News:

SMF - Just Installed!

Main Menu

Winter Storage for popups?

Started by BadAss88GT, Sep 21, 2007, 03:02 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

BadAss88GT

What needs to be done for winter storage of a popup? I have a 98 Jayco Eagle.

What to do to keep mice out? Do I need to get the tires off the ground? Should I take the cushions and mattresses out and store them in the basement?

I dont think there is a pump for the sink, so I guess I can just blow the lines out with air, if thats even necessary?

What else should be done? Thanks-Dan

Mike Up

You should take all paper goods as plates and paper towels out as that provides nesting material for mice.

I also start early in leaving cat food out. Not all the time, just occasonally as you don't want to be the normal feeding outlet. There's one mother cat who's lived under my deck and is getting to be friendly now. I don't believe in poison as all animals will get into that plus decon will attrack mice and that's what you don't want. If you have a cat around, 2 good things happen. You get their scent around the camper, and mice usually stay away when a predators scent is nearby. Second, if you get that stupid rare mouse, then it helps provide nutrition and play time for you're roaming cat.;)
 
BTW, the bounce dryer sheets don't work as many have found mice making nests with them. They actually add to the problem when mice are actually around. You also want to keep your camper off the grass, on gravel, asphault or concrete. Grass allows the mice to climb up into your trailer and provides them a hidden route as well. Mice usually don't like to be out in the open that a pad would provide.
 
Don't forget to winterize your camper. I have a direct antifreeze line on my pump, but I didn't use it last winter. I poured about 5 gallons of antifreeze in my fresh water tank. Then I pumped it through all lines, including th sink, interior shower, exterior shower, and then poured it into the shower and sink drain traps. I also poured it into the toilet's fresh water and the toilets waste tank. When pumping the antifreeze, remember not to put any into the hot water tank, use a bypass for the hot water tank.
 
Also for this year, I bought covers. I have an adco Aquashed cover, wheel covers and bought a new propane tank cover as I didn't care for the old one.
 
Have a good one.

tlhdoc

Quote from: BadAss88GTWhat needs to be done for winter storage of a popup? I have a 98 Jayco Eagle.
 
What to do to keep mice out? Do I need to get the tires off the ground? Should I take the cushions and mattresses out and store them in the basement?
 
I don't think there is a pump for the sink, so I guess I can just blow the lines out with air, if thats even necessary?
 
What else should be done? Thanks-Dan
You should take everything out of the trailer that has an odor (odors attract rodents) and anything that shouldn't freeze.  don't put rodent poison in the camper.  That will draw rodents into the PU to get the poison.  I leave everything else in the PU.  You need to winterize the water system.  You can blow out your water lines and/or use RV antifreeze.  I like using antifreeze (RV non-toxic only).  That way I know there isn't any water left in a low area.  You do not need to keep the tires off of the ground or put the cushions and mattress in the basement.  A mouse could chew them in the basement as well as in the PU.  Keep all weeds away from the PU and plug all holes where pest can get in.  Bigger holes should be plugged with brass wool.  Smaller holes can be plugged with caulk or expanding foam.  I sprinkle a box of mothballs on the ground under the camper.  I don't know if it works, but so far so good.:)