winter storage

kstockwell

kstockwell

Member
May 24, 2016
376
2
18
So, I've lost my great winter storage spot. it was heated, full of rat poison and obviously covered.
I always winterized anyway- you never know a loss of power for a week and the whole place would freeze up.

Anyway, a friend has a spot outside under a big eave on a garage. It's dirt but out of the snow.

This is my first year with the GMC and I have some questions. I think I"m supposed to put chocks under where the air bags are to take weight off the
airbags. My coach came with some wooden homemade pieces to fit under there. Is this something I have to do?

But, I'm a little worried about if I'll sink at all, should I get some wood planks to drive up on just in case?

And finally, I have access to power. Should I plug in for the winter? I've never done that with any of my RVs before because I had no access. Is
this a good idea or not?

thanks
kelly
1978 kingsley
putney VT
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
 
Tires not in contact with dirt long term is a good idea. If your air bags
leak down over time, block the bogies to prevent them from sitting in a
collapsed state. I have a covered paved area that keeps the weather off my
coach, yet allows fresh air circulation. Wrapping a coach in plastic tarps
will result in condensation and support mold and mildew growth inside. In
wet weather, it is not a good idea. Dehumidifiers help here. If you have
prolonged periods of freezing temps, winterize your plumbing and drains.
Don't forget the hot water heater. Others in your area may have more
specific advice for you. Rodent patrol for sure.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403

> So, I've lost my great winter storage spot. it was heated, full of rat
> poison and obviously covered.
> I always winterized anyway- you never know a loss of power for a week and
> the whole place would freeze up.
>
> Anyway, a friend has a spot outside under a big eave on a garage. It's
> dirt but out of the snow.
>
> This is my first year with the GMC and I have some questions. I think I"m
> supposed to put chocks under where the air bags are to take weight off the
> airbags. My coach came with some wooden homemade pieces to fit under
> there. Is this something I have to do?
>
> But, I'm a little worried about if I'll sink at all, should I get some
> wood planks to drive up on just in case?
>
> And finally, I have access to power. Should I plug in for the winter?
> I've never done that with any of my RVs before because I had no access. Is
> this a good idea or not?
>
> thanks
> kelly
> 1978 kingsley
> putney VT
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Thank you, I don't plan to cover it at all, just put it under the awning.
And I'll get some peppermint tea bags etc for rodent protection.

i've already winterize the plumbing (drained the water tank) since we had 12 hours of freezing temps already.

I'll look into wood blocks at least to drive onto, and I'll chock up the bogies. They don't leak down but better safe than not

kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
 
I use "bounce" strips from close dryers
Keeps out garments and insects

> Thank you, I don't plan to cover it at all, just put it under the awning.
> And I'll get some peppermint tea bags etc for rodent protection.
>
> i've already winterize the plumbing (drained the water tank) since we had
> 12 hours of freezing temps already.
>
> I'll look into wood blocks at least to drive onto, and I'll chock up the
> bogies. They don't leak down but better safe than not
>
> kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
 
Kelly,

It would be a good idea to put a sheet of plastic down under the coach to slow the transperation of water from the soil that will condense and rust
the frame.
Putting solid boards under the tires is also a good idea as they are not that fond of moisture and may sink into the soil and that may make it tough
to get out in the spring.
Blocking the rear at the bogie casting is always a good thing to do.
If you have electric and a good converter, yes, plug the coach in. If you are in doubt about the converter, disconnect the batteries at the negative
terminal so they do not discharge over the winter.
Our mice like to use dryer sheets for bedding. Last winter one shredded half a roll of tp - yes, one side of the roll.
I am trying "Cab Fresh" for the first time this year.
Notice how much this jives with what others have said.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
I'm with Matt on effectiveness of dryer sheets and such. The CFO was a great fan of mint oil on cotton balls to drive away mice. The mice are great
fans of minty cotton balls for nesting materials. I prefer the "mouse black hole" approach. Get some feeders for block mouse poison. Get the kind
that will not allow larger animals to clean out the feeder. Stake the feeders down so the larger critters can't drag them away. I would set up 6
feeders around your coach. One near each tire. About 10 or 15' feed away from the coach make another circle of feeders. 12 would be great. Inside
the coach I like sticky traps. Put them near where the coach has plumbing penetrations.

You can make your own feeders, see here:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/miscellaneous-pictures/p22783-mouse-26quot-3bfeeders-26quot-3b.html

But read the captions as the design has changed a bit.

The theory is to offer the mice ample opportunity to "drink the kool aide" before they get to your coach. Every year since I started this the
necessary reload time for the feeders gets longer. Been doing this since 2007.

If you decide to use snap traps in the coach bait them with cotton balls. Mice are always looking for prime nesting material. Doing.this will avoid
the coach having an attractive food odor.

If you have rats you will need rat feeders instead of mouse feeders. Rats are bad juju as they are more aggressive on chewing their way into a space.
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
 
When you take the load off the air bags by blocking under the boggie center, lower the air pressure in the air bags. Cutoff valves are your friends.
Do not empty the air bags, you do want some interior air pressure to resist moisture finding its way to the interior of the bag.
Consider covering the tires. With the boggles firmly blocked, you should be able to reduce rear wheel air pressure.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
 
> Kelly,
>
> It would be a good idea to put a sheet of plastic down under the coach to
> slow the transperation of water from the soil that will condense and rust
> the frame.
> Putting solid boards under the tires is also a good idea as they are not
> that fond of moisture and may sink into the soil and that may make it tough
> to get out in the spring.
> Blocking the rear at the bogie casting is always a good thing to do.
> If you have electric and a good converter, yes, plug the coach in. If you
> are in doubt about the converter, disconnect the batteries at the negative
> terminal so they do not discharge over the winter.


> Our mice like to use dryer sheets for bedding.

THAT IS BS


>
>
> Last winter one shredded half a roll of tp - yes, one side of the roll.
> I am trying "Cab Fresh" for the first time this year.
> Notice how much this jives with what others have said.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>


--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
 
Thanks all!

I'm wary of using poison, as the cats might eat the mice.
In the past I've put tin foil sachets of mothballs setup in the engine compartment. That seemed to work great. Is that still an option? What about
a plug in febreeze unit or something?

And, how do I know if I should keep it plugged in? What parameters make a good converter? Will my chassis battery stay charged that way too?

laying plastic down is a great idea, thanks for that! And I"ll get some 2x10" to drive up on, and setup jack stands under the bogies, then lower the
pressure (not all the way). So far I have a hard time getting my jack stand under the bogies, they're about 1/2" too tall!

Sorry for all the questions!
Cheers
kelly

--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
 
You know how to post pictures.

Take a picture of it. Should be in cabnet that your electric panel and waterheater is and plugged into the outlet below the waterheater switch.
Cabnet just to rear of oven.

This is going off that i think i remember your floorplan from your. bathroom shower drain pictures.

If that item is big and huge and old looking, you should replace it anyway.

I am not yet 100% convinced. But i use electric sound deal. A victor one, and i have never had a mouse in my traps or evidence of them in coach
when that is plugged in.

Use a bucket(yooper) trap for long term storage. Do other stuff to deter, but trapping is final defence and evidence if you have mouse issue to pay
closer attention to.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
>
>
> > Our mice like to use dryer sheets for bedding.
>
> THAT IS BS
> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and


Gene,

Would you like for me to mail you the dryer sheet mouse nest? (Collect)
We tried them one winter and only half were left where placed. I located them a year later while doing other work.
They do seem to discourage spiders, but they are not a serious issue in Michigan in the winter, but mice sure are even when Chaumière is in my heated
barn.

Matt

--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Here are photos
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p61583-p1030222.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p61582-p1030221.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p61581-p1030220.html

I now remember the PO telling me he replaced the converter and the old one was really heavy.
I think he said it charged the chassis battery when plugged in

What about gas, full tank? Any gas treatment added? Anything with the generator?

Can i wait and do oil changes in the spring?

-kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
 
Another vote for the old school 99 cent for a two pack snap traps. I put about a half dozen of them all over with peanut butter for bait. Id rather
see Mickey and know I got him, then to find whats left of him in a nest months down the road from where he hid after eating poison. I use dryer
sheets in the dryer for our clothes:)

I also have one of those cheap Harbor Freight live catch traps for any squirrels or lager creatures. I have trapped 3 squirrels over the past two
years and they are just as destructive. Probably found 200 walnuts under the furnace cabinet when I pulled the furnace to clean and inspect.

--
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
 
A picture will do
And there is a time limit on all things sented

> >
> >
> > > Our mice like to use dryer sheets for bedding.
> >
> > THAT IS BS
> > --
> > Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> > "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
>
>
> Gene,
>
> Would you like for me to mail you the dryer sheet mouse nest? (Collect)
> We tried them one winter and only half were left where placed. I located
> them a year later while doing other work.
> They do seem to discourage spiders, but they are not a serious issue in
> Michigan in the winter, but mice sure are even when Chaumière is in my
> heated
> barn.
>
> Matt
>
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
> Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
 
Yup add treatment sta-bil blue and full tanks being doing this for 14 years now and still no fuel related problems. My coach is stored just outside
Ottawa, Ontario in a unheated aircraft hangar so the temps here are comparable or colder than you get.
HTH

> Here are photos
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p61583-p1030222.html
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p61582-p1030221.html
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p61581-p1030220.html
>
> I now remember the PO telling me he replaced the converter and the old one was really heavy.
> I think he said it charged the chassis battery when plugged in
>
> What about gas, full tank? Any gas treatment added? Anything with the generator?
>
> Can i wait and do oil changes in the spring?
>
>
> -kelly

--
John H. Bell
77 Royale; QuadBag,Manny OneTon,Honda EV4010
Montreal Qc.
 
> What about gas, full tank? Any gas treatment added? Anything with the generator?
>
> Can i wait and do oil changes in the spring?
>
> -kelly

JWID

Full tank - add Stabil before the fill. I also throw in Sea Foam. Overtreatment will not cause a problem. After the fill run the generator long
enough to get the treated gas into the generator. While the generator is running disconnect the fuel pump and let the genny run out of gas.

Change the oil when going into storage. The reason to do this is to remove the moisture, acids and combustion contaminates. Also fresh oil contains
a full load of additives. After changing the oil run the engine long enough to circulate the fresh oil through the engine. Also change the oil when
it is hot. This also applies to the generator.
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
 
Tep. Olug in the coach. Let that keep the "coach" battery up.

More discussion or investigating needed to determine if your starting battery is hooked up with a "combiner". I hook up a simple battery tender to
my starting battery when it is parked long term. Some people swear by combiners, but I am personally not a fan, i like the separation of the
systems.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
> Here are photos
> I now remember the PO telling me he replaced the converter and the old one was really heavy.
> I think he said it charged the chassis battery when plugged in
>
> What about gas, full tank? Any gas treatment added? Anything with the generator?
>
> Can i wait and do oil changes in the spring?
>
> -kelly

Kelly,
The PO had good sense. That is a 45amp Iota. It is as good as you can get.
You should get some electrically savvy friend to check that it is also maintaining the chassis battery as that is not the case with OE.

You are getting good info here.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
I will find it when I have time.
Do you want a picture of the dryer sheet covered with "calling cards" too?
These were all set in place during the winter layup some years back.
This last winter, we tried slips of "Irish Spring". They chewed on those. They also gnawed on the plastic corner of a package of AAAs. We never
leave anything that even resembles food onboard.

Matt

> A picture will do
> And there is a time limit on all things sented
>

>

> >>
> >>
> >>> Our mice like to use dryer sheets for bedding.
> >>
> >> THAT IS BS
> >> --
> >> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> >> "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> >
> >
> > Gene,
> >
> > Would you like for me to mail you the dryer sheet mouse nest? (Collect)
> > We tried them one winter and only half were left where placed. I located
> > them a year later while doing other work.
> > They do seem to discourage spiders, but they are not a serious issue in
> > Michigan in the winter, but mice sure are even when Chaumière is in my
> > heated
> > barn.
> >
> > Matt
> >
> > --
> > Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
> > '73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
> > Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
> > SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
>
>
> --
> Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
> "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
> -------
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/
> Alternator Protection Cable
> http://bdub.net/gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

--
Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
'73 Glacier 23 - Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brake with Applied Control Arms
Now with both true Keyless and remote entry
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
As far as the batteries--- I would bring them home, put them on the shelf in a cool garage and charge them once a month with a trickle charger. The
Battery Minders from Northern Tool put out a pulse desulfonization signal and promote very long battery life.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Source America First
 
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