Powery Mildew While Storing 5th Wheel

[RJOL]

For those of you that live in the NW or other cooler climates with lots of moisture, how do you store your trailer for winter.



I store my 5th wheel outside with no cover. I used to cover it with blue tarp, but that created a lot of moisture build up. Now I just leave a few windows cracked, and some of the top vents open (they have a cover to protect against rain).



Each spring, when I de-winterize the trailer, I have to wash the inside woodwork down to remove a thin layer of powdery mildew.



Any suggestions on how to reduce this problem? I'd try a breathable cover, but I don't think that will solve the moisture problem. The humidity around here is pretty high in the winter. Would it be better to close all the windows and vents? I've tried those de-humidifier products (the little white pellets) but that didn't help much... Any ideas...

 

[Glen Pratt]

Rick, Go to any marine supply store and get some 3M Marine Mildew Block. Spray every thing down before you store the trailer. Also you can purchase some of those moisture absorbing bags. Use a couple inside the trailer. I would lay them in an aluminum pie tin instead of hanging them as the bags tend to get brittle over time. The pie tins contain the chemical if the bag breaks. -Glen
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[RJOL]

Thanks. . I'll take a look at that...

 

[Glen Pratt]

I've used it on the interior fabrics on my boat. It really works.

 

[exfuzz01]

I also store mine without a cover... luckily I can plug in the power to my house... I also have 3 electric dehumidifiers spaced throughout in the trailer (29') and keep a vent ajar for ventilation. I have never had any mildew problems or musty smell. You can get the units at camping world. Not very expensive.

 

[Loren]

Rick,



If you don't have electrical power available where you park your trailer there is still another option for dehumidifying. There is a chemical available that absorbs moisture from the air. It comes as a kit and you can buy refills at a reasonable price. Camping World sells it here:

Dri-Z-Air



I doubt that this would work as well as an electric dehumidifier, but if there's no power you take what you can get.



Good luck.



Loren

 

[phoekema]

I store my truck and trailer in a Coverit enclosure. It is not as good as a pole barn, but my local township will not allow another permanent bldg on my lot. Because the Coverit is technically not permanent, it is allowable. Under certain conditions, there will be moisture on the outside of the truck and trailer, but I have never had any inside either. It's another option you might consider.