How to store my trailer safely

[denali]

I've recently purchased a 2009 Flying Cloud 23FB. I live in Texas but am storing it in Washington since I spend a month annually there. I've already checked into covered storage but am not sure about overall maintenance while I'm not there.
1. How to keep the tires from being damaged while it is stored.
2. Will mice or other critters get inside and if so, how can I protect it?
3. Any other Important stuff I need to learn about.

Anyone's help would be really appreciated.

[mojo]

Wow, 11 months is a long time for a new Stream to be sitting idle. Why not keep it in Texas and use it on weekends and then tow that trip to WA and back and see some country?

Anyway, you would probably want to put it up on blocks, connect a battery minder and hope the critters don't move in.

[loudruff]

I think that you need to be concerned about the axles sitting idle as well.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by denali

I've recently purchased a 2009 Flying Cloud 23FB. I live in Texas but am storing it in Washington since I spend a month annually there. I've already checked into covered storage but am not sure about overall maintenance while I'm not there.
1. How to keep the tires from being damaged while it is stored.

Just replace them every six years and then you don't have to worry.

2. Will mice or other critters get inside and if so, how can I protect it?

Maybe, especially if there is food left in the trailer, or there is food nearby, as would be the case if you're near a cornfield or a place that proceses food.

For long-term use, a rodenticide like D-Con or Hawk works best, IMO, though this is debated. I'll take the problem of rotten mice in the walls over the problem of mice eating all the wiring, but some people prefer the opposite tradeoff.

Some people use bars of soap or fabric softener sheets but I don't believe they work. Someone will be along shortly to proclaim how they stored their trailer with a sheet of bounce and never had a problem with mice. Well, maybe there weren't any mice near the trailer.

3. Any other Important stuff I need to learn about.

Anyone's help would be really appreciated.

Heat, light, and water are the enemies. Store inside a building and you will be happy upon your return. Store outside and you take your chances on roof leaks, sun fading, and deterioration of, well, everything from the heat.

[2airishuman]

yeah, lotta issues storing that LONG...

and even then it's a crap shoot or HOW the trailer survives solitary.

IF it's gotta be in the pnw u might wanna look for a PERFECT spot...

that's close but not exactly where u wanna be.

for example WE have a member here who lives in central OreGON...

and he happens to own an rv storage place.

it's in-door, with juice, fully closed, secure and the owner IS a streamer...

IF you want details ask.
__________

IF it really is gonna be dead for 11 of 12, pull the tires and put the stream UP on jack stands...

all of the other issues (bugs, rodents, batteries, fire, theft, odor, moisture) would be best handled by an NEAR BY caretaker.

covered/indoor storage helps with SOME of the external care issues, but doesn't eliminate them.

OR keep it in texas and PAY someone to haul it to wash a few weeks before you get there.

cheers
2air'

[denali]

Thanks so much to everybody. This definitely gives me something to think about. My friend in Cle Elum, Washington would be able to take her out on occasion and also maintain her throughout the year. I do think I will buy some jacks anyway.

[dlb435]

I wouldn't worry about storing the trailer for that long. Run the RV anti-freeze through the water system, drain as much water as you can. Disconnect the battery and store it away from the trailer. Clean the trailer to remove all food crumbs. Leave a couple of mouse and roach traps out just in case. The tires should hold up but be prepared to replasce them if they don't make it. When you get back, repack all wheel bearings and inspect the tires.
Here's your big problem: We stored our trailer in a secure storage facility. Closed circuit cameras, security entry way, rules about everything, no loitering, etc...
Bottom line; someone broke into our AS and totally trashed it. Suddenly, they were waving a copy of the contract and made it clear they were not responsible for any damage. Keep your AS were you can see it every day.

[TBRich]

Don't know all the details of your situation, of course, but if it was me, I'd keep it with me in Texas ... and use it! Even getting out of Dodge for long weekend trips provide a breath of fresh air and good for the soul. You'd be amazed ... You don't have to take long trips (in terms of distance or time) to reap the benefits ... and then when you do go to Washington, you'd have a great trip getting there and back.

If you must go with Plan A try to find indoor storage in a secure setting, take the batteries out and put it up on jacks...and leave no food in it.