SECTION 11 –
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
11-10
VEHICLE STORAGE –
PREPARATION
Properly preparing your vehicle for storage
will lessen the possibility of damage to your
vehicle. 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 propane gas tank.
2. Turn the electronic thermostat switch OFF.
3. Remove all foods and items that may cause
odors from cabinets and refrigerator.
4. Clean and defrost the refrigerator. Prop the
door open slightly to allow any odors to
dissipate. 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
freezing temperatures and long period of
non-use.
We recommend that you connect a
battery charger or plug in the shoreline once a
month during long-term storage periods to
maintain battery charge and to avoid
sulfating. If connecting a charger directly to
batteries, turn the House/Coach Battery
Disconnect switch off to avoid electrical
arcing when attaching and detaching charge
clamps.
NOTE: We do not recommend leaving the
shoreline plugged in continuously during
storage periods because the batteries
can lose electrolytic fluids and become
damaged from continuous charging
without periodic use. We recommend
following regular battery inspection and
maintenance especially in cold weather.
See “Battery Care” in Section 6 -
Electrical.
6. After charging batteries, turn the House/
Coach Battery and Chassis Battery
Disconnect switches off to disconnect the
batteries and avoid parasitic* drain.
* Parasitic battery drain is the gradual drain
by items connected directly to battery power
such as clocks, radio memory, and the
engine computer.
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 nest, 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.
If you are storing your vehicle through the
winter or in cold climates, extra preparations
must be made to protect equipment and systems
that can be damaged by freezing temperatures.
See “Winterizing Procedure” in
Section 7 -
Plumbing
.
VEHICLE STORAGE –
REMOVAL
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.
6. Add a few gallons of water to the fresh water
tank and turn on the water pump to check for
leaks, especially at fittings.
7. Open all faucets in turn to release trapped air
and check to be sure faucet washers have not
hardened during storage.
