First Time Owner

[Diki]

Hi all, first of all thank you to all of you who post such great content. I found it helpful while searching for our first FGRV.
We are first time camper owners, graduating from a tent. Excited about the transition but would like to do it right.
We dove in with a 1980 Burrow 13 ft. No bathroom, just the sink, stove, fridge with the bunks and bed. We have two kids 4 and 2, so excited about the new adventures to come.
We live in the UP and already got our first snow, so will be looking to store and winterize soon. Hoping for indoor storage, but not sure if there is space left in our area. We welcome any and all advice as we start this new process.


Thank you and be well!

[tua]

Congratulations on you new to you purchase! I am excited for you!

I lived in Marquette so I know the snow you are in for! I hope to get back there soon.

For my trailer before winter I always:
Wax it,
Check on the roof for any areas needing any marine caulk,
Check the roof to make sure vents etc. are secure,
Check around the windows for gaps in rubber/caulk,
Check all the bolts on the frame to make sure they are tight,
Steel wool any surface rust on the frame,
Spray the frame with rust preventer and a rust protector.

I never winterize mine so other's can better help you out with that.

Happy Camping!

[Jon in AZ]

Welcome and congratulations! Our kids were 6 and 9 when we bought our first camper, a 13’ Scamp with bunks like yours. Wish we had started younger. My wife was not a camper, but the Scamp changed that.

Not much to winterize water-wise on these simple little trailers. Drain the fresh water tank (helps to tip the trailer a little toward the drain). Pump the hand pump to make sure there’s no water left in the supply line and empty the drain tube. Pour a little antifreeze in the sink to protect the trap and in the water tank to protect the drain valve (not necessary if you were able to drain it completely dry). That’s about it.

Remove and store the battery on a tender.

As to other things, because I’m lazy, I’ll just link another recent post with some general winter storage information.

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

I raise the wheels off the ground and place a pair of automotive jack stands on the frame just behind the axle... Then I deploy the rear stabilizers, so it rests on 5 points: jack stands, stabilizers, and tongue jack. Very solid and allows the rubber in the axle to relax while stored. If needed, put concrete pavers under the stands to keep them from sinking in soft ground.

If possible, park it on concrete, asphalt, or gravel rather than grass or dirt, which can accelerate rust in the undercarriage. Avoid areas where rodents are active and/or put out bait stations near the trailer. Make sure there’s good drainage, no standing water. Protect the tires from sun exposure.

If you store outside in the snow belt and will not be able to remove accumulating snow regularly, you might add a floor to ceiling brace inside the trailer. A 2z6 between squares of 3/4” plywood will do the job.

If humidity is a problem, put chemical desiccants in the trailer (eg, Damp-Rid) and check regularly. Remove and store cushions indoors. Remove food and paper goods, anything that might attract critters or encourage nesting. Leave cabinet doors and fridge open to circulate air.