Topic: Storage in an enclosed trailer question

[somethingspecial]

Storage Question.

During it’s down time, my Concours GT/CS lives in an enclosed car trailer.  (No garage to keep it in)  We have average temperature ranges year round from 30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  I keep the car unchained and covered, but I do have problems sometimes from surface rust on un-protected parts, i.e. hood hinges and springs, rear leaf springs, etc.   I try to wipe them with WD-40 before storage, but still have some problems just from the moisture in the air, Condensation.

Does anyone know how to reduce this problem?  I was thinking about putting buckets of saw dust inside the trailer to try to pull moisture away from the car.  Your feed back please.

[krelboyne]

Mike, I think that you should have vented air moving around, otherwise you merely have a hot house.

[jwc66k]

I remember a similar problem discussed on another forum by someone in Pennsylvania. Some of the solutions discussed: put the car in a special plastic bag; installing a de-humidifier; installing a light bulb (for heat); using trays of desiccant. (Just be glad you don't live in Hawaii.)
Jim

[CharlesTurner]

A car jacket works well for this, but you'll need to be sure to vent the gas tank out of the trailer or some method with safety in mind.  If you don't do this, the car will smell like gas inside.

[Laurie S.]

No way would I keep a car in an enclosed trailer when the temperatures start going above 90 degrees.  You're cooking it.

[somethingspecial]

I should probably add I live in the northern California foothills, so temps are usually mild, without the valley fog.  We do get some fog during the winter, but not much where I am.  Great Ideas all, The vents/fans may be the best option since I'm sure they can be Solar power.  Does the movement of air also work duing the Winter?  The trays of dececant, is this like cillica packs, and if so, where do I get some.  That is why I was thinking saw dust.  The bag/jacket is not good for me.  Light bulb would probably work, but electricity is not always available depending on where I park the trailer.  Thanks, Keep em coming.  Lots of info to add to my toolbox.

[somethingspecial]

No way would I keep a car in an enclosed trailer when the temperatures start going above 90 degrees.  You're cooking it.

Laurie, When the temps get this hot, I open the top vents and open the side doors on the trailer during the day.  I try to keep it from getting to hot, but there are days I am not around to open the doors, that is why I need advise.  I don't have anywhere else to put it, again, no garage.

[somethingspecial]

This was suggested on another site, http://www.vehiclebags.com/ Combined with the air flow vents, might just work for me.   This is different from other bags or jackets I have seen which I felt would not work for me. 

[Laurie S.]

Can you build a ramada or something similar that you can park the trailer under?  That might help keep it a little cooler on the hot days.

[svo2scj]

WD-40 may be your problem !   It is a fish oil based product that though it chases water on application - degenerates to ATTRACT moisture just when it has degraded.

Been using a government formula since seeing Troy at autorama www.radrides.com.  (not on the website)  Call his dad and buy a can and try it.

Mark

[nham3407]

I have a friend with an old lotus he stores in a trailer.  He has one not added any vents to the trailer, but places some of this in the trailer on a regular basis.  I think he has good luck with it as he has not complained about any moisture issues.

http://www.damprid.com/product/refillable-moisture-absorber-fg01k

Another considertion just for those areas that you are expereincing rust problems with.

http://www.npdlink.com/store/products/boeshield_t_9_rust_prevention_and_penetrant-167826-0.html

http://www.npdlink.com/store/products/rust_prevention_magic_a_brush_on-174692-0.html

[J_Speegle]

Given out area no problem (unless you have a roof leak and its so well sealed it does not dry out in three - four months before the heat hits.

Have used an enclosed trailer to store my modified for over 6 years without any major problem - but would coat all the bare metal with a good protectant oil never WD40 and open a vent or door when the heat hits 95 plus

[svo2scj]

THe other thing to remember is to BLOCK PARK the trailer (unless secure behind walls) and/or
Invest in a tongue lock

Mark

[Laurie S.]

I have a tongue lock on mine, another lock that goes up under where the hitch ball goes, and a cable lock on the wheels.  It ain't going nowhere!   

[J_Speegle]

Should have checked the inside temp of the trailer (empty at this time) today with the current weather. Sure it's going to hit 120-125 inside  so would suggest if possible using a tent or shelter over the trailer in these areas