Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Maintenance and Repair
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 07-16-2018, 01:48 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
The_Breeze's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,063
THOR #12189
Question RV Storage

I searched this site to see if it was asked before. When I have time, I'll ask the Admin a few questions about the search engine/index on this site. You might have to use tags to make posts search relevant.

In the meantime my RV is, unfortunately, in a north central Florida storage lot for a little while. I have no set date for being able to leave again so lets' assume it's an extended stay. There is no shade. Anyone who knows Florida knows it's hot and humid this time of year. I don't know whether to open some windows or keep it shut up tight.

I was thinking about allowing air circulation through the coach by opening a max-air vent in the back (bedroom) and cracking the over-the-cab seamless bunk window, to get some air movement as she sits unattended. The max air vent and seamless window should prevent rain from directly entering the coach (he says).

My question to all of you is: Do you have any experience with this dilemma (open or closed) and would it be counterproductive and invite mold by opening it up a little in this type of weather?

__________________
The_Breeze is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 01:57 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
As for me...tightly shut up is better with constant changing humidity levels in Florida. You could go by there occasionally and run generator, crank up an A/C for a bit to help dry it out. Any open window or vent will get the rain in as those daily 3:00PM "hurricanes" in Florida are accompanied with straight line winds. Either way...checking in on her every few days will be best medicine.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 02:15 PM   #3
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
I've always been of the opinion that it's better to vent them...
But I don't live in your type of weather!

With the high humidity, frequent storms, and possibilities for some REALLY interesting weather : it's probably best to batten down the hatches, and check on it frequently!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 03:56 PM   #4
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2013 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,181
THOR #908
I've stored mine for about 4 years (NE Florida, near Jacksonville/Saint Augustine), with very little shade. Before that it was on a dealer's lot down near Lakeland for about a year.

Since I've owned it I've always kept mine closed... well except for a couple of very short periods where I played with leaving it open (like a few days short). I faced the same question you are asking, and finally settled on closed with the idea that it'll reduce the risk of critters getting in... bugs, rodents, etc... I also figured that in really bad wind a bit of water could get blown in, just adding moisture, dust, and dirt to the equation.

I made custom reflectix shades for every window, and I bought those pillow things for the roof vents to keep it shaded inside...and that does help keep the temperatures down a bit.

For reference, I usually go check on it once a week or so...sometimes a couple times a week but often it could be around 2 weeks between checks...when I do check it I go in and have a quick look-see every time. Between uses, it's sits in storage for roughly 1 month to about 3 months, usually.

No so far, I've kept mine uncovered...but after this weekend's hard wash and polish job because it was getting embarrassing to look at (fading and dirt) ... I'm starting to re-think a cover.
__________________
blw2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 04:11 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
My 18' X 41' RV metal carport will be installed tomorrow!! Can't wait!!
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 04:32 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
The_Breeze's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,063
THOR #12189
Thanks Guys. The 'closed'zzz have it. I leave it closed and check on it every week or two.


Have fun and keep the rubber side down
__________________
The_Breeze is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 04:34 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Leave the keys on the right rear tire and we'll "help you" keep an eye on it!!
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 04:54 PM   #8
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
My 18' X 41' RV metal carport will be installed tomorrow!! Can't wait!!
Congratulations!
Don't forget to take lots of pictures of the building process for us!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 05:47 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
we leave as many windows opened and roof fans opened to keep as much possible air movement, and 'escape' of hot air, as possible. With humidity, you might want to consider placing a simple 'dehumidifier' refillable container at your entrance steps, or in the kitchen sink. These things really work.

If you have any solar to recharge your house batteries, and you a 'temperature' controlled Fantastic fan, you can also set it close to the hottest level, and it will come on if it gets 'really' hot!
__________________
the Turners...
two Campers, two Electric cars
former diesel pusher traveler
TurnerFam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 06:12 PM   #10
Site Team
 
16ACE27's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,117
THOR #7035
Quote:
Originally Posted by RvEd View Post
I searched this site to see if it was asked before. When I have time, I'll ask the Admin a few questions about the search engine/index on this site. You might have to use tags to make posts search relevant.

In the meantime my RV is, unfortunately, in a north central Florida storage lot for a little while. I have no set date for being able to leave again so lets' assume it's an extended stay. There is no shade. Anyone who knows Florida knows it's hot and humid this time of year. I don't know whether to open some windows or keep it shut up tight.

I was thinking about allowing air circulation through the coach by opening a max-air vent in the back (bedroom) and cracking the over-the-cab seamless bunk window, to get some air movement as she sits unattended. The max air vent and seamless window should prevent rain from directly entering the coach (he says).

My question to all of you is: Do you have any experience with this dilemma (open or closed) and would it be counterproductive and invite mold by opening it up a little in this type of weather?
I do live in North Central Florida (or would that be Central North Florida?) and until I built my Pole barn for the ACE last year I kept my RVs in the yard in the sun. I always kept a covered vent open.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
16ACE27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 06:51 PM   #11
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
Leave the keys on the right rear tire and we'll "help you" keep an eye on it!!


http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1531767089
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	FriendstoLovers-300x211.jpg
Views:	176
Size:	103.0 KB
ID:	11513  
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 08:12 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
The_Breeze's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,063
THOR #12189
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
Leave the keys on the right rear tire and we'll "help you" keep an eye on it!!
Yeah, just feelin' the love there Mr. Carlton. Just feelin' it...
__________________
The_Breeze is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-16-2018, 08:13 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
The_Breeze's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,063
THOR #12189
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
and his partner in crime...
__________________
The_Breeze is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2018, 01:53 AM   #14
gmc
Senior Member
 
gmc's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32A
State: Florida
Posts: 1,873
THOR #2829
So wondering 'how hot does it get?' - and having a Temp Stick we use when traveling to keep an eye on the temp for the furry one - I've left the Temp Stick in the RV and reporting since we got back from our mid June trip...
I am in Central Fl (NW of Orlando) - the RV is in the backyard, closed up. It does get some shade from Garage to east, trees to south and west... but still does get some sun.


The interior temp has consistently (daily) ranged from 74.5-102.6 - averaging 87.5. Not bad considering the climate... And not to a point that concerns me leaving it buttoned up.


Now full direct sun would certainly be hotter - anyone in that situation with a Temp Stick to compare??
__________________
Greg
Not yet retired...
Florida (Michigan transplant)
2014 Hurricane 32A
2000 Infinity (previous)
gmc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2018, 11:32 AM   #15
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau Super C 33SW
State: Florida
Posts: 92
THOR #10499
We are in South FL and keep ours closed up tight. I don't want the humidity inside. We keep a couple of the moisture absorbing buckets in the MH and I check on them every couple weeks. In the 2 years we have lived here and with this method, we haven't had any problems. I also keep a cover on it if we are not using it for a month or so to keep the direct sun off the coach.
__________________
DanChateau33SW is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2018, 11:52 AM   #16
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by RvEd View Post
and his partner in crime...
I don't know which one of us could possibly be the brains of our outfit!

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1532003801
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	80710642.jpg
Views:	123
Size:	142.6 KB
ID:	11579  
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2018, 03:55 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
The_Breeze's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 31L
State: Florida
Posts: 2,063
THOR #12189
Quote:
Originally Posted by DanChateau33SW View Post
...We keep a couple of the moisture absorbing buckets in the MH and I check on them every couple weeks...
Thanks for the reminder. Damprid FINALLY made it 'the list'.
__________________
The_Breeze is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2018, 05:13 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Gemini 24TX (Formerly)
State: California
Posts: 1,459
THOR #5821
Any kind of shade, is of course most desirable, even partial shade or perhaps a cover. I would not want to leave it open, though, you get a lot of heavy rain in Florida and water has a way of finding its way into places its not really wanted.
__________________
Laco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2018, 05:34 PM   #19
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
I see that one person mentioned covering their rig for storage: do we have any other opinions on that topic?
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-19-2018, 06:42 PM   #20
gmc
Senior Member
 
gmc's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32A
State: Florida
Posts: 1,873
THOR #2829
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
I see that one person mentioned covering their rig for storage: do we have any other opinions on that topic?
I haven't used a cover... for Michigan winters or Florida summers...
Mainly thinking it would reduce my usage if I had to deal with taking the cover off and on for each trip. I don't view them as easy to use - more of a wrestling match on the roof of the RV.
Others have reported covers coming loose and damaging the finish.
Now it just sits there ready to go anytime I want - start it up and drive.
Personal preference of course...
__________________
Greg
Not yet retired...
Florida (Michigan transplant)
2014 Hurricane 32A
2000 Infinity (previous)
gmc is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
mildew, mold, mositure build up

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 05:39 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2