.

[Hicks43]

Originally Posted by 1beachbum

My wife found that if you close the fridge all the way mold developed. She only closes the fridge & freezer partially for short term storage and we don't have any problems.

There are flip latches on the main door latch to hold the doors open a little bit.


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[Davidg]

When we store the camper for more than a week, we wipe the fridge dry, and then loosely crumple a few sheets of newspaper and place on the shelves. Newspaper absorbs moisture, keeping it off the sides and racks. As long as we stick to this process, we've had no mold.
Always drain the fresh tanks. Stale water is an invitation to algae growth. Just be sure to replace the plug (or close the valve) on the drains. Mud daubers love those little holes.
Make sure propane tank valves are closed.
I had not heard of squirting dawn into the black tank. Will that not interfere with the enzymes? Interesting idea though...
Do NOT pull the pin on the emergency cable at the hitch. As someone said, it will drain the battery in no time, and won't help the brakes either.

Keep asking those questions....that's how we all learn from each other.

dg

[bikendan]

Davidg, Google the GEO method.

[drhroo]

Originally Posted by Davidg

When we store the camper for more than a week, we wipe the fridge dry, and then loosely crumple a few sheets of newspaper and place on the shelves. Newspaper absorbs moisture, keeping it off the sides and racks. As long as we stick to this process, we've had no mold.
Always drain the fresh tanks. Stale water is an invitation to algae growth. Just be sure to replace the plug (or close the valve) on the drains. Mud daubers love those little holes.
Make sure propane tank valves are closed.
I had not heard of squirting dawn into the black tank. Will that not interfere with the enzymes? Interesting idea though...
Do NOT pull the pin on the emergency cable at the hitch. As someone said, it will drain the battery in no time, and won't help the brakes either.

Keep asking those questions....that's how we all learn from each other.

dg

Good idea on the newspaper. We did empty the fresh water tank. Gas is off. I didn't pull the emergency brake cable but I did remove the battery disconnect key so that there is no draw on the battery by the carbon monoxide system (which is a very low draw but over an extended period ... this was explained to us at the walk through during purchase.)