We just purchased our first 5th Wheel and need some advice on the best practice for RV storage. We have a 3 sided covered shelter for our 5th wheel and will be storing the unit for a few months at a time between uses until I retire. We do not have shore power in the facility. I would like your advice on...is it best to store the unit with slides open or closed, windows open or closed, do we shut off the battery switch - I suspect yes but, leave the fridge open of closed? Any recommendations on a portable RV tire compressor? Any other advice will be greatly appreciated.
Much Thanks,
Wayne
LarryW21 said
11:15 AM Nov 6, 2017
I suggest you consider a small solar battery maintainer with the panel mounted on the roof of the storage facility. I close all windows and slides but inspect at least weekly. I leave the fridge open. You'll be fine! I use a Ryobi battery powered air compressor but I only fill to 65 psi....run Load Range D tires. Worked well for two years.
-- Edited by LarryW21 on Monday 6th of November 2017 11:17:45 AM
wecker1 said
07:50 AM Nov 7, 2017
Thanks for the advice Larry. We just purchased the Porter Wagner compressor that Howard recommended.
2017 Ford F350 6.7L Lariat CC Dually 4WD
2017 Keystone Montana 3791RD
Terry and Jo said
03:30 PM Nov 7, 2017
Perhaps you meant "Porter Cable?" Porter Wagoner was a country music singer.
We initially had the Sears Craftsman compressor, like the one Howard and Linda used to have. But, before we moved here to Utah, I used the Porter Cable that our previous "employer" had and preferred it far and above the Craftsman. So, we gave the Craftsman to some friends and bought the Porter Cable. It does a far superior job of airing up trailer tires that require 125 psi.
Terry
The Bear II said
12:59 PM Nov 9, 2017
Our 5th wheel has been stored outdoors for the 22 years we've had it. The roof is just now showing signs of replacement need.
Siding and trim still looks new when cleaned and waxed.
Before I pull away from the storage lot here's what I do:
> Raise the front of the 5th wheel high enough for my pickup to back under and hitch up in case the battery on the trailer is dead and > I can't use the landing gear. This also allows the rain water to run off of the roof quicker.
> I prop the refrigerator and freezer door open
> Roll in the slides
> Make sure the propane valves are closed at the tanks
> Use the battery disconnect to kill the power
> Put covers on the tires
> Put a small length of chain wrapped around the groove in the hitch pin with a padlock to secure it. My DIY theft protection device.
With your's being in a shed it will stay in good shape between now and your retirement.
wecker1 said
01:39 PM Nov 12, 2017
Most certainly, Cable not Wagoner. Used the "Porter Cable" unit for the first time today and it worked like a champ. Light weight, easy to use, and effective.
wecker1 said
01:40 PM Nov 12, 2017
Thanks Bear - appreciate the advice.
Taylor90 said
09:18 AM Dec 24, 2017
Go through some advice and they're useful for me since I have the same inquiries! Thank you.
We just purchased our first 5th Wheel and need some advice on the best practice for RV storage. We have a 3 sided covered shelter for our 5th wheel and will be storing the unit for a few months at a time between uses until I retire. We do not have shore power in the facility. I would like your advice on...is it best to store the unit with slides open or closed, windows open or closed, do we shut off the battery switch - I suspect yes but, leave the fridge open of closed? Any recommendations on a portable RV tire compressor? Any other advice will be greatly appreciated.
Much Thanks,
Wayne
I suggest you consider a small solar battery maintainer with the panel mounted on the roof of the storage facility. I close all windows and slides but inspect at least weekly. I leave the fridge open. You'll be fine! I use a Ryobi battery powered air compressor but I only fill to 65 psi....run Load Range D tires. Worked well for two years.
-- Edited by LarryW21 on Monday 6th of November 2017 11:17:45 AM
Thanks for the advice Larry. We just purchased the Porter Wagner compressor that Howard recommended.
2017 Ford F350 6.7L Lariat CC Dually 4WD
2017 Keystone Montana 3791RD
Perhaps you meant "Porter Cable?" Porter Wagoner was a country music singer.
We initially had the Sears Craftsman compressor, like the one Howard and Linda used to have. But, before we moved here to Utah, I used the Porter Cable that our previous "employer" had and preferred it far and above the Craftsman. So, we gave the Craftsman to some friends and bought the Porter Cable. It does a far superior job of airing up trailer tires that require 125 psi.
Terry
Siding and trim still looks new when cleaned and waxed.
Before I pull away from the storage lot here's what I do:
> Raise the front of the 5th wheel high enough for my pickup to back under and hitch up in case the battery on the trailer is dead and > I can't use the landing gear. This also allows the rain water to run off of the roof quicker.
> I prop the refrigerator and freezer door open
> Roll in the slides
> Make sure the propane valves are closed at the tanks
> Use the battery disconnect to kill the power
> Put covers on the tires
> Put a small length of chain wrapped around the groove in the hitch pin with a padlock to secure it. My DIY theft protection device.
With your's being in a shed it will stay in good shape between now and your retirement.
Most certainly, Cable not Wagoner. Used the "Porter Cable" unit for the first time today and it worked like a champ. Light weight, easy to use, and effective.
Thanks Bear - appreciate the advice.