Summer storage in extremely hot climates

[TomatoMan]

We live in the Palm Springs area where summer temperatures will at times reach 115-120 degrees. In the past we have been gone camping much of the summer over on the coast but this year we will be leaving the Travel Trailer home all summer. when home in the past I am plugged into shore power and run AC at 88 degrees. what precautions can I take this summer to preserve the integrity of the travel trailer.

Any suggestions are welcome

[SeaDog]

You didn't mention it but I would place it under some sort of car port to keep the direct sun off the roof.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

You didn't mention it but I would place it under some sort of car port to keep the direct sun off the roof.

That's standard procedure in desert communities where the Sun damages everything. Even just a simple tin roof as a radiant heat shield with plenty of air flow below. Air temps can be 120+ but withour something to block sun temps on and in a vehicle are considerably higher. And then there's UV damage.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Originally Posted by TomatoMan

when home in the past I am plugged into shore power and run AC at 88 degrees.

You didn't mention what type of rig you have and that could affect the advice you get.
Do you have anyone who can check on the rig when you're gone? Doing what you've done in the past will help protect the inside of the rig if someone can check on it. If you can erect some type of canopy (canvas would work), that will help.
Otherwise, if you've got a fan cover like this, leave the fan cracked open to let some heat out and don't worry about it. Usually DampRid is recommended, but that might not be necessary in the desert.
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-40433-R...7267305&sr=8-5
Edit.... I see you have an 2021 Isata. Personally, I'd see if you can find storage with roof cover, or a completely enclosed storage and find a way to cover the cost.

[NMWildcat]

Really the only thing you can do in the heat/sun is park it under a cover to protect it from UV. It will still get hot, but running the a/c when you are not in it seems like a huge waste to me for little gain. And even set at 88°, it will run constantly.
Every RV I have ever owned has spent at least part of the summer stored in the open in 100°+ heat, which means it is much hotter inside the RV. I don't even crack a vent as that just lets in all the dirt/dust from the winds. I haven't seen any heat related damage in any of them. We do oil all the wood parts every month or so just to keep them from drying out.
Unless you are seeing heat related damage of some kind (and please share if you do), you might be over thinking this.

[TomatoMan]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

You didn't mention it but I would place it under some sort of car port to keep the direct sun off the roof.

Homeowners association will not allow a cover of any kind. It is a 2019 Forest River Cruise Lite, 28’ overall exterior length. Only good thing is in the summer the sun rises and sets more to the north and house does shield it somewhat. Running AC is not a cost issue as we have solar on the house and generate more than we use. I was told to put a 5 gal. Bucket of water inside to help keep some humidity inside.

[dave961]

In Florida, the sun kills everything left outside. I have covered (cloth, canvas, etc) my toy hauler since I bought it in 2014. Eight years later, it's fine. I have to buy a new cover every 2-3 years, but that's a small price to protect the roof. I would just cover it (no AC), use the underbelly straps that come with the cover, and crack the roof vents.

If your HOA won't even allow a cloth cover, take it to a storage facility and cover it.

For 5-6 months, we get 95 degrees temps and 95 percent humidity. To avoid mold, I run a small dehumidifier constantly, draining into the kitchen sink. You won't have that issue.

[mnoland30]

I put a vent cover over the vent and leave the vent open. We get dust here, and lots of it, but it isn't that big an issue. My old trailer has enough cracks and crevices that I'm sure I get a pretty good air flow just from convection.