Storage/Electric issue Question

[bluepinecones]

My new rig will have to be stored off site for long periods between use. Research so far looks like there are only 3 places within 20 miles of house. Two of these are pole barn types (overhead cover only and no electric). The 3rd is enclosed garage like structure and some units offer 30 amp service. Don't know if any of them have available space yet.

Question is how important is it to be able to keep the fridg and/or anything else running while stored?

[cpatinjones]

I do not plug my RV into elec when not in use. I do use a "battery minder" to keep my battery charged when not plugged in to elec. The battery minder does need elec to operate.

I do not want my frig operating or any other item in my rv on when not in use. I see no benefit in keeping the Frig operating when not in use. I do keep the frig door open when not in use.

[longdog2]

Storage around here is within fenced compounds. Definitely no electrical hookups. We remove the battery and bring it back to the house so there won't be any phantom draws on it. We also put it on a battery minder as Caroline does.

[sharon]

Hope is stored under a pole barn and batteries are turned off when in storage. Like Carolyn I leave the fridge and freezer doors open to prevent mildew and odors. I make sure the batteries are full of water and completely charged before storage. And just why is your rv going to spend so much time in storage Missy? You got her to use, not store!!!

[WickedLady]

My tt sets all winter without being plugged in. I pull the battery and put it in my shed hooked to a battery minder. I leave the fridge door open.

[AlmostThere]

Little Missy resides in a pole barn type storage with an outlet available, regular house current amp. I use it to run the trickle charger on the engine battery and keep the rig plugged in, but am mindful to use only a light or two. When I exercise the genny, I then run my ceramic heater and watch TV. Propane is off and fridge is always off with doors open when in storage.
On Edit: forgot to mention that I keep an Air Dry thingee I got from Camping World to draw out any moisture in the cabin. Works great!

[Rufflesgurl]

I turn off the batteries and propane and open the freezer/refrigerator doors just a little. Why would you need to run the refrigerator? Nothing is left to run while in storage. Storage area is a large gravel fenced yard where many, many RVs are stored.

Linda

[sunshinecruiserTN]

When I stored Somewhere, I turned off everything and opened the doors on the frig and made sure there was no moisture in there. I also hit the battery disconnect so that there would be no phantom draw. The Whim will not be plugged in while I'm in Crossville for an extended time. Good question.

[bluepinecones]

Thanks for the input, ladies.
Now I have to go find out what a battery minder is and how used.
Any one have any recommendations (brands or type)?

[mitch5252]

Thanks for the input, ladies.
Now I have to go find out what a battery minder is and how used.
Any one have any recommendations (brands or type)?

A battery minder (trickle charger) will safely keep your battery charged while the battery is not in use.
The battery would have to be at your house, hooked up to a trickle charger, which is plugged into an outlet.
If you end up at storage with electric, you could do it there.

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[PeggyinCT]

Sarah,

If your unit has a generator be sure to exercise it with a load every few weeks. My Roadtrek has an Onan and it cost me a lot of money before I disciplined myself to start it and run it for one hour or more every month. Under load means run the AC or a heating element (not both at the same time). I also leave the refrigerator door open and remove any food that would attract ants, mealy moths, etc.

Enjoy your home on wheels.

Peggy

[mitch5252]

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Can I assume that running a generator 1 hour each month, under load, is true for my new Honda eu1000i?
This rule does not only apply to "built-in" generators??

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[Bethers]

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Can I assume that running a generator 1 hour each month, under load, is true for my new Honda eu1000i?
This rule does not only apply to "built-in" generators??

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Yes, it's recommended to do so.

[PeggyinCT]

Yes Mitch. Run that generator. Generators are meant to be use a lot! Seldom used gennys are not happy and will cost
money.