Yahoo Message Number: 69662 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69662)
I need suggestions for preparing my coach for storage for the summer.
I am a full timer and have not had an occasion to prepare my coach for storage of any kind. I will be storing the coach for about 5 months starting in April and will not be returning to the coach until late August. I do have solar panels so I am relying in the solar panels to keep the batteries charged. Some questions that come immediately to mind are as follows:
1. Do I leave the battery disconnect switch in the off position?
2. Should I leave the grey water tank empty or full of clean water with some bleach in it?
3. Should I leave the Black water empty (I flush it regularly) or full of clean water with my regular tank treatment (I use RV-Trine Dry)?
4. Should I drain my fresh water system and leave the tank and water lines empty?
5. Since the coach will be stored in central Florida during the height of summer, should I leave one of my roof vents opens (I have vent covers in place)?
I am sure that there are other things I should have thought about so feel free to chime in and advise.
Thank you in advance for your responses.
Jose Ferrer
40' '03 Allure Cascade w/tag #30863 ISL 370 '03 Saturn L300 toad
Yahoo Message Number: 69680 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69680)
Jose,
I store my coach for about 7-9 months every year in Florida. I highly recommend finding a roof or an indoor storage facility as Florida sun is relentless. Mine is indoors with hookup. By the way, the facility I use is in Sarasota and they have room for your rig. Let me know. I drain the grey and black tanks before putting it away, recharging the black tank. Fill the fresh water tank till it overflows, adding half a cup of bleach while you are filling. Leave the lines full. When you get it out of storage, you will need to drain all the fresh water, flush with bleach solution, replace the filter if you have one, and refill. To protect the gaskets, fill the toilet bowl and put saran wrap over it to keep the water from evaporating. Fill your fuel tank to minimize condensation. Battery disconnect is optional since you have a charge source. Just be sure to turn everything off. If you have a Xantrex, set it to receive a low charge. If your vents are covered so there is no chance for rain incursion, I would leave two open and one fan running on low. That will keep the interior temperature from getting above what it takes to fry eggs. Since my batteries are flooded, I go check them once a month and add water as needed. Others may have additional suggestions.
Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043
Yahoo Message Number: 69683 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69683)
Nate,
Thanks very much for all of your suggestions. I had thought of some of them and it is good to confirm what I thought would be needed. However, I had not thought of covering the toilet thank you for that. I would love to take you up on the indoor/covered storage but I've already made plans for my storage (non-refundable). As part of my pre-storage preparations, I will be applying 303 protectant (as a sunscreen) to the exterior of the coach.
Regards,
Jose Ferrer
40' '03 Allure Cascade w/tag #30863 ISL 370 '03 Saturn L300 toad
Yahoo Message Number: 69694 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69694)
Jose,
One other precaution I thought of since your coach will be outdoors. Although I have never used them, many on this forum have recommended covering the tires to protect them from the sun. I agree with the 303 sun protection application. Hope this goes well.
Nate Richards
04 Allure 31043
Yahoo Message Number: 69699 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/69699)
Nate,
Thanks for this suggestion; I purchased tire covers for all wheels.
Regards,
Jose Ferrer
40ft '03 Allure Cascade w/tag #30863 ISL370 '03 Saturn L300 toad