Camper Storage Checklist for nüCamp 400

Camper Storage, A First

Our new T@B 400 will be resting at a storage facility for the winter.   This is a first for us because our T@G was always in our relatively warm basement.  So, we will use this post as a camper storage checklist each year as we retire our camper for the winter.

Storage Checklist

1. Winterize the Fresh Water System

It is most important to ensure the camper’s fresh water system is adequately prepared  for storage.  If you reside in a climate that does not go below freezing, you can just drain all the water from the camper.  If, however, temperatures will go below freezing, then additional steps are necessary.  Additionally, we have a separate post for how we prepared our camper for freezing temperatures, Winterized our Camper Water System .

2. Have a Plan for Keeping the Battery Charged

Secondly, it is important to keep the battery charged.  A charged battery can withstand sub-zero temperatures, but a drained one can be destroyed in temperatures below freezing.  Therefore, it is important to keep a good charge on the battery.  There several ways to address this:  removal of the battery, providing a trickle charge, keeping it on shore power, or periodic charging of the battery.

Because we are storing our camper close to home, we will do periodic charging of the battery.  We will store it with the battery kill switch off because it  ensures there is nothing to draw energy.   So, I have put reminders on my calendar to check the camper and battery every couple of weeks.

Periodic Power Monitoring

a) First, turn on the power at the battery kill switch  and check the power level of the battery at the information panel.

b) If it needs a charge, connect to shore power to bring it up to a fully-charged level.  Note:  the power at the battery kill switch must be on to charge the battery.

c)  When the battery has a full charge, disconnect the power and turn the battery kill switch back to off.

Note:  when the camper is taken to storage, the battery should be fully charged.

Kill Switch is On
3.  Remove All Food From the Camper

It is very important to remove food from the camper because it attracts insects and wildlife.  Also, be sure to remove all canned and bottled items because they could freeze and burst.  Ensure that the microwave and stove are clean so there is not anything that would produce food odors.

4.  Clean the Camper

Wash the exterior and clean all the inside surfaces.  Vacuum the floor and remove any stains with soapy water.  If the floor is damp from cleaning, leave the windows open to allow ventilation while it dries.

5.  Remove linens and all fabrics

We removed all sheets, blankets, pillows, towels, etc.  We also removed our cushions and mattresses because we have read that they can sometimes be ruined by wildlife.  This may be overkill, but we don’t want to take any chances of them getting damaged.

We have a visor that we will also need to spray with Kiwi Camp Dry  to have it ready to repel water and make it easier to clean in our next season of camping.

5. Turn off Everything

a) Turn off the refrigerator by turning the setting to zero.  Leave the refrigerator door open and put an open box of  baking soda inside.

b). Make sure all lights, Alde System, range burners, television, and DVD player are off.    Also, ensure that both fan switches are off.

c) Turn off the propane at the valve.

d) Turn off all power to Camper by turning the kill switch to off.  (Battery image on top of switch appears upside down.)

 

Camper storage checklist last item
Kill switch is off
6.  Final Steps

a)  Ensure that the Camper is stored in a level position and stabilizers are down.

b)  Close and lock all windows.   Also, close all of the  shades.

c)  Place the cover over the air conditioner vent.

e) Place rodent repellent in camper.  We chose the one (see link next) below based on a  recommendation on a Facebook group.

Rodent repellent

f)  Place a moisture absorber in the camper because it will help to prevent corrosion, mold, and mildew.  The product below was in stock at our local Walmart (link) in the RV section.

Moisture absorber

g) Vent the Fantastic Fan 1/4” because nüCamp recommends it in the Manual.

h) Remove trailer hitch from SUV and place in storage unit.

i) Close and lock storage unit.

Camper Storage is done!

Our Storage Environment

Our camper will be in an unheated storage unit, so we will not have to consider any type of cover for it.  But, if it were outside and subject to UV rays and the elements, we would need a cover.  However, it is my understanding that one should be aware of extra moisture it may cause in some climates.

I had a lot of angst about getting our camper installed in the very tight space we have, but my husband got it in with the first try.  I was so impressed!

Camper is stored
Very little room to spare

So, we have tucked our new baby away for the winter and are at home planning our next adventures.

Hurry, hurry springtime!

Retired couple

 

 

Camping Checklist, Don’t Forget Your Important Items

As new campers, we have found a checklist to be vital. We also use a checklist for food on each trip. This is our camping checklist.

Our camping checklist was very critical to the success of our camping trips when we first began.  However, we did not use it as much later because many of the items are stored in the camper and footlocker.

Currently, we have a much smaller list of the optional items we are taking and the items that must be added to the cabin for transport.

Camping Checklist:

  • Tent/shelter with poles and stakes
  • Binder clips if attaching tent to Trailer
  • Ground cover/rug
  • Fuel for stove
  • Lighter
  • Chairs
  • Table
  • Water hoses (2)
  • Power cable with adapter
  • Privacy tent
  • Porta-potty/tissue
  • Co-axial cable
  • Leveling blocks
  • Hitch locks
  • Flashlights
  • Extension cord
  • Duct tape
  • Heater (if cold)
  • Electric blanket (if cold)
  • Bucket if no sewer for dishwashing
  • Box of assorted tools
  • Outdoor fan (if hot)
  • Awning

Cooking Gear

Most of the following is in a large footlocker that is always packed.

  • Frying pan
  • Cooking pot
  • Plates, bowls, cups, glasses, cutlery
  • Paring knife, spatula, cooking spoon
  • Coffee maker
  • Toaster
  • Corkscrew
  • Tablecloths (2)
  • Salt/pepper/spices
  • Plastic storage bags for leftovers
  • Foil
  • Paper towels
  • Cooking spray
  • Sponge, dishcloth, scrubber
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Cooler
  • Water for drinking and cooking
  • Trash bags
  • Food

Clothing

  • Daytime clothing
  • Sleepwear
  • Rainwear, if applicable
  • Extra layers for warmth
  • Swimwear, if applicable
  • Shoes: hiking,  flip!flops
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses

Personal Items

  • Sunscreen
  • Towels & washcloths
  • Soap
  • Insect repellent
  • First Aid kit
  • Medications
  • Toothbrush & toiletries in shower bag for each person
  • Hair dryer/flat iron
  • Makeup
  • Bikes, locks & helmets
  • Laundry bag
  • Laundry detergent

Other Items

  • Camera
  • Campsite reservation
  • Games
  • Tablet
  • Electronics chargers

We hope this list is helpful to you new campers because camping is more fun when you have brought what you need.  If you would like to view more of things we have learned, we have a camping resource page you might want to access.  The page will be updated as we have more information to share.

Wishing you safe and happy travels!