Sitt'in around for awhile...

[Mountain Aire III]

I would like to pose a question to the more "seasoned" MADP owners. My wife and I are going to start working here at a campground in the Keys this year. We are excited about the idea but a little concerned for the MH. We plan on taking it out once a month and drive for about 4 hours to get everything in the engine good and hot, lubricated and moving. Is there anything else I should do to the Motor home, chassis, jacks, etc to prevent things from locking up or getting damaged? Are there things that I should look out for?
Thanks for any and all input.

[GaryKD]

Hi Mountain Aire III,
The only thing you need to do is put a coat of spray way on the coach about once a month. This will prevent any damage from the salt, from the Ocean. Also wash the windows about once a month.

As to taking it out for a spin, do not do it. Have the oil and filters changed before you start the assignment. Have a full fuel tank and put some algaecide in the tank. Let the automotive part of the coach sleep. In the Keys, all you have is RT1. There is not much you can do to get up to speed for any length of time. Use this time to relax on the beach.

When ready to leave, spray the jack pistons with the spray lubricant of your choice. Do not wipe them after spraying. Spray them as you are ready to retract the jacks.

Other than that, enjoy. Can you let us know which CG you will be working at?

[Route 66]

I agree with Gary.

There are thousands of us wintering in FL for up to 6 months without moving or starting our MHs.

[Jim Stewart]

I have an RV Lot in the Keys, before this year I spent several Winters there on a rented lot in a campground. Here is what I do.


Use algaecide and fuel treatment.

Spray Dry Lube on the underside of any slideout gears, entry step pivot points, generator slide rails and the like.

Use full tire/wheel covers to protect from the Sun.

Coat roof with 303 Protectant, it keeps the white marks from staining the sides quickly from the morning dew with salt air running off the top and down the sides.

Use metal polish and tarnish remover on my chrome parts like mirrors and such followed by a good coat of wax every month.

Use a drinking water hose with stainless steel fittings.

Use a 4 inch PVC Pipe over the sewer hose to keep the Lizards from chewing it and the Sun deteriorating it.

Spray the extended leveling jacks with silicon spray weekly.

Use silicone or 303 on all exposed rubber parts.

The salt air, Sun and lizards can be pretty powerful in the Keys, more so than the rest of Florida.

Where in the Keys are you going to be?

Jim Stewart

[Mountain Aire III]

Thanks all for the GREAT tips. We will be starting in April here at Jolly Rogers Travel Park in Marathon. If in the area stop by and say hello. Ask for Elton or Reta!
Sounds like we'll be doing a lot of waxing and spraying but then again we have been doing that already. Thanks again.

[tmitchell]

I would take it for a monthly ride. No need to go for 4 hours, 45 minutes would be more then enough. It would help your tire life. It will also be good for the front oil bathed bearings. You could run your generator at that time.
I try and use my MH at least every 4-6 weeks, mostly to keep the tires in good shape.
Tom