Storage in Summer's Heat

Hi Forum,
We are in the FL panhandle and the days are getting warmer (yay!) I am wondering what the experienced PC owners do to lessen the heat load during idle time in the summer. Storage for us is in  an open, unshaded lot that is paved. I park on rubber mats and have tire covers on the way. The shades are all drawn and I push the cab privacy curtain up to the dash to keep sun off the seats.

We have the MaxxAir fan with rain hood and thermostat. I do not want to use the fan but am thinking that opening the vent an inch or two might help passively remove some heat. There would be no inflow of air though since no windows are open.

I am considering a cover as well. Would that decrease or increase the heat? It would certainly provide protection from UV and debris.

Thanks for any replies!

Steve

Hello from the Space Coast!

I would be hesitant to park on rubber mat. The chemistry of the tires, mat and asphalt, in high heat... Seen too many plastic/rubber things go to goo in the Florida heat. There are so many different formulas for "rubber" one never knows what reaction may take place.

I would use pieces of plywood or OSB. Should get one season out of them.

My 2 cents. 

Ours is outside on dirt, with OSB pieces under the tires. Plans call for a shelter...when money permits. I am also looking for 'extra' pavers from a job to make 'roads' for the tires when the shelter goes up... or before. LOL.. most likely before.

Since you have the vent rain guard leaving it open a couple of inches would help let some of the heat out of the interior. I have used the RV covers and although a pita to install they do a decent job of protecting your rig from the very damaging Florida sun. I throw a couple of extra  ropes over the RV and tie them to help reduce billowing and paint chafing in high winds. The worst course of action is to do nothing.

I store my PC in an enclosed storage facility but when I stored it outside here is what I did and recommend.   First of all, I open the vent a couple of inches and I also open the vent in the bathroom.  We have the  rain guards on both vents.  Then, I crack each of the PC windows about half an inch (but not the Ford windows upfront.   The cracked windows and open vents seem to create a little air movement.   Then, I close all the shades.  

Some folks use Rflextix  
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Reflectix-33-3-sq-ft-Reflective-Roll-Insulation-16-in-W-x-25-ft-L/1014123?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-LumberAndBuildingMaterials-_-Insulation-_-1014123:Reflectix&CAWELAID=&kpid=1014123&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=1549&k_clickID=77f022a9-f2ce-4948-a1c8-5b142cbb801f&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItOPfwej42gIVkIizCh3PewjQEAQYASABEgIyvfD_BwE

cut out for each window, including the coach windows.  Cut it about 3/8 inch longer for both width and height of the window and wedge it in place.  All the windows, including the windshield, can be covered in this stuff and you can use painter's removal tape ("blue tape") to further make sure it stays in place.  It seems to help bounce back the sun's rays but more ideally, of course, would be the outside but that is not always practical.   Some of the Class B folks (very little insulation in most Bs) carry the mylar emergency blankets and drape their Bs with them to reflect back the heat when they are camped and it gets really hot.  They can be used in reverse to reflect heat, apparently.

https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-%EF%BC%8CDesigned-Retention-%EF%BC%8CMarathons-Aid%E3%80%82ANMEILU/dp/B075YP8ZY8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1525875856&sr=8-7&keywords=emergency+blanket



Paul

All good suggestions, thank you.

My BIL uses the foil-backed foam in his windows and ceiling vents. We have double pane windows which helps a lot but the two factory ceiling vents are bright and hot.

Hopefully the HOA rules will change here and we can bring it to the fairly shaded backyard.

Steve

Reflectix can also be used to insulate the slide out.  Helping to keep the interior warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.  Use pool noodles or smaller diameter pipe insulation to seal the openings.  (Did not have a pic which shows the d-ring straps I used to secure the insulation. )

We open the roof vent a bit and make sure the truck vents are also open to provide inflow air. We put a big pop up windshield cover across the inside front glass before pulling the curtain and close all house window blinds. We used to use a white vinyl windshield cover but it cracked badly when we had to remove it while it was frozen. One might work well for you in Florida.

In Lower Alabama, we leave the vents open and the windows cracked about 1/2 inch.  I keep an eye on the weather, since we are one of the wettest places in the US, to determine if the windows need to be closed. The window blinds are down most of the way....leave them up about an inch to allow better air circulation. I make sure the seats are all covered to prevent sun damage. The PC does not stay home much longer than a month at a time, so the wheel covers rarely make it out of the garage.

Also in LA, not far from you. We are fortunate to have ours in a covered storage facility. I don't know if it's a concern for you, but we also keep DampRid in the bathroom and kitchen during summer storage. Slightly humid here! 🌧