Jiarm
Dayton, OH
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Joined: 10/18/2003
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Hi guys
Long time camper , short time travel trailer owner. Sadly the season is coming to an end. Going to store outdoors next to house, Should I keep plugged into house, or remove battery? Cover or uncover, I hear that is a 50/50. Cover just the A/C unit? What about leaves and snow, I guess that is a stupid question, keep top clear of all debris, including snow. Dont want to pay for storage, but want to keep TT in great shape as well. Hey all thx for you comments. Cant wait for spring...LOL.
Jiarm
2007 Jayco Jay Feather Sport 197
2000 F150
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4*phun*2
Canada
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Joined: 09/24/2008
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Unplugged. Buy a Battery Tender to keep your batteries charged.
Glenn & Karen
'06 F350 4X4 Lariat CC LB DRW (nice hips)
'09 Victory Lane 38SRV Toy Hauler
'02 HD Road King FLHRCI KRUZN
'04 F150 XLT Super Crew
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axle234
Pasadena,Md.
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Joined: 11/02/2001
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For 30yrs I think covering is the best. Winterize the RV, disconnect battery(s) and if possible put battery's inside for charging. With the cover pay attention to sharp edges such as metal frame, antenna ect. I cover them with the foam carper padding. On the roof I lay it over top antenna, tape if necessary. I have gotten about 5yrs out of a cover. I usually use larger ropes and if necessary put the foam pipe hot water heater cover to protect fraying.
HAPPY RVING!
axle234
2008 Fleetwood Fiesta
Toad- 99Honda CRV
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1kennyOG
Toronto
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Joined: 01/22/2007
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In Ontario Canada we don't do anything. We just winterize the water sources.
Drive by the dealers who have a hundred trailers in stock and they're not covered.
Drive by many storage lots who also have close to a hundred trailers and you'll only see 1 or 2 covered.
2 years in a row I didnt even disconnect the battery, of course after 7 months it was dead but charged up fine and was good for the next season. Yesterday I decided to disconnect the battery for this winter but I do not remove it and our temps go down to -30C (-22F)
So basically no matter what you do, you'll probably be fine.
-Ken-
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Opie431
Bellevue, MI
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Joined: 06/19/2004
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Bring the battery in the house. We only have ours plugged in when we use the TT. We have always covered ours until last year when it snowed early and the snow did not leave until spring except when it rained and was too wet to cover.
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Joined: 05/27/2005
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If you live in a windy area, the cover could possibly get frayed or rub the camper's finish. If the spot where you plan to store the camper is pretty well protected from wind, then get a breathable cover (we use an ADCO). One advantage of the cover is that you won't have to get out and clear the camper of snow every time it falls, as the cover's top is meant to be waterproof and should protect from leaks. We have MaxxAir vent covers and leave them open all winter - if you don't, you could consider keeping one window cracked open (again, if you have a cover). Covering the a/c at minimum is probably a good idea.
We remove the battery and bring it indoors, on a battery maintenance charger. If you don't remove it, make sure to keep it plugged in and check the fluid levels in it all winter.
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Joined: 07/10/2002
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This has all been discussed previously and you can find the answers by the appropriate use of the Search function in this Forum.
We plug in and cover all winter except when in Florida in January but we have a smart charger so the battery does not get overcharged.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2003 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two bikes (both Electric Schwinn's with motor assist)
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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There really are FEW ways to store a trailer that are just "wrong" in all cases. You certainly CAN leave it plugged in with the battery in it, or you can unplug it and leave the battery in with the negative lead disconnected OR you can leave the battery connected and not plugged in but use a battery tender on the battery. YOu can cover the trailer or leave it just as you use it. The cover can certainly protect the roof from weathering but it can ALSO cause some damage due to scuffing roof edges and promote mildew on the roof. Cleaning snow or debris off of the roof can be a good idea but it also increases the chance of your doing damage during the process. Everything is a balancing act and you just need to assess the dangers and the consequences of each remedy. I just leave my trailer plugged in and have never covered it and have never removed snow or ice from the roof.
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed (new)
OR 2004 F-150 HD (85,000 towing miles)
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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DutchmenSport
Between Anderson, Pendleton, & Lapel, Indiana
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Joined: 10/10/2006
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Each person does it different. There's no correct or incorrect way to store your RV. It's pretty much what works for you. I cover, but last year did not. It's covered now. I never remove the battery, I leave the TT plugged in 24x7 on this trailer for over 3 years now. Original battery, never added water yet, always charged, not a hit of problem. Snow on the roof? Never removed it (and it does snow in Indiana).
DutchmenSport
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dually Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo
Century Truck Cap Commercial /Toolboxes
Northeast Outfitters Canoe
2006 Keystone Springdale Model 263DBL
Weight 4985, Carrying Capacity 2575, Hitch 560, Length 30'
Width 8', Height 10' 6"
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mtdew999
Backwoods, Oregon
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Joined: 06/28/2003
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Everyone has an opinion. Honestly, you could probably leave it unplugged, battery in, uncovered, and it would be fine. Personally, since I use mine all winter, I have mine in a metal carport built to hold the trailer, plugged in with an electric heater going, drained and blown out, tires up on cement paving stones, plywood against the tires for UV, and the battery in the garage on a battery minder. Takes me 15 minutes to get it ready to roll. To each his own. This area sucks for winter weather, yet there are tons of RV dealers, and their units sit out all winter.
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