winterizing camper questions

[wave warrior]

plan to keep my 2001 25' on its lot near saltfork. any tips on keeping out mice? and how about moisture? bought a new tarp and plan to cover it entirely, is that a BAD idea??? last year it was in my driveway on concrete and i was able to check it often but they lock the gate oct 31 and due to insurance regs i cant check on things during off-season:(

also, has anyone used those spacesaver bags to store linens and such???

thanks in advance!!!!

[crappiewacka]

I use Irish Spring bar soap, for mice. I had mice for years, in the camper, used the Irish Spring bars under the cabinets, tub, beds, etc. and haven't had one in last 2 years. I cut a bar in quarters. Plus in the spring, when you open, it smells great!

When using a tarp, you get what you pay for.
Good breathable types are best, but if you can create some spacing between tarp and camper, so air will circulate, any will work. Keep in mind about snow loads on the roof, so plan accordingly. Mold and mildew are enemies! Keep some windows cracked, as long as there are screens on them. Moisture is always an issue, so w/some circulation and off leveling you should be less anxious.

I keep mine so tires are off the ground and somewhat off level, but I keep my fridge running so level has to be decent.

Never used space savers, but they look great, plus IF mice get in might have harder time getting into the materials.

Good Luck!

[walcat]

I put 3 boxs of Decon mice poison in on the floor and that takes care of them. Dryer sheets work too. My wife doesn't like the mouthball smell but they work too.

[Hook N Book]

Grab a couple of the disposable de-humidifers to control the moisture. You can get them at wally world or most big box stores. They also come in re-usable form.

[wave warrior]

thanks guys!!! that and what i learned from hook n book last year i should be fine!!

[viper1]

If you use tarps go to dollar store and buy some clothes baskets. Put them down center upside down then tarp. Make sure tarp is welled tied. Blowing and flapping will take off gel coat and can hurt plastic. I'm not covering mine. I will set un level and uncovered. Antifreeze in tanks and blow out water lines and water tank.I can never remember seeing one covered at a dealer in my whole life. They do store some inside but not most. When people go full time they never cover either.

[wave warrior]

alot of campers were tarped when i rented my lot this spring...its not so much for water repellent as to keep tree sap etc off. i have a piece of rubber to go under tarp to keep it from ripping when the snow builds up...i know dealers dont tarp, but never seen a dealership in a heavily wooded erea either:p just doing the best i can to keep this looking as great as it does

[sherman51]

my wife uses the space saver bags here at home to store everything from clothing to bed stuff. they are a great item. she just loves them.

i just leave my motorhome uncovered. but then i dont have any trees to worry about. and knock on wood, but so far we havent had any mice problems. but i think i might just try the irish spring to be on the safe side, and to have the freash smell in the spring. and i do park it on boards.
sherman

[I_WALL_I]

Hey Jeff!! Mothballs work great to keep out mice, we spread them around inside and out... just smells like mothballs the first few days of the season... hope to see your spot next spring!! (Hope to see ya' on the water AND ICE this fall/winter!!

[Wannabitawerm]

A lot of people I know try to seal the mice out. On my campers, instead of getting in through spots, they made their own. A little decon keeps them from chewing anything. I've had to pick up a dead mouse of two, but never any damage. A good gel coat wax twice a year keeps them looking good if you don't cover as well as an annual cleaning and inspection of the roof. If you're not sure what to clean it with, buy it from the rv dealer. Better safe than sorry. Hope this helps.


Ain't technology great? Now I can be distracted by fishing everywhere I go!

[Davidd]

mark this forum for future reference. all great info.