Question Newbie question about storing RV

[RobertE]

We just got our first RV a couple weeks ago, made out first trip and we are having a carport installed in a couple days. I have a few questions I hope y’all can help me with.

1. We will have an electric outlet installed. We plan to turn the fridge a day before a trip. My electrician wants to put in a 30A RV outlet. Is this necessary? I’ve had it plugged into a standard 110 outlet with no problem running AC and fridge. Is it necessary to keep it plugged in, maybe keep the AC set a little higher so it doesn’t get too hot? We live in FL mid 90’s now.

2. I see a lot of rv’s stored with the slide out extended. Is there a reason for this? Seems to me the seal would be exposed to the air and maybe deteriorate faster.

3. What about pest control? We are going to put some roach hotels inside.

4. Will the battery charge through the electric hookup or do I need to check it before a trip?

 

[Tusk]

Hey Robert. Welcome and congratulations on your purchase! I'm only 3 seasons into my RV career but I'll take a stab at your questions:

1. A 30A outlet will be a guaranteed safe connection to use your AC while parked on your property. Some models will operate the AC off 110 but it’s not recommended. If you wish to run everything with NO AC, a 110 connection will keep the fridge going with lights etc.. safely. The 30A plug may be a bit more of an investment, but it’s one that you will not regret.
An option to keep the inside of your trailer cooler could be to turn on the roof exhaust fans. If not currently equipped, most of those fans can have covers put on them easily to keep the rain out.
As for your question: “Is it necessary to keep it plugged in..?” The direct answer is no. I keep my trailer in a secure lot locally and cannot even get my trailer near my house because of narrow streets and a small court. We empty everything out of the fridge after each trip and disconnect the battery. A solar panel keeps the battery topped off. I have friends that do keep their trailers plugged in. One just uses 110 (No AC) and the other has a 30A connection. They keep their fridges stocked and ready to go for convenience all year round.

2. The reason some owners will store their rigs with the slide(s) out is probably just convenience. Some models are not as accessible with the slide(s) in. I agree with you that the seals will get more exposure. This may require more maintenance and attention. Seal life could also be reduced.

3. For pest control (with power) I use the Victor Rodent Repeller ( Amazon.com ) I have them plugged in to several open sockets. Several friends who are able to keep their RVs on their property plugged in have said these do a good job. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, I do not have any power where my trailer is stored. 12 volt versions also exist which I am looking into. I do have solar to tend my battery, so the 12v route may assist if power is not available. We also remove all food from our trailer after each trip. A bit of a pain, but worth it to keep the critters away!

4.Most travel trailers will charge the battery while hooked to “shore power”. The battery should charge also when hooked up to a tow vehicle while traveling. If you have a voltmeter you should be able to check to see if the battery is getting a charge while plugged in. The information panel inside should give you good idea of battery status as well. These panels are not real accurate, but enough to see if the battery is topped off.

I hope that helps. Be sure to ask questions at the campground if you don’t have friends local. RV’ers are always willing to help and chat. You will make camping friends in no time! And of course the community here will assist too!

 

[Holdmybeer]

Just make sure the electrician understands the difference in wiring a 30 amp RV receptical and a 30 amp residential (dryer) recept. More than one has wired the RV recept..as 240v. like a 30 amp dryer. After the installation check the voltage and make sure before plugging up.

 

[RobertE]

Yes, the electrician is a friend of mine & I will be sure he knows this is 120V!!

 

[Vint]

Since we first started camping with our first motorhome in 2008, we've always kept our rig plugged into our standard 15A garage outlet. This keeps the batteries charged and has allowed us to keep the fridge(s) on. If you have a friend who wants to install the RV 30A outlet, you shouldn't hesitate to take him up on the offer. More power is safer power.

We've never parked our rig when not in use with the slide-outs open. Other than the reasons Tusk pointed out in his excellent post, room to get into the rig when parked, I've always wondered why folks park their rigs with the slides out.

I guess that with you being in Florida, creepy crawlers are the major concern you have for pest control. Any type of ant traps are probably a must, and perhaps a trip to Lowe's to peruse their pest control section to see what else they have. But maybe someone who lives in the South has some suggestions. I use something similar to the Victor rodent repellent Tusk mentioned in my rig when it's laid up for the winter.

One suggestion I have is to get yourself some tire covers to put on when the rig is sitting at your home. Also, where do you park it: on concrete drive, pavement, gravel, grass, etc. Anything other than concrete or pavement, I would suggest parking the rig on boards, plastic cutting boards, or some kind of metal barrier to the ground dampness.

 

[RobertE]

Since we first started camping with our first motorhome in 2008, we've always kept our rig plugged into our standard 15A garage outlet. This keeps the batteries charged and has allowed us to keep the fridge(s) on. If you have a friend who wants to install the RV 30A outlet, you shouldn't hesitate to take him up on the offer. More power is safer power.

We've never parked our rig when not in use with the slide-outs open. Other than the reasons Tusk pointed out in his excellent post, room to get into the rig when parked, I've always wondered why folks park their rigs with the slides out.

I guess that with you being in Florida, creepy crawlers are the major concern you have for pest control. Any type of ant traps are probably a must, and perhaps a trip to Lowe's to peruse their pest control section to see what else they have. But maybe someone who lives in the South has some suggestions. I use something similar to the Victor rodent repellent Tusk mentioned in my rig when it's laid up for the winter.

One suggestion I have is to get yourself some tire covers to put on when the rig is sitting at your home. Also, where do you park it: on concrete drive, pavement, gravel, grass, etc. Anything other than concrete or pavement, I would suggest parking the rig on boards, plastic cutting boards, or some kind of metal barrier to the ground dampness.

Thanks for that. We keep roach traps in there, but nothing for ants or mice.

We keep it under a carport on gravel. Haven't thought about putting down some boards.

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

1. A 30A outlet will be a guaranteed safe connection to use your AC while parked on your property. Some models will operate the AC off 110 but it’s not recommended. If you wish to run everything with NO AC, a 110 connection will keep the fridge going with lights etc.. safely. The 30A plug may be a bit more of an investment, but it’s one that you will not regret.

In case you weren't sure - an RV 30A outlet is still 120V (the US hasn't used the old 110V service standard since about 1968). It provides the same 120V service as the 15A outlets in your home.