Community Forums

2InAlabama · 08-11-2013, 01:25 PM

We are considering a move to the Phoenix area and are planning to buy a motorhome sometime next year. We have heard about the damage that the sun and heat can cause, but don't know any specifics.

What are the effects of sun and heat on a motorhome? Do rubber components such as tires, belts, hoses age faster? Other than using 303 Protectant on tires and slideout seals, what protections can be used effectively? We probably won't have a power hookup when the coach is in storage, so running the AC is not an option unless we install solar equipment.

Orbit · 08-11-2013, 01:54 PM

We bought a travel trailer (used) in Tucson and have had it for 4 years. We live in Phoenix, Glendale to be exact. The heat is incredible here in the summer. 3 out of 4 people who move here leave within the first year (so I've heard). And I would have if I could have afforded it but not because of the heat. I had allergy problems the first 5 years. We've been here 25 years now and plan to stay.

1. We put aluminum foil in all the windows, leave the bath room ceiling vent open and the bathroom door.

2. We put wheel covers on the tires.

3. We wash the roof (rubber sheet) several times a year.

4. We should wax the fiberglass exterior at least once per year.

5. We store the battery inside our garage. (still hot)

We are still new to RV but enjoy it...Northern Az is a cool retreat in the summer.

Welcome to Phoenix!

mel s · 08-11-2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2InAlabama

We are considering a move to the Phoenix area and are planning to buy a motorhome sometime next year. We have heard about the damage that the sun and heat can cause, but don't know any specifics.

What are the effects of sun and heat on a motorhome? Do rubber components such as tires, belts, hoses age faster? Other than using 303 Protectant on tires and slideout seals, what protections can be used effectively? We probably won't have a power hookup when the coach is in storage, so running the AC is not an option unless we install solar equipment.

2InAlabama
I don't know about the effect of sun/heat and the longevity of components since we only winter in the Phonix area.
I'm sure you will get some helpful answers from posters with southwest weather experience.

I can tell you that I've never heard of a RV solar system that could run an air conditioner.

Mel
'96 Safari

vsheetz · 08-11-2013, 01:57 PM

The roof takes the biggest beating from the sun and heat. A carport is a way to mitigate this. Interior heat is a problem - leaving ceiling and table fans run to ventilate and circulate is good to do if you don't have power to have the AC come on at high temps (solar won't provide enough power to support AC unless you have a LOT of it). I don't think rubber items are a big concern - but maybe somebody directly in the hotter areas will have a differing opinion.

On the plus side there is little to no rust, no need to winterize, year round usage, little snow or rain damage, etc.

TdogKing · 08-11-2013, 02:07 PM

Mr Sun rots everything and AZ is HOT and dry as a bone . Cover what you can, ventilate what you can, leave bathtub full of water to keep moisture inside RV, seal all drains so P-traps don't dry out and vent holding tanks to the inside. Some people who store their RV's in the desert areas build a box that's weighted down and mount a wind driven turbine vent and place it over a open vent , that way you are vented better and don't have to worry about the weather. Hope this helps !

steveclv · 08-11-2013, 02:20 PM

Well as an RV owner and AZ resident I can tell you that the sun takes it's toll on everything. Batteries are lucky to last 18 months and wiper blades and rubber will deteriorate very quickly if left untreated and outside.

I don't know what type of rig you are looking for but full body paint is worth the extra cost and a twice a year waxing. Storing the rig inside is preferable but expensive but under a carport style cover will help a lot.

If you are looking for an older RV then be aware that the gelcoat will be faded and the decals peeling. I had my 1996 Newmar redone and it cost me $1600 to have it stripped and polished and $1000 for new stripes. I now wax it regularly to keep it shiny.

2InAlabama · 08-13-2013, 06:44 AM

We are looking at a coach with full body paint - will never own another with decals.

I am mostly concerned about the fibreglas roof, rubber components such as hoses and belts, and batteries. How can I protect those?

Cat320 · 08-13-2013, 09:45 AM

If I had my MH in PHX, I'd have covered storage.

usinvestment · 08-13-2013, 06:33 PM

When talking with the dealers and service managers here in AZ they all recommend a bucket of water sitting in the unit. I purchased an RV canvas cover and will wax the coach at least once per year. The batteries are my biggest concern. Batteries here last 18 months and the battery manufacturers pro rate the warranty. Our tires don't get direct sunlight so I'm not worried about getting covers. Time will tell as our coach is new. It does get hot, it's a trade off with the States in the North with all the rain and snow. It will be 75-80 at Thanksgiving while most of you are in the slush.

chuydog · 08-13-2013, 08:13 PM

We live in the West Valley near Goodyear AZ and have a 40' DP. The best protection you can provide is a covered storage facility. The sun and heat takes it's toll on everything here including us but a little common sense goes a long way to protect your investment. Tire covers are cheap compared to 22.5 tires and they should be used. Keeping at least one bucket of water in the coach is said to help but we have never done it. Leaving a window or vent open is an invitation for constant blowing sand to get in the coach.

Everyone has an opinion but I would rather put up with this intense heat than to go back to Buffalo NY and piles of snow and slush etc.

Renipladlo · 08-13-2013, 08:32 PM

We were heading through phoenix, lady lost tire, and smashed into side of coach on 4-1-12. Coach sat in repair facility all summer until November. Told them to keep a bucket of water in coach in the shower, and keep it half full. No wood damage, first thing we did was use liquid gold on all the wood inside and we did that about every two weeks for couple of months to keep it nice, now about once every other month works. Roof takes the worst beating. Clean it, if fiberglass, wax it, if rubber, clean and treat with Protectall Rubber Roof treatment (Camping world) at least in the spring and fall. Lots of place have covered storage, open on the sides but covered nevertheless, will help, leave one roof vent open, go out to it weekly and run the systems, exercise the generator, start the a/c's, etc. Or you can go someplace cool in the summer, and not worry so much about the heat.