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Old 10-21-2014, 02:17 PM   #1
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Question Storing in an underground mine

Does anyone else do this or know of any issues? I am looking to store my new AS in an underground limestone mine. It is dry inside and has a climate controlled section maintaining 65 degrees F and 65% humidity. They currently have about 2,000 units being stored there (boats, RVs, cars, etc.). A couple questions for the Forum:

1. Based on the humidity, do I need to do anything specific to prepare my AS (besides remove the mattress, clothing, any food, etc.)? Are there moisture absorption items I should purchase to put inside the AS? Would you be concerned about this level of humidity? Their website says they recommend this climate controlled section so you don't have to worry about mold and mildew, but wanted to get your thoughts.

2. Based on the temperature, should I still get my unit winterized? I wouldn't think so but wanted to check.

The website for the storage facility, if you're curious, is Winter Storage for Boats, Cars, Campers and RV’s | Brady’s Bend.

Any help is much appreciated as this is the first year with my brand new AS so I don't want to mess it up! I called the AS service center in Ohio and they have never heard of anyone storing underground, so I thought some folks on this forum may be able to help.

Thanks,

Jeff
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Old 10-21-2014, 02:39 PM   #2
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Interesting Jeff. At 65/65 (website site says 52/50) I don't think you would need to do any winterization and that humidity level is lower than most places in the US except out west. I see antique cars and they mention document storage so I wouldn't worry about the humidity. Better storage conditions that being at your home.

Sounds like a great place for winter storage.
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Old 10-21-2014, 02:56 PM   #3
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Does the salty atmosphere of the mine contribute to aluminum corrosion issues??
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Old 10-21-2014, 03:10 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arktos55343 View Post
Does the salty atmosphere of the mine contribute to aluminum corrosion issues??

I do not believe there is a salty environment in a limestone mine.

Most of the ones that I have seen make an excellent naturally climate controlled environment.
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Old 10-21-2014, 03:20 PM   #5
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The limestone "caverns" in the mined out limestone in the Kansas City, Missouri havr
e a variety of businesses operating underground. The temperature is fairly constant year round. Removing excess moisture from some enclosed shops is probably done when being heated... I assume electrical.

No salt. Almost pure Calcium Carbonate with maybe a little silica from ancient sponges...

But... if there are any dripping spots, be aware that the carbonic acid water that occurs naturally in the atmosphere and to the surface as rain can leach through the limestone and deposit your own, personal cave "drippings". Removed with anything that works in your sinks and toilets, but just be aware.

I would find a stored Airstream and inquire. I found those in KC to be sealed and lit very nice. Living is the Arid Regions of the Rockies, we can be camped with 5% or less in the more arid areas... I cannot imagine storing a trailer in 50% to 90% humidity. Obviously no body must be complaining. No problem with hail damage! Soot and road dirt deposited on a trailer in the open air would also not be a problem.

Let us all know what you find out. One mined out quarry near Independence, Missouri (Pixley Caves?) raised trout in the cold clear water inside. I would have loved to tried some fly fishing for those farm trout... they eat anything tossed onto the water.
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Old 10-21-2014, 03:28 PM   #6
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Those prices are excellent for covered protected storage. I'd jump on it if we had something similar locally.
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Old 10-21-2014, 03:48 PM   #7
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You do have an advantage we couldn't do, you know exactly(almost) when you wouldn't be using, and can even get a price break for long term, don't forget to mention to your insurance agent and get the in storage rate discount, too.
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Old 10-21-2014, 05:42 PM   #8
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Curious as to how you get down to your storage spot? Do you get to drive your rig down and park or is it a valet type of service where they do the moving? If it valet check your insurance policy very carefully to see that should something happen while the operator is moving it that you have coverage. Been there, done that and letting the courts sort it out.
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Old 10-21-2014, 09:38 PM   #9
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you could ask if you can get one of those 'shelter' covers.. and assemble it to cover the AS while parked.. then just take it down when done and store the 'shelter' till next year... that will keep any 'drips' off the top of it...

That is a great idea.
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Old 10-22-2014, 12:20 PM   #10
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Arnoldjeff,

The 2014/2015 season marks the 7th year we have had a trailer stored at Brady’s Bend underground storage facility. The first five years we had a small T@B Trailer that we stored in the mine. Now we store our 2012 30’ Airstream there. We have always used the Climate Controlled Storage and have never had any issues. Although there is no need to winterize in the climate control, we do prior to placing are unit in the mine just in case we don’t make in to the mine before inclement weather.

Procedure goes something like this:
Pull into the staging area and wait for an attendant.
They measure the trailer’s height and length, and check that the propane tanks are removed.

The attendant will give you an inspection slip that you take into the office. There you make arrangements for payment and are given an inventory tag (to attach the trailer) and your receipt.

You drive your rig in by following an escort in to the mine and are shown to your spot. The escort will assist with you backing into your spot. If you want the escort will wait for you to unhitch to lead you back out of the mine. We never follow the escort out as the exit is very well marked. After we’re in our spot we remove the batteries (make sure you take you own tools and wheel chocks), do one last check of the interior, and check all exterior compartments making sure all are locked.

I find that it is best to drive up during the week as week ends can get really busy.
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Old 10-22-2014, 12:55 PM   #11
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Picture of our unit in storage last year...
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Old 10-22-2014, 08:14 PM   #12
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Nyce....
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Old 10-23-2014, 05:21 AM   #13
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Any thoughts on the non-climate controlled section? I've searched around the web and folks seem to use that just fine. They add a few damp-rid's or homemade versions with charcoal bricks.

Cost difference is roughly $170 vs. $410 for a 5 month "season." (You could do a 4 month season for the conditioned space which drops the price to $328).

Pretty substantial savings if it works fine.
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Old 11-08-2014, 01:11 PM   #14
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Just took mine there today. EVERYONE was extremely pleasant and helpful. Also I didn't realize this until the paperwork was being prepared but as a first time customer I get one month rent free! 68 dollars a month for my tradewind, very happy I saw this post the other week!
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Old 11-08-2014, 02:46 PM   #15
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Cool. I have an appointment for monday. Did you do non-climate or climate?
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Old 11-09-2014, 05:31 AM   #16
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Did climate controlled
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Old 11-09-2014, 05:43 AM   #17
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Thanks. I have a reservation for climate controlled but thought I'd talk to them about the less expensive side just to see. Probably just go with the climate controlled.

Did you take the batteries home with you? I understand that I'll have to take the propane with me but thinking of leaving the batteries. Any damprid inside or no worries on the climate controlled side?
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Old 11-09-2014, 05:54 AM   #18
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I did remove my batteries and brought them home with me.
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Old 11-09-2014, 05:56 AM   #19
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No doubt amp rid or anything else added. Completely emptied trailer beds a day everything else a couple weeks ago.
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Old 11-09-2014, 06:45 AM   #20
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Just as an overall point, do know that if a cave/mine has a lot of running trucks in the area where your trailer will be, that the exhaust from the trucks interacts with the limestone can be very corrosive on metals. I know because I live in Kansas City, and I sell air conditioning units. We have problems with coil corrosion in areas of the caves with a lot of trucks and truck exhaust.
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