Should Hot Water Heater be Drained For One Month 5th Wheel Storage

Published 12/16/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Valterra RV Blow Out Plug with Threaded Valve for Winterizing - Brass

(64)

$9.59

Valterra RV Blow Out Plug with Threaded Valve for Winterizing - Gray Plastic

(64)

$7.48

Question:

I will be storing my fifth wheel at a storage yard for one month down here in Florida. It is very humid here and I want to try and control the moisture level inside the RV the best I can. I wont have access to electricity or I would set up my dehumidifier. Should I leave my vents cracked open or keep them closed? I did purchase 3 of the 4 lb buckets of DampRid moisture absorbers to put inside the RV. Also, should I drain my hot water heater? Any other storage tips? Thank you in advance I appreciate any advice.

asked by: Chris

Helpful Expert Reply:

For the humidity, since you have the moisture absorbers, I would recommend keeping your vents closed. There's no way to completely keep the humidity under control but since it's only a month I can't see there being any real issues.

As for the hot water heater, even for just the one-month storage it's a good idea to go ahead and drain it; that's a decent amount of time to leave water and it isn't terribly difficult. I have linked a help article below for you which details how to do this if you'd like to take a look.

I have also added a link to a help article about winterization you may find useful, and there is one other thing I recommend doing which is draining your fresh water tank and then attaching a blowout plug to your city water connection to completely drain your water lines. For a blowout plug if you don't have one you can use the Valterra RV Blow Out Plug with Threaded Valve for Winterizing - Lead Free Brass # P23518LFVP or Gray Plastic # P23508VP.

expert reply by: Kyle S