How to prep trailer for 9 months of storage?

[saraed]

I live full time in my 27FB, but I’m storing it in SC for 9 months while I’m deployed beginning in August. I’m going to winterize, wash/wax before putting it in storage. I won’t have anyone checking on the trailer while I’m gone. I found an indoor storage unit that will fit the trailer that also has power. I have several questions below for anyone who has experience or opinions. Thanks in advance for your help!!

What is the best thing and second best thing to do for the tires in this situation? (I’m a bit pressed for time, so any large project seems a bit overwhelming at this point. I’m looking for multiple solutions if the ‘best thing to do’ is involved)

Is there anything other than dehumidifying I should be thinking about for the interior?

Is there anything special I need to be thinking about for the exterior?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Pump up the tires and Jack it up on stands...
Charge the batts fully and disconnect, with nobody checking I would not trust the converter powered up for 9mos.

Bob
🇺🇸

[saraed]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Pump up the tires and Jack it up on stands...

Charge the batts fully and disconnect, with nobody checking I would not trust the converter powered up for 9mos.



Bob

[emoji631]

Bob,
Thanks for the reply! Do I use 1 jack on either side of the trailer or do I use more? Is it safe to be in the trailer while it’s on the jacks?

[ROBERT CROSS]

I put 'Cloudsplitter' up on jack stands every Winter.
One 4t stand between the wheels on the axle mount plate..
We are preparing for a trip to JC, it's still on the stands with the stabilizers down, in and out frequently, no concerns
Perfect stable & safe.

Bob
🇺🇸

[cazual6]

No problems leaving tires on the ground. I would raise the stabilizers just in case you lose tire pressure.

Disconnect batteries (Positive) or get one of those battery disconnect switch. Something like this
https://www.amazon.com/BEP-701S-Batt...6&sr=1-12&th=1

Close all windows and vents, including the bathroom and shower.

Prop open the fridge/freezer door and microwave.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XXGHYM...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Get something like this to control humidity
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lock her up and stay safe.

[Blighcapn]

Does anyone know whether modern tires are damaged by sitting in one position bearing weight for 6 months or longer?
Evidence for that claim?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by cazual6

No problems leaving tires on the ground. I would raise the stabilizers just in case you lose tire pressure.

Disconnect batteries (Positive) or get one of those battery disconnect switch. Something like this
https://www.amazon.com/BEP-701S-Batt...6&sr=1-12&th=1

Close all windows and vents, including the bathroom and shower.

Prop open the fridge/freezer door and microwave.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XXGHYM...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Get something like this to control humidity
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lock her up and stay safe.

?????...... Jack stands don't go flat.😂
The torsion axles also need exercise, better to unload them to help prevent the rubber taking a 'set'.

TIRES LONG TERM ON THE GROUND.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Bob Little]

There is damage created by leaving tires as you suggest. Do as the world auto industry does in inflate tires to between 55-60 psi. All cars in lot storage are treated to this formula. You can improve the formula by allowing the tires to sit on wood boards...not plywood thickness please....a bit like a 2x4. Car
manufactures cannot do the wood routine ! Why not put your trailer in jack stands and bring the tires inside like I do in the off season?

[Ruffit]

When we leave our trailer over the winter, (November to May) we open all drawers, cupboards, stove, fridge, doors, underneath compartments etc. Propped with wedges or soft cloths if necessary to keep them open. We also prop up all cushions and don’t leave any leaning on the walls. This allows the air to circulate. We also leave a few mouse traps set but you may not have that problem!

[saraed]

Wow, thanks to everyone so far for the replies!

I upgraded my converter to a “smart” converter (Boondocker 1260 HWL) several months ago. Would you still suggest disconnecting the batteries?

I was thinking about leaving it plugged into 15 amp power and running a dehumidifier and ultrasonic pest repeller (in addition to moth balls & Irish spring soap to repel unwanted visitors)

[suncoasteng]

And do not forget to buy a bag of moth balls and spread liberally thru out the TT. Keeps out mice and bugs

[Silvr_Bullet]

You didn’t mention if someone will check the trailer regularly I use a electronic rodent deterrent that I have found works well especially with the aluminum interior to bounce the sound around open all drawers etc including any hatches that lead to enclosed exterior compartments of the trailer. The dehumidifier will need attention also make positive that any discharge hoses are secure that they won’t somehow fall back into trailer and drain water. Being strapped for time I think these are of importance. I have very positive experience with the electronic devices, I use them in my garage where a squirrel took up residence, he moved on immediately.

[brick1]

Disconnect the batteries. You do not want to risk one running dry while in storage and on a charger. Remove all food and paper goods. Drain flush and drain all tanks. Put a bit of water and a double dose of chemicals in the black tank after flushing. Keep jacks up. Consider buying new tires when you return.
And thank you for serving this great country. Be safe.

[saraed]

I’m looking into the equipment I’d need to put the trailer on jack stands.

What do you prefer when/if you put your trailer on stands?
- A bottle jack stand combo (https://www.powerbuilt.com/products/...nd-bottle-jack)

or

- A quick lift and jack stands (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sunex-3-...7JPK/303220873)

Definitely getting lots of moth balls and ultrasonic pest repeller to put outside of trailer (since I’m disconnecting batteries).

Tanks will be flushed and as clean as I can get them prior to storing. I wonder if the antifreeze will kill the enzymes that eat the bacteria from my tank cleaner (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075PZ8858..._FkKbFb6M836CN). I may just catch the antifreeze in a bucket when it comes out of faucets to prevent it from getting into the tanks and messing with the enzymes. Unless there are any ideas or suggestions on better tank storage smell solutions?

[ROBERT CROSS]

I would go with the HD option, it's in stock and more versatile.

As far as the tanks go...I'd flush both very well and leave them empty.
I blow the water lines with air, open the low point drains and faucets, and add AF only to the P-traps when I Winterize.

If it's going thru the cold weather, a full Winterization is in order.

Bob
🇺🇸

[CapriRacer]

Originally Posted by Blighcapn

Does anyone know whether modern tires are damaged by sitting in one position bearing weight for 6 months or longer?
Evidence for that claim?

Yes, it is called flatspotting. Here's an SAE paper on the subject: https://www.sae.org/publications/tec.../2006-01-1629/

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by CapriRacer

Yes, it is called flatspotting.
. . .

That paper is from 2006. With today's 2020 tire compounds, is flatspotting as much of an issue?

Quote from your cited paper:

"Tires flatspot when they remain loaded without rolling for a period of time. When the tires are rolled again, the initial flatspot decays and vanishes or stabilizes to a much smaller magnitude (called residual flatspot). Flatspot is a low harmonic phenomenon and primarily contributes to the first three or four harmonics of tire run out. The tire non uniformity caused by a flatspot may induce noticeable vibrations in some vehicles during operation in the decay process."

With the storage here being for only 9 months, is the "residual flatspotting" going to be a serious issue?

Also . . . per next post, if the tires are outdated, maybe get new tires after storage?

Thanks for you expertise on so many threads,

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by cazual6

. . .
. . . I would raise the stabilizers just in case you lose tire pressure.
. . .

Good advice, because the stabilizer jacks are not designed to carry the weight of the trailer, if one [or more] of the tires goes flat IMO.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by saraed

I live full time in my 27FB, but I’m storing it in SC for 9 months while I’m deployed beginning in August.
. . .

Do you know the DOT date-of-manufacture of your tires?

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...&affiliate=HK5

It may make sense to get new tires when you are back from your deployment?

Stay safe,

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Good advice, because the stabilizer jacks are not designed to carry the weight of the trailer, if one [or more] of the tires goes flat IMO.

MOOT..if he's going with Jack stands.

BTW sitting on wet concrete in our area is not good either...covered on drainage tiles during the Season.
Bob
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