Storing my Trailer at home

[CHIEF MK]

Hello all, I need some advice being new to Rv's and all.

I finally got my Passport up our narrow rd and have it parked in our driveway. winters are pretty mild up here in Nor-Cal, but it is damp and wet a lot. We don't plan to winterize, because we plan on taking it out several more times. Probably during the winter. Our concern is mold ,mildew and condensation.

I bought a small oscillating space heater to keep the inside warm. I also have a couple of windows just barely cracked open for a little air circulation. I also have all the cupboards open partially.

Are we on the right track here?

Thanks,

Tom and Kim

[Festus2]

Tom & Kim -

Yes, you're on the right track. In addition to leaving the windows slightly open, the ceiling vents should also be left open as well - just enough so that a driving rain can't find its way into the unit.

Some people place a dehumidifier instead of a heater and others use the Dri-Air crystals to absorb moisture from the air. The crystals have to be replaced every so often - depending upon the amount of moisture in the air. Others place a small fan inside to help move the air around.

[JRTJH]

Also, if you leave a window/roof vent open slightly for ventilation and have a heater going inside, your walls behind the cushions will be cooler than the walls in the remainder of the RV. Condensation can form behind the cushions and cause mold. Pull the cushions away from the wall and pull the mattress away from the wall also just to keep warmer air circulating in those areas and to help keep them dry.

[CHIEF MK]

Thanks for that info.

[Albert]

I probably go a little overboard but better to be safe then sorry. I have a small dehumidifier setup to run two hours in the morning and two in the evening. In addition I have a space heater set to come on at 40 degrees.

I crack open all cabinet doors, and refer doors and pull cushions away from any wall. I also park the RV and truck in a fully enclosed barn. With dehumidifier it keeps it at about 45 percent humidity when it is high 90 percent humidity outside.

[CHIEF MK]

Ha Ha, Nothing wrong with that if you can do it. I really like having the TT near my house. It's a bearcat to park, but I manage.

[suza]

Originally Posted by Festus2

Some people place a dehumidifier instead of a heater and others use the Dri-Air crystals to absorb moisture from the air. The crystals have to be replaced every so often - depending upon the amount of moisture in the air. Others place a small fan inside to help move the air around.

We have our 5th wheel stored under cover in an open "carport". Plan to leave windows and roof vents cracked for ventilation, and cabinet doors open. Will also keep a small heater on during colder weather.

Recently purchased a Driz-air crystalline dehumidifier. Reading on the Driz-air site, it appears we need to use 3 units - one in the bedroom and two in the kitchen/living area. Does this sound correct? Any guess as to how often they need refilled? I know, it depends on the humidity ( very high on the Oregon coast). Just wondering how much refill crystals to buy.

[Festus2]

Suza -
I usually place 3 of the plastic "colander" type Driz-Air containers in our 28' 5th wheel. One in the upper bedroom, one in the living room area and another on the rear kitchen counter. It's difficult to say when to replace the crystals - it really depends on the weather but I usually have a peek at the containers every 2 weeks or so. If the crystals are pretty much "toast", I dump the water, clean out the container and replace with fresh crystals.

I buy them where ever I see them at the cheapest price - usually in bulk. Most hardware or big box stores have them - just keep your eyes open for any bargains.

I've made my own "heaters". The heater consists of a large tin coffee can, a light bulb receptacle, 60W light bulb and a cord&plug. Nowadays, finding incandescent light bulbs can prove difficult but there are some around. I usually place 2 or 3 in the RV to help keep the moisture down and also to provide some "heat". You'd be surprised at how much heat these coffee tin heaters give off. They cost next to nothing and don't consume a lot of electricity/watts.

[Mark TC]

I have a question, on my TT is it ok to take the silver metal tape and seal the underpinning to the frame? The unit is new and everything is clean so the tape should stick well.


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[FireMech]

what is oxblood meal?