Keeping the interior cooler while in storage?

Jay_and_Kat

Visited our '22 T@B 400 BD the other day at the storage lot, and the interior was HOT.  Went back today and it was about the same, so the wife and I (as we'd planned spent some time doing some light prep work for when we can FINALLY take it on its' maiden voyage) opened every window as far as it would go and turned on the roof fan to vent out to cool things down.   

But, is there anything we can / should be doing to keep it cool while it's in the storage lot?  I've thought about leaving the top vent cracked a bit to get some airflow, but we get occasional heavy rain that blows, that would like get in.  The tech during our walk-through at purchase, when I asked about closing the blinds in storage said not to, as it would cause them to "lose their shape" being extended, for extended periods of time.

So now I'm thinking of figuring out how to, over at least the front and rear windows, to maybe hang "curtains" (more likely bits of cloth the wife has from sewing) to block some of the sun out.  Any suggestions? 

Bayliss

@Jay_and_Kat, you did not mention what part of the country you live in, but I live in the Tucson, AZ area, so see my May 6th comment in this discussion thread:

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/15382/windows#latest

I am fortunate to have my trailer stored under a roof at the storage facility, plus I keep my trailer covered.  As you can imagine, it gets pretty darn hot here in the summer.  The trailer gets hot inside as well, but there is not much I can do about that other than providing some air circulation as I described in the above post.  If you do not have a rain cover over your vent, adding one will allow you to leave the roof vent fully open (like I do) without worrying about the rain, especially if you also use a trailer cover to protect your trailer exterior.  The bottom line is that you need at least one window partially open and the roof vent at least cracked open to create some air flow.

If you do not have a rain cover over your vent lid, but are interested in installing one, see the link that @Maxcamp8 referenced in a May 15th post in the below discussion thread (and also review the links within that link):

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/15440/roof-vent#latest

Also, we do leave our shades fully open while in storage, but we have curtains covering the side windows.  Regardless, even if we didn't have curtains, the trailer cover blocks most (not all) of the light entering through the windows.  I'm no expert on it, but I personally doubt the shades will "lose their shape" if kept closed during storage.

HOWEVER, per the window manufacturer (Platoform), while towing you should always fully close the windows, but also leave the shades fully open.  Also, importantly, don't leave the shades fully closed in direct sunlight, which may be what the tech was referring to during the walk-through.  Failure to follow these instructions from the manufacturer could potentially damage your windows.

Jay_and_Kat

@Bayliss we're in Michigan not far from Detroit.
I'll take a look at the top of the camper next time, might even do the trick of leaving the windows on the "second" lock notch instead of the first for now to get a smidgeon of airflow.

Does a cover really contribute to keeping the interior cooler in storage all that much?  The owner of the storage yard suggested against a cover, as the wind would move it and tend to scuff up the outside of the camper, so we've not gotten one (which might change, from this)

Bayliss

@Jay_and_Kat, here are some recent discussions that may be of interest to you:

Protecting Windows While Trailer is Covered (vanillacommunity.com)

T@B 400 cover (vanillacommunity.com)

AllPro Cover for TAB 400 & windows (vanillacommunity.com)

Window material (vanillacommunity.com)

Cleaning Windows - T@B 320-S Boondock (vanillacommunity.com)

I use the "Classic Accessories" cover (purchased through Amazon) on my trailer.  I have not had a problem with scratching, except possibly some rubbing on the black curved roof trim near the front and rear of the trailer, but that is because the cover is a bit too tight (even though it was the recommended size for our trailer.)  I am going to replace it this year with either their larger version, or possibly the All Pro Adventures cover.  I definitely prefer to have a cover.  It does get very windy here at times, so the cover not only protects the exterior of the trailer from UV rays, etc., but also keeps the dust down inside.  In addition to the rain cover over the vent, the cover eliminates any issue of rainwater penetration as well.  I may do something to also cover the windows, as discussed in the above discussion threads.  I can use the saran wrap idea, but have some concern about moisture build up/sweating on the acrylic in the desert heat, but another consideration is using the nice window coverings my wife made for use when we are camping.

Sun fading, UV damage, dust and rain are bigger concerns if there is no roof over your trailer while in storage, but whether to get a cover is a decision you will need to weigh.  Hopefully, some other forum members will share their experiences to help you with making that decision.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  One thing you do not want to do is cover the trailer with a plastic or other type tarp.  That will definitely damage the trailer exterior/windows.  That may be what the owner of the storage yard was referring to.

VictoriaP

I’m fortunate enough that my trailer is both at home and usually under a roof, which means I have a couple of years of temperature measurements and experiments that tell me there isn’t much you can do to reduce the interior temps. It’s a metal box with some minimal insulation, much like your car. Put it in the sun, it gets hot.

About all you can do is put the trailer in full shade, which means find covered storage. By far, shade makes the only significant difference in temperature during warm weather…I can move the trailer out from the carport during the summer and literally watch the temps skyrocket. Closing the blinds helps some, but as noted, they aren’t really meant to be left closed all the time, and will be subject to more problems and repairs over time if you do that. If you’re going to depend on curtains, only well fitted thermals will help (and that just a little)—others may be helpful for interior UV protection, but won’t have much insulative use.

I personally do not leave windows cracked, partly because of bugs, partly pollen. The front aluminum tub of my trailer was YELLOW  this spring. I do not want all that gunk inside, and it does sneak into any small crevice. Come summer, I occasionally have left the vent open (MaxxFan with built in rain cover). It doesn’t make any difference in temps, just keeps the air from getting too stale. 

Getting a cover won’t change interior temps. Their real function is to protect against UV rays and keep the exterior of the trailer a bit cleaner. As noted, you’ll need to protect the windows from being scratched if you go that route.