Leaving an RV in havasu - Does it get hammered?

[Bigbore500r]

I thinking about leaving my Toy Hauler in Havasu next summer, and get a 6 month spot at either crazyhorse or Islander. Everyone i talk to says "Oh man....your RV is gonna get hammered out there in the heat / sun". Well, it regularly gets to 100 degrees where I live in CA, and i don't have it hooked up with the AC running ever, unless im prepping for a trip. Then I was thinking, there are tons of RV owners who live in havasu - what happens to those?

Is the UV really stronger in Havasu, and will the heat kill my trailer? Rapid fading of graphics? It's got metal sides (no fiberglass), which I think is actually a plus in this gase. I could leave the AC set at 90, it would be hooked up for the entire stay. I probably raise the tires off the ground slightly and cover them to keep the sun off them.

What say ye?

 

[USMC2010]

My toy hauler (metal siding) is going to be 2 years old in December and has always sat outside in front of my house. I keep it clean and waxed and so far no problems. I did just replace all 3 roof vent covers last weekend, they disintegrated. When I picked up the new ones the guy said ya they only last about 2 years out here. I replied in 8 years my truck camper never needed replaced and was always here or in 29 Palms outside. I don't know what that material is anymore but it sucks. I do keep the tires covered.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Well, it regularly gets to 100 degrees where I live in CA, and i don't have it hooked up with the AC running ever, unless im prepping for a trip. What say ye?

IMHO,

You can't compare the weather in So CA to AZ.

It gets hotter sooner in the year in AZ, stays hotter longer throughout the year as well.

It also cools down at night in CA without the minimum month long sustained 100 plus degree day or night temp in AZ.

 

[USMC2010]

Depending on where at Crazy Horse, their power sucks. I still have 2 free nights to stay from my 2nd botched stay in 4 years. The first time on the beach I was being shocked from my truck camper frame. The second time I had to run generator for the entire weekend. They have been saying for years they are improving the power issue but I haven't seen it yet which is why I am placing bets that they eventually lose like Sandpoint did in the long run.

 

[Classic Daycruiser]

I don't think anything left outside is going to do well in Arizona. 5 years is usually all you get unless you protect it regularly. Shade is your friend when you look at camping spots.

 

[rvrrun]

My second boat was stored at River Island market for a year. It hammered the cover, tires, hoses and upholstery. With the work that was needed after, indoor storage would have been cheaper.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Depending on where at Crazy Horse, their power sucks. I still have 2 free nights to stay from my 2nd botched stay in 4 years. The first time on the beach I was being shocked from my truck camper frame. The second time I had to run generator for the entire weekend. They have been saying for years they are improving the power issue but I haven't seen it yet which is why I am placing bets that they eventually lose like Sandpoint did in the long run.

When we stayed on the beach for Desert Storm, it was mostly backfilled from trenching. Normally we camp on the bluff anyway, so I haven't had a problem in the past.

I am pretty sure it is all done now.

Brian

 

[c_land]

Could you get like a $200.00 cover from Amazon or something and leave it covered when you're not there? The cover will probably be useless after one summer, but at least your trailer will be protected.

 

[Bigbore500r]

Could you get like a $200.00 cover from Amazon or something and leave it covered when you're not there? The cover will probably be useless after one summer, but at least your trailer will be protected.

Im thinking that will be a PITA to take on and off!

 

[USMC2010]

When we stayed on the beach for Desert Storm, it was mostly backfilled from trenching. Normally we camp on the bluff anyway, so I haven't had a problem in the past.

I am pretty sure it is all done now.

Brian

That's good to here, we shall see.

 

[Deja_Vu]

I've been living in my 5'er and we left the A/C set at 90 while we were in Hawaii for 2 weeks and when we got back it quit working. :grumble:
I wouldn't recommend leaving the A/C running for several days.

The heat isn't a big deal if you put bubble pack insulation in the windows.
I also put a 5 gal bucket of water in there to help with humidity levels.

Also a good idea to treat the roof regularly and keep it in good shape.

Definitely keep tires on wood and off the dirt to prevent dry rot.

 

[cuz_im_CR]

Mines been at la Paz campground since may. I leave the thermostat set to 90 degrees and fridge on. Ive used it every single weekend this summer pretty much and it?s still rocking on.

I did turn the AC off for a week and the snap together wood floors lifted from the heat so I?ve left it on since may haha. Electric bill is $175 a month.

 

[boatnam2]

I had one in storage in parker for over 7 years, it was a little beat but never got any worse that i could tell, even had Original tires on it that were 12 years old.

 

[Bigbore500r]

I figure if I use it once a month, its worth it. At Crazyhorse, you've got access to a nice ramp, and the lagoon is protected and has a nice beach to keep the boat on. Usually not crowded to launch either. Show up, drop the boat in, pull the Rzr out of the trailer, and were good to go. Now I just need to figure out how to get AZ plates on the rzr without an AZ residence....

 

[cuz_im_CR]

I?d like to try crazy horse next summer. I?m getting tired of the short up and down on Parker but I?m having a hard time leaving the party. I?m 100 yards from roadrunner now haha

 

[RCDave]

A cover will get hammered in short order due to the wind. And might do more damage caused by wind than the sun

 

[Bigbore500r]

A cover will get hammered in short order due to the wind. And might do more damage caused by wind than the sun

Good point!

 

[oldschool]

Would shade cloth help? Or would the wind destroy it as well?

 

[grumpy88]

The rzr registration is easy . All they ask for is a garaging address . The insurance is a must . The street legal accessories are between you and the cops . They email my renewal to me now which they used to mail to ca. We kept our trailer out there for 5 or 6 years and it did take a small toll .

 

[RCDave]

We rented a spot at the Islander for a few days this summer. I noticed there were many RV's getting regular detailing services from mobile detailing companies. I think this would really help

 

[Deja_Vu]

Another thing I wanted to mention...if you leave your rig, close your grey tank valves.

So if the park has a sewer problem it doesn't back up into your rig.

I would also look into a surge suppressor.
We got a lot of surges where we stayed and the voltage would vary quite a bit which is hard on the equipment.

 

[milkmoney]

I?d like to try crazy horse next summer. I?m getting tired of the short up and down on Parker but I?m having a hard time leaving the party. I?m 100 yards from roadrunner now haha

U run on up there to havasu, remember, after one summer ur Parker pass is revoked and let us know how it works out for you. [emoji106] [emoji202] [emoji4] [emoji6]

 

[comfortably numb]

We've been at Islanders for 20 years with very few problems.
Have a 44' park trailer with aluminum siding and very little oxidation over the years but we do have it detailed once a year and roof sealer.
As far as power outages had a few but our front air (set at 90) and fridge come right back one. Also Islanders call us if the power goes out or repairs are scheduled.

 

[Angler]

My Toy Hauler is a 2002, lives 6 months in Parker and the other 6 in Glamis. I have it detailed 2 twice a year, touch up and check the rubber sealant on the roof.
Rig is still in pretty good shape. Mine has fiberglass walls not gelcoat, so it has yellowed some.
You will need to change the tires no more than every 2.5 years so you don't have blowout issues.

 

[Hye Power]

I thinking about leaving my Toy Hauler in Havasu next summer, and get a 6 month spot at either crazyhorse or Islander. Everyone i talk to says "Oh man....your RV is gonna get hammered out there in the heat / sun". Well, it regularly gets to 100 degrees where I live in CA, and i don't have it hooked up with the AC running ever, unless im prepping for a trip. Then I was thinking, there are tons of RV owners who live in havasu - what happens to those?

Is the UV really stronger in Havasu, and will the heat kill my trailer? Rapid fading of graphics? It's got metal sides (no fiberglass), which I think is actually a plus in this gase. I could leave the AC set at 90, it would be hooked up for the entire stay. I probably raise the tires off the ground slightly and cover them to keep the sun off them.

What say ye?

Dont you have a house on the river? Why would you do that?

 

[Bigbore500r]

Dont you have a house on the river? Why would you do that?

Different options. We rent the riverhouse out, so if I'm gonna use it I typically block the weekend out for myself in advance. Hell, we still go up and camp at park Moabi when we wanna go up and the house is booked.

I thought it would be cool to alternate back and forth. As crazy as it sounds, there are river people, and lake people. 1/2 of our friends refuse to venture up past Pirates Cove, the other 1/2 won't go down river past the gorge lol.

I'd like to be in havasu for desert storm, regattas, RDP meet ups, etc. It would be a turn key fulltime setup, no planning needed. If we wanna shoot up there on a whim, it's there

It's 2 totally different trips, both are awesome in their own right

 

[Done-it-again]

My buddy's weekend warrior got hammered. Kept it at crazy horse and the f'ed it up. Made the cabinets wrap and delam. All the caulking around the windows and storage bins outside melted and drip. I know he kept water in side when he left but not sure if he kept the air on.

 

[TCHB]

I think you can leave the RV out and it will be ok. A lot of my friends keep their RVs out in the weather and they age ok. I think the ticket is keeping the heat down inside with the air or vents and keeping the outside clean and waxed.

 

[Big B Hova]

My buddy's weekend warrior got hammered. Kept it at crazy horse and the f'ed it up. Made the cabinets wrap and delam. All the caulking around the windows and storage bins outside melted and drip. I know he kept water in side when he left but not sure if he kept the air on.

Toy hauler do that even stored indoors. RV's are not meant to last 10 years lol

 

[brgrcru]

Yes

 

[yz450mm]

I bought my Tahoe transport brand new in 2005, and started leaving it at the river year-round in 2014. I think the exterior has aged more in the last 3 years than it did in the first 9.

That being said, I really didn't take great care of the exterior since day one. I washed it regularly, but never applied a good wax or sealant. Considering what it's been through, I think it's held up decently.

This new Voltage already got a good coat of sealant with a 5 year warranty, and I'm going to spend the money and have it detailed at least once a year, probably more. If you're going to leave something out there, use one of the Mobile Detail guys and have it done at the beginning and end of summer. It's worth the money.

 

[welldigger00]

I got busted at the islander for putting reflective window shades up in my truck and my trailer. They don?t like the way it looks. Also, get really good tire covers. Another thing I like to do is put the slides in every time I leave, and I?ll disconnect my hoses from the connections and put them away. The less stuff you have out the less sun/UV damage.

 

[Pivot]

Yes and no
My 5th wheel is 10 years old. Zero heat issues inside.
Outside the graphics faded so I had them removed. Now it's all white.
Wash wax wash wax. Every 6 months at least and your fine.
Im at islander, adrenaline detail comes to me to keep it dailed in and Arizona safe

 

[Bobby V]

Yes and no
My 5th wheel is 10 years old. Zero heat issues inside.
Outside the graphics faded so I had them removed. Now it's all white.
Wash wax wash wax. Every 6 months at least and your fine.
Im at islander, adrenaline detail comes to me to keep it dailed in and Arizona safe

Is there any difference from storing a motor home vs a 5th wheel in the heat at the Islander. ?

 

[Pivot]

I don't think so. Other than starting the motor every once in a while to get fluids moving
Every coach is different with heat
I do believe 4 season rated ones do better, dual pane windows etc.
I know painted graphics are much better than stickers. The oxidation happens fast here, regular wash and wax is the only way to slow it down. You can slow the graphic fade and cracks but it's going to happen. If I ever buy another rv it will be solid color or have graphics removed right away
I also do not leave my a.c. on when not here. Some set it at 90, I never have.

 

[Big B Hova]

I don't know if the RV gets hammered, but I always get hammered when in Havasu

 

[Pivot]

Here's mine right now. Just took pic. I had graphics removed about 10 months ago. It's a 2007

 

[Pivot]

 

[Pivot]

Never been stored indoors. Islanders for 7 years, black meadow before that

 

[stephenkatsea]

We kept various RVs on site at the lake for over 20 years. Yes, the sun does take a toll. Plan on any vinyl graphics and the rubber seals on any slides to take the brunt of the damage. A good treatment with 303 Aerospace can extend the life of the graphics a bit. Vinyl Sauce would likely do the same. There is probably a good rubber treatment which could help out the seals on the slide. Tires - Of course covers help. But, 5 years is about the max on any tire in the desert. Sun will also shorten the life of roof vent covers. Max Aire covers help a lot. Make sure the "house battery" is topped off with water. We always emptied the frig/freezer when we left. Most park power can be questionable at times. Water/Milk jugs full of water with the lids off help out with the super dry humidity. Understand some parks don't allow it, but the reflective bubble stuff in the windows does help a bunch. Have your roof treated at least every year. Close all gray and black water valves. Jet out the black tank well and store with some water and "Happy Camper" in it. Turn off city water supply. All in all we'd do it again. You can't beat the convience of having your RV permanently on site.

 

[Big B Hova]

Never been stored indoors. Islanders for 7 years, black meadow before that

How do you make it so shiney? teflon coating?

 

[scottchbrite]

I have an 05 park model style trailer in Big River. Been doing it for 7 years. It lives out there, never comes home. I just packed it up and put it in storage. It?s taken a little beating, but not horrible. I bought it well used, did a bunch of repairs, installed a new residential fridge, and put actual foam boards up in the bedroom windows (actual R value), then put exterior sun screens on the outside so you can?t see the silver foam boards. I replace the sewer hose every year, use a good water filter/regulator system that I turn off when not there, and I don?t leave the AC on. I do the h2o thing though. I also cover the tires and leave the slides out. I have the trailer and slides on mobile home jack stands when it?s out too. I?ll recoat the roof next summer also.

 

[Pivot]

How do you make it so shiney? teflon coating?

Jesse at adrenaline detail is How! Wash wax repeat.