Storage Advice?

[Mr. Bliss]

Okay, first silly newbie owner post (after searching archives with no luck):

What is the best way to leave the Airstream when not occupied for a few days or weeks?

Seal it up tight?

Leave some windows or roof vents slightly open?

Get a giant roll of Saran Wrap and cocoon it?

Dave

[dmreilly10000]

You will probably get many theories, but I prefer to close everything up tight to prevent dust, pollen and dirt from getting in. Sometimes I crack a skylight open just a little to let out any moisture that has gotten in.

[overlander64]

Greetings Dave!

During the Winter when my Overlander and Minuet are not used for long periods of time, I tighly close all windows and vents. During the warm months, I keep one window cracked open sligtly and take advantage of my Fantastic Vent fans with automatic rain closure and thermostatic control to continually circulate the air as long as the ambient temperature is above 70 degrees in the coach. The only problem with this method is you either need solar panels to keep the batteries charged or a continuous connection to shore power.

Since I have recently had the interiors of both coaches restored, I am planning to make one minor revision to my procedure. Whenever the coaches will be unused for more than three weeks, I am going to be placing shields in each of the windows to block the aging effects of the sun on the interior fittings. I haven't made my final decision on material to use, but will be using the screen frames as a template for desigining the shields.

Kevin

[InsideOut]

Over winter, we stored our's with the silver "bubble-wrap" type insulation (available in the HVAC section @ Home Depot) in all the windows to help protect from sun damage. We visited yesterday and were surprised at how cool it was inside even though the temperature was over 70-degrees. All the vents & windows have been "closed tight", but there was still a film of dust on everything. Fortuantely, we had thought to put a big sheet over all the upholstery to protect it. All is well...work well, so it'll become the norm for us.

Shari

[Mr. Bliss]

Being as this is a new (to us) vintage Airstream, I'm concerned about leaks while not in use. I think it's dry, but how can you be sure? If sealed up, the word "fester" comes all too readily to mind.

(Just went to two seminars on MOLD - the new four letter word! This has only fueled my paranoia...)

Anybody know anything about whether or not Humidity Sensors or Alarms exist? How nifty would it be if something like this could call your cell phone to let you know when you've sprung a leak!?!?

Dave

[Pahaska]

When I had my trailer flooded, I bought 6 plastic tubs of a drying agent to help get the moisture out. I still put all 6 in the trailer when it is not used for a few weeks. I close all the vents and windows.

It is amazing just how much water is in those tubs when I go to get the trailer, even though the weather has been fairly dry in the interim.

The trailer always smells good and freah; it never has that closed up feeling.

When the chemicals are exhausted, bulk chemical is quite cheap.

[Pahaska]

Anybody know anything about whether or not Humidity Sensors or Alarms exist? How nifty would it be if something like this could call your cell phone to let you know when you've sprung a leak!?!?

I received a Camper's Choice catalog the other day and it has a leak sensor for about $20. I'm seriosly considering one since there is no easy access to the area under the bathroom where all the connections are.

[apple 1]

One item no one has mentioned is to leave the refrigerator and freezer doors open. Returning from a trip I always wipe out and clean the inside of the fridge and leave the doors open or mold will start to grow if closed up.

I do close up the trailer and cover the windows when the trailer is at the storage yard, if I keep the trailer at home as I do often in the summer I keep one or two windows open slightly to allow circulation. As the storage yard where I keep the trailer is only one mile away I check the trailer every week when at the yard.

Jim

[ALANSD]

you can also put in a tub of "Damp Rid" which will help with any possible mildew or mold that might occur.
The refrig being left open is mandatory, that black mold is quickly formed. I also leave an open box of "arm and hammer" baking stuff in there.