Heated indoor storage

[Exodar]

My wife and I are in the process of upgrading from our travel trailer to our first class a motor home. I found heated indoor storage near my home (which isn’t cheap) and I’m wondering if I should still winterize it for the winter? I’m making the assumption that I can just park it in my heated indoor storage spot and not winterize, but I want to make sure I’m not overlooking some reason why I still should. The only thing I can come up with is what if the heat fails for some reason in the dead of winter? It gets pretty cold here in Indiana from December to March.

Appreciate any input.

[US1]

I'm central IN myself and for the time it takes to winterize, its not worth the risk not to.

[Scepter40]

X2 on just winterize it. It’s so easy, there’s no reason not to (and it’s cheap insurance).

[Sweetbriar]

Just keep in mind one ice storm that takes out the electrical grid for a few days is all it takes. Being enclosed you'll have some protection if this happens but still it's pretty easy to do a low point drain and blow out of the lines plus removing all consumables that unwelcomed guests would enjoy.

[Exodar]

Thanks for the replies. Follow up question. Would you even bother with heated then? How much do you think a warm indoor bay is less harsh on interior, components, tires, gas, etc? It’s a $100 difference. I can definitely afford it, but if I winterize anyway is there a point? Does the heated bay still provide more protection? I really want to keep my rig in the best condition I can.

[Punkinhead]

I have a couple of airport hangars. I used to have uninsulated hangars and everything rusted and aluminum corroded. I now have insulated hangars and rust and corrosion is pretty much eliminated. I keep box fans running to circulate air which helps keep condensation from forming when it's been cold and a warm front passes through. I wouldn't pay extra for heated as long as you can get something insulated that has 120V power to run a fan.

[Bruce Anthon]

Winter coach projects are a big plus with heated space. I go over to my storage space most weekends and do light projects. Cleaning, waxing, re caulking seams, new back splash tile, deep cleaning of the a/c ducts, organizing the cargo compartments, etc….. you never runout of little things to do. Some facilities have restrictions on major repair being done in the building. Controlled temperatures will be a big aid in long term care. If there is space available with heat, I would go for it for sure!

[Soppy]

Heated is nice , but not necessary. I would winterize and disconnect the batteries as well . All it takes is a storm or a a tripped breaker that goes unnoticed and your coach batteries will be stone dead the next time you check it. I store mine in an unheated shelter with no power and it survives the cold winters no problem. When in storage, I do not run the generator or engine for the 6 months its in storage. The batteries will be 12.6 volts at the end of 6 months.

[Bigd9]

To Heat or Not To Heat. I guess it boils down to what ever allows you to sleep better at night. Personally I don't think it makes any difference at all. I do agree with winterizing no matter what you decide. But then my comments are coming from someone who can look out the kitchen window and see my coach 100 feet away sitting there covered with 6 inches of snow!

[Winemaker2]

Responses cover the +/- pretty well.
Covered / enclosed provides the most gain. IMO heated is a plus if you have projects you'd like to work on. Constant above freezing temp is probably best for cabinetry. If you are close by and could add pink if there was a failure and had a way to monitor / get notified of failure you might simply drain & blow out but that would require response within a day or so.
Bottom line I would likely opt for unheated and winterize. It isn't a huge task to winterize / dewinterize and not a big expense... I'd put the difference $ into improvements or travel.

[Unplanned Tourist]

I would go for the heated storage for sure. That way you will have a constant temperature.

Fluctuations in temperature can cause moisture to condense and corrosion will occur.

If you want to keep your rig as pristine as possible, the heated storage is the best. It might even pay off in resale value when you eventually sell it.

BTW, it does not take long to drain and blow out the water, just as a precaution. Water can sometimes go stagnant from sitting also.

[Exodar]

Thanks for all of the replies. I think we will be springing for the heated bay but still winterize. I never considered doing small projects/waxing/cleaning during the winter. Also building up moisture due to condensation/temp differences is a great point.