Community Forums

billystric · 12-08-2015, 05:15 PM

Few questions on setting up/parking the RV until the next trip. My wife and I have very good careers so it keeps us pretty busy so taking a trip with our kids a few months at a time is bliss.. Sometimes.. Lol. Question 1 - the tires on the RV, would it be fine to park it in the dirt? I do check the pressure before every trip but don't know I if it kills the lifespan of the tires stating on dirt/grass. Question 2 - I had an outlet installed so my RV is always plugged up 24/7. Is this okay? Fridge is always on everything is off. Thank you

Ray,IN · 12-08-2015, 05:37 PM

Wet dirt is hard on tires, I would put down something waterproof to sit the tires on, inflate them to sidewall max, + 10 psi, sit a piece of plywood to shade them from direct sun or use tire covers. The added pressure recommendation by tire mgrs, is to reduce "flat-spotting" which tends to induce a set in the plys. Of course reduce psi to sidewall max before the next trip.

schrederman · 12-08-2015, 06:39 PM

I park mine in covered storage, on 2X12 boards, with tire covers. I air the tires up to sidewall pressure + 5 psi. I don't recommend keeping it plugged in with the battery being charged all the time. Pull the negative lead when you know the battery is charged. Leaving it plugged in all the time may boil your battery dry. I leave the fridge off and propped open slightly. My battery is in my garage and on a battery tender, with the water checked monthly.

billystric · 12-08-2015, 07:22 PM

@ray,in and @schrederman. Thanks for the info. I knew it seemed way to simple on how I had it all set up. Lol

Arch Hoagland · 12-08-2015, 07:27 PM

We turn off the refrigerator and leave the refrigerator doors open so no mold develops.

Be sure to check the water levels in your battery.

chaps2018 · 12-08-2015, 09:38 PM

In addition to the above, remove all food/water. Mice will find it.leave the vent cover 1/2" for air flow. Make sure toilet seal stays wet,

Fast0ne · 12-08-2015, 11:53 PM

I leave ours plugged in all winter check the battery once a month but have yet to add anything to it.

I do leave the fridge on as we have had lots of power outages this year so nice to have a spare fridge to put things in.

I also just put down a few pieces of plywood for the tires to rest on.

Also inside I leave all drawers and doors open and bought a small electric fan heater they use for boats can't think of the name sorry. It just moves air around and lightly heats the air.

And leave both vents cracked open. But I do have maxair covers.

Mr_D · 12-09-2015, 12:16 AM

The TT's were always beside the house, on a gravel pad and plugged in, but that was only up till 1988 when we got our first MH. Now those have all been parked beside the house on that same gravel pad and plugged in all the time. Refers and freezers on although I do shut the ice maker off. Cabinet doors open and a small heater going. If it gets really cold I'll turn on the AquaHot.

wrvond · 12-09-2015, 01:43 PM

I have two campers, one sits on tarmac and one sits on dirt. They are both plugged in year round with heaters in the winter and A/C in the summer. I keep the tire pressure set at the trailer manufacturer's recommended pressure. In other words, I am essentially camping all year long and ocassionally moving to a different campground. Have never had a problem with tires or batteries. My only concession to winter is that I do drain the water heaters, blow out the lines on the small camper and put pink stuff in the big camper.

billystric · 12-09-2015, 09:11 PM

Thank you everybody for your replies. Very helpful information from all of you.

lgarcia · 12-10-2015, 06:04 PM

Mine is parked next to the house on the grass/dirt.

I leave a 400 watt heater in it, take out all the food, leave a jug of water and tea bags, toss a sleeping bag on the queen bed for a nap, set up a jigsaw puzzle at the dinette, leave a weather proof ukulele in it, plug in a little radio for NPR news - and I visit it every day. It is my afternoon getaway after work.

I have accumulated several sets of Lynx Levelers from yard sales etc. so I put them to good use. Boards kill the grass and I am always afraid they will flip when parking.

billystric · 12-10-2015, 07:17 PM

@lgarcia thanks for the pointers, like the set up. Looks like you have a ways to go on the puzzle.

wrvond · 12-11-2015, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgarcia

Mine is parked next to the house on the grass/dirt.

I leave a 400 watt heater in it, take out all the food, leave a jug of water and tea bags, toss a sleeping bag on the queen bed for a nap, set up a jigsaw puzzle at the dinette, leave a weather proof ukulele in it, plug in a little radio for NPR news - and I visit it every day. It is my afternoon getaway after work.

I have accumulated several sets of Lynx Levelers from yard sales etc. so I put them to good use. Boards kill the grass and I am always afraid they will flip when parking.

And that's the way it's done!
I have a Kindle to read and a smart TV so I can watch a movie, and sodas; I hadn't thought about a puzzle!

lgarcia · 12-11-2015, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billystric

@lgarcia thanks for the pointers, like the set up. Looks like you have a ways to go on the puzzle.

The folks at my late mom's assisted living facility could put a puzzle together like nobody's business. The fact that it takes me forever must mean I am not yet ready for that place. I did finish it, though.