Storing RV

MIFireman · 10-02-2013, 11:10 AM

I have a question for all of the experienced RV'ers out there. My wife and I bought a new Coachmen TT last year, and had no issues with it. This year, after one of our trips, I stored it inside our pole barn. 2 weeks later after pulling it out for our next trip, there was mold EVERYWHERE. I'm afraid there was enough moisture in the trailer, and being locked inside an unventilated barn during 100 degree weather did not help.

Since then, it's been stored outside with the vent in the bathroom open for ventilation. No issues since.

For winter, it's going inside the barn. Should I keep the bathroom vent open to give it some airflow, or keep it closed????? I'm not sure what to do, and need some help. Cleaning mold for a whole day camping was not my idea of fun. PLEASE HELP ME

jtstromsburg · 10-02-2013, 11:15 AM

There are lots if threads on this, but sometimes they are difficult to find. I use a couple methods, though my Sabre fifth wheel sits outside. I run a small electric heater set very low, leave a roof vent cracked open, and use damp rid. The damp rid does a good job of absorbing humidity. If you have available Power, maybe dehumidifier would be an easy, but most effective idea.

RPAspey · 10-02-2013, 03:58 PM

Mine sits outside in a storage facility. I have the vent covers and the vents are left open year round when not in use. The wind keeps it well vented. Barely any dust to clean in the spring. Is there any way to get some air moving in the barn? Maybe you can leave vents opened and put a fan on a timer to blow some air into the vent occasionally.

RPAspey · 10-02-2013, 04:02 PM

something else to think about, there must be moisture from something getting into the camper. Rid yourself of the moisture and mold will be less of a problem.

Since it's inside your barn, open some windows. If you're worried about dust, put a furnace filter in the window opening.

MIFireman · 10-02-2013, 08:06 PM

Thanks for the help everybody. Much appreciated!

Old car · 10-02-2013, 08:25 PM

Ours sits outside with a cover on it. The cover breathes and we leave the vents open under the Maxx Aire covers. We also use Damp Rid and change it out a couple of times through the winter.

Iwannacamp · 10-02-2013, 10:18 PM

I read somewhere to use a heater with a fan. The non-forced heaters somehow aided in the moisture because of a lack of circulation. I guess like warm spots that caused condensation from the cold spots I guess. I dunno.

another_newfie · 10-07-2013, 11:09 AM

We NEVER close our roof vents. All vents have Maxxair covers on them and the roof vents themselves are never closed. That allows normal ventilation inside the rig. Locking them up preventing airflow is a recipe for problems.

Aquaholic · 10-14-2013, 06:58 AM

You guys don't worry about critters like racoons getting in via those open vents?

RPAspey · 10-14-2013, 04:49 PM

nope. The vent has a screen, and the Max-Air (or similar) has a screen as well.

BigTJohn · 10-15-2013, 10:37 AM

Yeah, I never saw a raccoon that couldn't get inside somewhere he really wanted to go. As long as you have NO food on board, maybe they won't find out - maybe...

RPAspey · 10-16-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigTJohn

Yeah, I never saw a raccoon that couldn't get inside somewhere he really wanted to go. As long as you have NO food on board, maybe they won't find out - maybe...

We never keep food in the camper over the winter. Between trips, anything foodwise not in cans or bottles comes out, except for whats in the fridge.

bayoubuggie · 10-16-2013, 02:56 PM

Down here in SW LA our humidity is really high and I always just keep the TT buttoned up when not in use, stays that way for months at a time sometimes. Never had any problems with mold, maybe just lucky.

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