81
2008 IMPERIAL
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR CARE — 3
STORAGE
Short Term
Short term storage is de
fi
ned as storing the
motorhome for a period of thirty days or less.
Properly preparing the motorhome during
periods of short term storage will make bringing
the motorhome out of storage a much easier
process. Winterize the plumbing system if the
motorhome is stored in winter months, or if
stored when temperatures are below 32º F.
Checklist - Short Term Storage:
Retract the slide rooms.
DO NOT
store the motorhome with slide rooms
extended.
Shut off all appliances. Close the
primary LP-Gas valve.
Remove all articles from refrigerator/
freezer and clean thoroughly.
If equipped with residential refrigerator,
drain icemaker and icemaker tray. See
manufacturers manual for more details.
Drain holding tanks. Winterize the fresh
water system using FDA RV antifreeze
or air pressure to evacuate the plumbing
system.
Retract and secure all awnings.
Turn
OFF
interior house power.
Cancel the Automatic Generator Start
program to prevent safety hazards such
as unexpected power generation, exhaust
fumes and a hot exhaust line.
Store batteries fully charged. Batteries
stored in a discharged state will readily
freeze.
If possible, position the motorhome so
the batteries are accessible for charging
or changing without having to move the
motorhome.
If available, leave the motorhome
hooked to shore power. Leave the main
battery disconnect switches
ON
.
Careful placement of a small heat source
in the interior will help control moisture.
Desiccate
fi
lter systems will help remove
interior moisture.
If AC power is not available, turn the
chassis battery disconnect switch
OFF
.
If possible, store the motorhome inside a
storage building.
If stored outside,
inspect
all seams and
seals twice a month for possible leakage.
Store the motorhome with a full fuel
tank to minimize moisture condensing at
top of fuel tank.
Close vents and windows to prevent
wind driven rain entrance.
Store tires at maximum in
fl
ation
pressure.
Perform a full interior
inspection
for
water leaks twice a month. Be sure
to check behind all cabinet doors and
drawers.
Long Term
Long term storage of the motorhome can be
de
fi
ned as leaving a motorhome unattended for
a period of thirty days or more. A motorhome
requires protection from the elements just
as a house or a car would. When left out in
the environment without proper storage or
maintenance, a motorhome is vulnerable to the
moisture and oxidation processes inherent in the
environment.
NOTE:
The natural process of condensation
will occur with temperature changes
of 30º F or more in one day. Humidity
readings of 60% or greater will allow
the accumulated moisture to remain for
extended periods of time.
If AC power is not available in storage area:
Turn
OFF
all appliances.
Turn
OFF
interior house power using
the battery cut-off switch.
If possible, situate the motorhome so the
batteries remain accessible. This allows
a battery to be charged or replaced
without moving the motorhome.
Charge the batteries to a full state of
charge.
Cancel the Automatic Generator Start
program to prevent safety hazards such
as unexpected power generation, exhaust
fumes and a hot exhaust pipe.
Turn the main battery disconnect
switches
OFF
.
