below novice level questions

[bluepinecones]

As most of you know I do not yet have an RV. Still trying to learn about basics and simple practical issues as I also lack any experience. Am only considering a Class B or small C.
I would expect to only use an RV part time and am trying to figure out what to do with it when not in use. For example
How important is it that the RV
be parked on level ground?
be plugged in to keep frig and/or anything else running?
have a shelter or some type protective cover?
I have noted that many of you state you have electrical hookup at your stick houses. What amp service do you have? Think most smaller RVs need 30 amp but most houses are only 20 amps. Does that poise a problem?

[Cedar518]

All good questions, Sarah.

You know I'm in far northern NY, and mine is parked from late Oct. until May. I always used to cover my camper. My dealer advised me to not cover my new one. Said it encourages mildew. And I did have mildew on my vinyl seam covers on my old '04 Chalet. So my new Rockwood is enjoying the winter without a cover. I may invest in one of those breathable covers in the future.

I have a reglular outside outlet on my house. I plug into that. However I have no need for a/c here so that isn't in use. It's never been a problem for my frige.

Keep asking questions,.... that's what the campfire circle is for!

[Liz]

Being parked level is only important if you are running the refrigerator. You can use leveling blocks under your tires to accomplish this.

It is not necessary to keep it plugged up to elec. all the time. Just often enough to keep the house battery charged.
My house 20 amp was all I needed to run anything on my Roadtrek, including ac or microwave. I tripped a breaker trying to run ac on the Pleasureway (must have drawn more power than the one in the Roadtrek). I had a 30 amp outlet installed on my house, but it is not necessary.

I never left the refrig. running until I was ready to use it just before a trip. Now that I have a new refrig., I do....just because, again not necessary.

I used to have a canopy for my Roadtrek, but after replacing it twice, have decided not to get another. I will make sure my rv has a good grade of wax to prevent sun damage on the roof.

[Cedar518]

p.s.... I didn't comment on the rig being level. For me I try to keep it as level as possible even when parked in my backyard between trips. Reason: just because it makes it more pleasant going in and out of it and if I use it as a guest house.

[JanetA]

excellent advice, you gals!

One more question? What about the tires? do those need to put on wooden blocks and/or covered?

[OutandAbout]

All good advice. The house electric should be enough for the RV while stored, keeping the battery charged monthly and chilling the fridge before a trip.The RV doesn't have to be plugged in all the time. I don't think 30 AMP is necessary unless you are going to use the RV in the driveway. Being level is mostly for the comfort of the occupants and the fridge to run smoothly, but doesn't have to be perfectly level.

Janet, not sure on the tires. Read that the covers were good to block the UV rays. The driveways or pavers were good for the tires so they don't sit in wet grass or mud. Then you look a dealers and they don't do anything special for the tires and they have units sitting for a long time, so who really knows?

Linda

[Echo]

That's alright Sarah ask as many as you can! Will hopefully save me from asking. Tho with the onslaught of old'times as Vickie just had to remind me? I will probably ask and repeat all the questions later on.

Seems to me I read somewhere that it's good if your unit is gonna sit awhile to have it on blocks of some kind so that the chemicals in concrete, blacktop wont degrade the rubber. And it's better to not leave the tires in the mud. If nothing else putting the wheels on good blocks will keep it from sinking if ya get a lot of rain.