Maintaining my Airstream through the winter

[mcaslaon4449]

We just purchased a 2016 Bambi Sport. The trailer will be stored in an inclosed, insulated poll barn & it has been winterized. What other precautions do I need to do? I will be taking it out periodically just for a drive around the neighborhood. Thank you for any comments or suggestions.

[CRH]

Air up tires. Mouse proof building.

[D Greene]

Do not leave any food items at all inside. Anything that has a smell like toothpaste or even scented cleaning wipes should be removed due to risk of mice. Also take out anything that could be used for nesting material such as paper products, towels, etc.

[dkottum]

If there is even a risk of winter road salt on the roads, do not take it out. Be sure the batteries are fully charged, then disconnect them. There are a few items that will draw down the batteries over time even though all switches are off and the Battery Disconnect is in STORE position. If birds can get into the building you may want to throw a tarp loosely over the top to protect from bird droppings, just be sure it isn't tight and can trap moisture.

[cwf]

I would raise then "cribbage" or use jack stands to ensure tires do not touch the ground. I would spray insecticide around all "ground contact points" monthly to keep bugs out...at least the crawling ones.

Remove and store batteries on "maintenance" charger in a place it won't freeze.

I would add some "RV antifreeze to the sink and shower "P" traps... If you don't have that, buy some cheap vodka and pour int the drain. The evaporation will be slow... Add more if you think it needs it, once a month...

Do a good "wax" job... Rejex is a great product, but there are others you may prefer.

If it doesn't freeze there, consider a dehumidifier.

[ROBERT CROSS]

^
X2

On jack stands and keeping it off the salt.

In fact. my tires have found themselves indoors at times.....



If nothing else, covered and off the pavement, I use a 'wet mat' tile to keep the footprint dry.




Oh..... and 20psi is fine during storage.


Bob

[dznf0g]

OP says he will drive around occasionally, so I wouldn't be too concerned about jack stands. That said, I don't think you need to drive it around while "stored". Mine sits for 5 months...yes on jack stands with tire covers over the tires. Remove all freezables, winterize lines and b/g tanks, mouse proof, remove batteries from items, like remotes etc., remove ALL food items. Check on it from time to time for mice, etc. Oh, and come up with an appropriate plan for house battery maintenance.

[Kellycanoe]

Do most people jack their AS to keep tires off the ground through the winter? Is it OK not to, if I check and top off the tire pressure every few weeks? Thanks!

[timhortons]

It has been alleged that a dryer sheet in each of the bins, cupboards will dissuade mice.

Also mice in storage are largely a function of your climate(such as the south). They'll move into your Prevost if there are enough of them out there.

I wasn't aware my trailer needed regular exercise in the winter.

[B00merang]

Just to save you some money...dryer sheets do NOT work. Distributed 2 boxes worth through the engine compartment and inside of my Yukon... three months later had to pay $550 to repair all the gnawed wiring around the nest they built (yes, using parts of dryer sheets) and $120 for inside detailing to get rid of all the stains. Don't know about mothballs, 'tho. jon

[tjdonahoe]

I second that, no scented dryer sheets , they draw mice, no food inside...open frige to air out...

[Cannonball]

We leave the roof vent open to promote some air circulation. Our rig is approaching two years of ownership and still has that "new rig" smell. We also hook the battery up to a "BatteryMINDER" trickle charger, and check the water level periodically.

[dkottum]

Our trailer sits unused all summer, except when company comes and WE sleep in it. I like the idea of moving it around just enough to exercise the tires and flex the rubber suspension rods. But I would never take out onto a salty road to do it, easier to deal with tires than a corroded Airstream.

When winter nears we are headed to warm weather, sitting in our Airstream in Arizona right now.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Kellycanoe

Do most people jack their AS to keep tires off the ground through the winter? Is it OK not to, if I check and top off the tire pressure every few weeks? Thanks!

Yes, off the ground, if you want to prolong their life

Unloading also extends the life of the torsion axles, preventing the rubber "springs" from developing set.

Bob

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Yes, off the ground, if you want to prolong their life

Unloading also extends the life of the torsion axles, preventing the rubber "springs" from developing set.

Bob

X2...how much.....who knows, but I am of the belief that any rubber material will retain its elasticity longer when exercised and allowed to "relax". Sitting for months in a compressed state, every year, I believe will shorten life.

[maryel]

Originally Posted by dkottum

Our trailer sits unused all summer, except when company comes and WE sleep in it. I like the idea of moving it around just enough to exercise the tires and flex the rubber suspension rods. But I would never take out onto a salty road to do it, easier to deal with tires than a corroded Airstream.

When winter nears we are headed to warm weather, sitting in our Airstream in Arizona right now.

Where do you stay in Arizona?

[maryel]

Where do you stay in Arizona? Do you ever go over to Mexico from there?

[kdickinson]

All good ideas. I will be removing a few more items like the wipes we have in the kitchen from ours before the real winter sets in next week. Otherwise we winterize, put in sun blockers on all windows between the window and screen, and lock her up say goodbye until April or May 2016. Happy Holidays!

[dznf0g]

I forgot about the sun blockers. I made mine out of Reflectix

[Seemore2006]

Re Previous posts - If you need to take out all probable nesting materials like towels then I imagine all the bedding, pillows, etc. What about the mattress? What if I used heavy duty plastic bins for items I need to store inside the trailer - are they mouse proof? As I'm imagining this now those mice are getting bigger and bigger....! Thanks.