RV Storage in EXTREME HEAT climates

[Klaybus]

Hey guys! Question....
My family & I are considering a move from Seattle, WA. next spring to Palm Desert, CA. Talk about extreme climate differences huh? Anyhow, my question is in regards to the storage of my coach. In Seattle we have TONS of rain 8 months outta the year & in Palm Desert,, well...There's next to none. Our average yearly temp is probably 50-60 degrees with highs probably reaching around 90* whereas in the desert they see 120* with 100* often!
What do you folks do to keep your coach in good condition? Any & all replies welcome.

Thanks,
Clay

[Klaybus]

Hey guys! Question....
My family & I are considering a move from Seattle, WA. next spring to Palm Desert, CA. Talk about extreme climate differences huh? Anyhow, my question is in regards to the storage of my coach. In Seattle we have TONS of rain 8 months outta the year & in Palm Desert,, well...There's next to none. Our average yearly temp is probably 50-60 degrees with highs probably reaching around 90* whereas in the desert they see 120* with 100* often!
What do you folks do to keep your coach in good condition? Any & all replies welcome.

Thanks,
Clay

[RustyJC]

Here on the Texas Gulf Coast, we don't see the 120 degF temperatures, but we do have constant 90-100+ degF temperatures in the summer along with high humidity. We keep our RVs in covered storage to avoid the UV damage. We've tried leaving vents open, but any benefit we might have gained from lowering the inside temperature was negated from an infestation of bugs that could squeeze through the small screen openings of the vents, so we just leave it closed up now and haven't noted any interior deterioration.

Rusty

[dixoncider]

No rust out there.

[Sundevil]

Here in AZ we keep our fiver in covered storage. It makes all the difference in the world for the long term condition of your rig. Some people also put a bucket of water in the rig to add some humidity to the air in these dry climates. I have never done that with no adverse results. Like others said, I don't leave any windows or vents open because of mainly dust, but bugs are the other reason.

[Ray,IN]

I can only relate an encounter with this storage. In 2005, while wintering in Ft.Myers, FL. we began looking at new 5er's . One large dealership had an unsold 2003, at a non-discounted price(my opinion). Upon entry we discovered the kitchen table had a very large crack the length on the wood. From the direction of sun entry everything was bleached nearly colorless, sofa, recliners, carpet,etc. The sofa upholstery was almost like cheesecloth where the sun shown the most.
I realize this was an extreme case, but geeze. How could they expect anyone to buy something so sun and heat damaged?

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

Good point. I keep my blinds down when the 5th wheel is not in use.

Here it gets up around 110 or better in the summer, and my older 5th wheel is still in pretty good shape, though some white plastic parts can yellow.

One of those metal canopies might be worth considering if you don't want to spring for a building to park in...

[Blue74]

I live in mine in Phoenix but being a truck driver I do not spend much time there. It is parked in an RV park with no protection.

The biggest thing I have noticed is the sun will rot the fabric of the awnings and fade/curl the graphics on the outside. I have noticed a bit of tape used to seal the seams on the ceiling have come loose a bit. I have cut sheets of bubble wrap with the reflective sheet to fit all the windows and to hold it in place I have cut furring strips because the Velcro would melt and slide down the window frame inside. Since I am gone I also leave the slides in when gone. Have noticed that they stick after setting for a few weeks and have to cycle the switch a few times to get them to slide out. I also have tire covers on all the wheels.

Something else to watch if you will store dry goods (food) inside is watch out for things that will go bad faster, can goods, cereal and those bags of microwave popcorn.