Store Open or Closed

bayoubill · 06-30-2014, 05:08 PM

The weather in Gulf Shores, AL has been bad. The temperature has been in the upper 90's with humidity at about 85%. The heat index has been between 105 to 115 degrees. We usually have lower temperatures and have a slight breeze than areas that are inland. But not now!

My question is, "What is better for my TM -- open or closed?" I have it closed now.

06-30-2014, 05:32 PM

I'm in south Florida. Mine is closed.

rvcycleguy · 06-30-2014, 06:02 PM

Closed. Too many opportunities for rodents, theft, moisture, etc to get in open.

bayoubill · 06-30-2014, 07:51 PM

Do you do anything for ventilation while stored?

07-01-2014, 07:43 PM

Inside or outside? If outside I'd say closed. If inside, maybe open. Wonder what TM would suggest?

Padgett · 07-01-2014, 07:50 PM

Have mixed thoughts. Open means less strain on the torsion bars, closed is easier to manage.

**mjlaupp** · 07-01-2014, 08:54 PM

Had 4 TMs over the last 10 years. Always stored them open year round. Had a MaxxAir cover over the fan vent with the vent open. Opened the front and back windows about 1 inch under the closed stone shields. Worst problem was lady bugs and/or dust from the lawn mower.

07-02-2014, 06:48 AM

Mine is stored outside and we have had a lot of rain in recent months. Inside needed cleaning and I noticed that I had some dried (little brownish drip) marks on the ceiling not far from vents. No indication of leaks on floor. One strong possibility for no inside water damage in my case is that with the TM closed, the inner shell provides some protection from outer shell leaks. Conclusion: Some unexpected benefits during storage can result from having the TM closed due to the added protection from shell overlap.

BTW, over time just about all TM caulking will need to be replaced as old caulk dries out, cracks, and then leaks. My 2008 TM has a lot of roof area and over almost 4 years time, I have already caulked around windows, awning, antenna, latches, and vents. I have caulk now on order for placement around the AC. Not hard but having the right tools helps to cut the time required.

rvcycleguy · 07-02-2014, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TravlinOn

Mine is stored outside and we have had a lot of rain in recent months. Inside needed cleaning and I noticed that I had some dried (little brownish drip) marks on the ceiling not far from vents. No indication of leaks on floor. One strong possibility for no inside water damage in my case is that with the TM closed, the inner shell provides some protection from outer shell leaks. Conclusion: Some unexpected benefits during storage can result from having the TM closed due to the added protection from shell overlap.

BTW, over time just about all TM caulking will need to be replaced as old caulk dries out, cracks, and then leaks. My 2008 TM has a lot of roof area and over almost 4 years time, I have already caulked around windows, awning, antenna, latches, and vents. I have caulk now on order for placement around the AC. Not hard but having the right tools helps to cut the time required.

I could not agree more with these comments. I also store mine outside and we've had some very strong straight line winds and blowing rain this spring. If my TM was open, I'm sure I would have leaks that occur by blowing in under the seals, door, vents, inside the WH door area, etc. Since I store my TM offsite at a river campground 150 miles from home for the camping season, I would also worry about break-in and theft. The camp staff move my TM into a reserved site when I'm headed that way for the weekend and they would not close it before moving and that is being discussd here on another thread currently.

radwhopper · 10-12-2014, 07:20 PM

Mine stays outside so I keep it closed and covered.