Florida Storage

sedcom · 10-30-2022, 11:21 PM

Hi all ... we are about to store our motorhome this coming week for just 2 weeks near Orlando FL. It will be outside and not covered. Just wondering if there is anything special I should be doing .. should we leave any vents open for air circulation? or? thanks for your thoughts on this one.

**16ACE27** · 10-30-2022, 11:47 PM

Well it's a humid area. We're in Florida and store our MH at home when not in use. We close it up and run a dehumidifier inside with it draining to the kitchen sink to prevent mold and mildew growth - it doesn't take long. Of course you will need at least a 13 amp SP connection available.

sedcom · 10-31-2022, 12:02 AM

So fairly small humidifier sounds like? Can you run it 24 hours a day or do you have it on a timer?

**16ACE27** · 10-31-2022, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedcom

So fairly small humidifier sounds like? Can you run it 24 hours a day or do you have it on a timer?

We can set the desired humidity level on ours and it shuts off at that level and turns back on when it gets too high.

sedcom · 10-31-2022, 12:22 AM

Thanks ... do you recall the brand or model and where you got it. Fitting into the sink is perfect.
thanks
Carle

**16ACE27** · 10-31-2022, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedcom

Thanks ... do you recall the brand or model and where you got it. Fitting into the sink is perfect.
thanks
Carle

We bought ours from Amazon a few years ago and, of course, it is no longer available. Ours cost $130 when we bought it and the Amazon Basics equivalent right now costs $180.

For a 2 week stay I'd forgo the higher cost and fancy features and just go with this one for $79 with the $20 coupon.

https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Enrichme...dp/B0737KMRG3/

I'd drill a hole in the water catch bin and insert a small nylon (Tygon) hose from Lowes to drain it to the sink. It will run continuously but it doesn't drsw much power. I have a similar one with the hose modification in my sailboat.

sedcom · 10-31-2022, 01:30 AM

Great idea ... did you have a special fitting into the hose that threaded into the catch basin? Or did you just silicone it in or comparable? Appreciate all the info.
Cheers

**16ACE27** · 10-31-2022, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedcom

Great idea ... did you have a special fitting into the hose that threaded into the catch basin? Or did you just silicone it in or comparable? Appreciate all the info.
Cheers

I just drilled a hole slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the tube. The tube is soft enough to feed into the hole and be leak free from the friction/compression fit.

Judge · 10-31-2022, 09:48 AM

We are now approaching the dry season and humidity levels are beginning to drop a little. While a dehumidifier is a good idea, for only 2 weeks I think you could get away with 2 or 3 tubs of DampRid in a 24' coach.

One tub is good for 250sqft. You coach is probably ~200sqft so 2 or 3 tubs should be plenty.

If it was July / August, I would go the dehumidifier route but for two weeks in early November I think DampRid would work fine.

Tom N3EQF · 10-31-2022, 12:16 PM

Agree with Judge on the DampRid idea - this is what I use full time with my RV when in storage here in FL. Going on 17 years in FL, unfortunately with the RV parked far too much of the time, but it's worked fine.

Muggs · 10-31-2022, 01:33 PM

Mine is in Florida sitting plugged in with a/c set at 82 in cooler months and 84 in warmer months. Stills smells like when we bought it. Inside stays dry.

If no power available the previous mentioned options are good.

Rarely does ours sit more than 2 or 3 weeks at a lime. Had it out yesterday for testing at dragstrip.

The Gritz Carlton · 10-31-2022, 02:27 PM

I'm with Judge...for this short of a time all will be fine. DampRid will work well.

Mr Sunshine · 10-31-2022, 11:54 PM

Sorry to disagree friends, but our experience says this is something you don't need to worry about.

We have kept an RV in central Florida for years in all seasons outside and never used any type of dehumidifier or even Damp rid. Still, the humidity has never been a problem. Always kept the vents closed, that helps keep the creepy crawlers out.

Two weeks in November? You'll not have a issue with humidity.

bevedfelker · 11-01-2022, 12:34 AM

Agree with Mr Sunshine. When we lived in Tampa we bought our 2015 Vegas new and stored it in outside storage in Tampa from from 2015 - 2018 when we moved to PA. Never ran a dehumidifier or used Damp Rid for that entire time. Never had a moisture problem.

Tom N3EQF · 11-01-2022, 12:40 PM

Gotta love online forums; never a lack of opportunity to disagree with another opinion. :-) But I do agree that 2 weeks without any protection from possible humidity damage is not a problem.

I still think that DampRid is an inexpensive ounce of prevention if you're going to be storing the RV in Florida for any extended length of time. In my case, since the DampRid does collect a good bit of moisture, I consider it worthwhile doing.

On the other hand, doing nothing at all as a preventative measure, and "getting away with it", just might mean you were lucky.

**16ACE27** · 11-01-2022, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom N3EQF

Gotta love online forums; never a lack of opportunity to disagree with another opinion. :-) But I do agree that 2 weeks without any protection from possible humidity damage is not a problem.

I still think that DampRid is an inexpensive ounce of prevention if you're going to be storing the RV in Florida for any extended length of time. In my case, since the DampRid does collect a good bit of moisture, I consider it worthwhile doing.

On the other hand, doing nothing at all as a preventative measure, and "getting away with it", just might mean you were lucky.

Yes, November should be an OK month, especially with weather we're having now. But if a tropical system rolls in where it rains every day that could be a different story.

Muggs · 11-02-2022, 02:13 AM

All good points/advice. Everybody should decide what best for them. Since our unit is home and plugged in fridge is on and I keep unit stocked and ready to move within 30 minutes. Fresh water tank full and clothes/supplies kept up. Rotate stock every 6 months or so. Fridge has only been turned off during propane refills (10 tanks/6 years) and every other year to defrost. Maybe keep it dry inside prevents much frost.

I do not know how long it takes for interior to get cellar smell. I have no interest in being a lab rat. My buddies who do not plug in smell much different than mine. Is their choice.

Do whar fits you best. Even with 2 dogs mine still smells new.

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