'Summer-izing' your Park Model

Some Tips gleaned from the more 'experienced'

The condition, maintenance, upkeep and construction of park models were a bit of a lesson for me.

We were used to house maintenance in a very different climate. And had no experience with leaving a residence for as much as 8 months. There are some things to keep in mind. When preparing your trailer to sit in the summer heat of Arizona it is important to know some basics.

Your trailer will not have much ventilation and it could become pretty hot in there. The climate is extremely dry so you need to consider evaporation. This is important if you want to keep that sewer smell and gas out.

Those traps below your sinks, bathtub, and in the toilet are there for a reason. (If you have ever removed one you will know what I mean.) During the summer the water in the traps is sure to evaporate and remove their 'plug' value. They need to be closed off to prevent that from happening.

It is important to seal off all drain openings. A variety of methods are used for this, some quite ingenious. One method is to cover the drain openings with plastic bags filled with water. The bags then take the form of the surface where the drain opening is. Toilets can be sealed off with plastic wrap so as not to allow evaporation form the bowl and even the tank.

Given the dry climate it is also useful to provide some humidity in the air. One method is to place containers of water throughout the trailer that can evaporate over time. A container with the small opening provides slower evaporation. Large milk jugs work well.

Wherever possible, windows should be covered to prevent sun damage and reduce internal heat. Many trailer owners have cut aluminum insulation sheets to fit each window and place them inside the curtains or blinds.

And of course power and water supply lines should be shut off. Some people advise leaving water in the lines to help protect the plastic lines from drying out and plugging. (It is suggested that you should open some taps before turning the water back on.)

Weeds should be sprayed around the trailer. They can grow quite well over the summer and most parks will charge you for dealing with them.

Termites are another issue in Arizona. Those of us not familiar with these little pests are certainly in for a lesson in determination and (unfortunately) some destruction. Termite sprays are readily available and should be used below the trailer before leaving it. The skirting should be removed for access in five or six places around the trailer and generous spraying applied according to the chemical instructions.

Arizona does get some good winds and they tend to come in the summer 'monsoon' season. Your trailer can be quite vulnerable so you need to take a walk around to examine anything that could be caught by a good wind. Awnings should be secured down and various trim and other items checked for their security.