SECTION 3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MOTOR HOME
3-12
REPARING VEHICLE FOR
STORAGE
Properly preparing your vehicle for storage
will lessen the possibility of damage to your ve-
hicle. Prepare the motor home for vacancy just as
you would if you were leaving your house for an
extended period:
Clean and Prep Coach for Storage
1. Turn off the LP gas tank.
2. Turn the furnace thermostat switch OFF.
3. Remove all foods and items that may
cause odors from cabinets and refrigera-
tor.
4. Clean and defrost the refrigerator. Prop the
door open slightly to allow any odors to dis-
sipate. Place an open box of baking soda
inside the refrigerator to help absorb odors.
5.
Fully charge the batteries. Batteries must
have at least 80% charge to survive freez-
ing temperatures and long period of non-
use.
We recommend that you connect a bat-
tery charger or plug in the shoreline once a
month during long-term storage periods to
maintain battery charge and to avoid sulfat-
ing. If connecting a charger directly to bat-
teries, turn the Aux. Battery switch off to
avoid electrical arcing when attaching and
detaching charger clamps.
6. After charging batteries, turn the Aux. Bat-
tery Switch off to disconnect the batteries
and avoid parasitic* drain.
7. Have the vehicle chassis completely serviced
and lubricated. Be sure radiator antifreeze
protection level is sufficient for the lowest
anticipated temperatures.
8. Wash and wax the coach.
9. Inspect all seams and seals around doors,
windows, vents, and any other joints.
Replace or repair any that are damaged.
Sealing materials and compounds can be
purchased from your dealer. Badly damaged
weather seals may need to be replaced by
your dealer.
10. Close all windows and roof vents. Protect all
appliance vent openings from contamination
by animals or insects (e.g. bird nests, wasp
nests, etc.)
11. Lubricate all door hinges and locks.
12. Clean the interior of the coach. Dirt and
stains are more easily removed when fresh.
NOTE: We do not recommend leaving the shore-
line plugged in continuously during stor-
age periods because the batteries can
lose electrolytic fluids and become dam-
aged from continuous charging without
periodic use. We recommend following
regular battery inspection and mainte-
nance, especially in cold weather. See
“Battery Storage and Maintenance” in
section 9.
*Parasitic battery drain is the gradual drain by
items connected directly to battery power such as
clocks and radio memory.
When storing your vehicle through the winter,
or in cold climates, extra preparations need to be
made to protect systems that can be damaged by
freezing temperatures. See “Winterizing” in
Plumbing Section.
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE
1. Completely air out the motor home.
2. Have the entire LP gas system checked for
leaks.
3. Check window operation.
4. Check cabinet and door hinges. Lubricate
with penetrating oil, if necessary.
5. Close all faucets and drain valves that are
open. If necessary, reconnect toilet water line
and close flush valve.
6. Add a few gallons of water to the fresh water
tank and check for leaks especially at junc-
tions. Also make sure all hangers and sup-
ports are securely in place. Sanitize the water
system as outlined under “Disinfecting the
Fresh Water System” in Plumbing Section.
7. Check operation of all faucets to be sure
faucet washers have not hardened during
storage.
8. Check sealing valve in the toilet for proper
operation and lubricate with silicone spray.
