Arizona Snowbird Parks
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Painting Tips ... Wallpaper ... Paneling ...More on painting - from the Lowes site

'Summer-izing' your Park Model

Some Tips gleaned from the more 'experienced'

Most of us are used to house maintenance in a very different climate. And we probably have no experience with leaving a residence to sit for many 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.

Add some Moisture to the Air

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 adding some moisture to the air by providing some evaporation.

One method is to place containers of water
throughout the trailer that can evaporate over the
summer. Using small mouth jugs allows for
slower evaporation to assure they last the
season.

The containers in the picture are after eight months
of vacancy. As you can see they are all just about
half full so 3 gallons of water had evaporated.

Close off those Traps

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.

plastic wrapso as not to allow evaporation from the bowl and even the tank.

Seal off all the Drains

It is important to seal off all drain openings. Make sure to include all sinks and the bathtub or shower.

A variety of methods are used for this, some
quite creative. One method is to cover the plastic bags filled with water. The bags then take the form of the surface where the drain opening is.

Make sure to use sturdy bags and that they are 100% sealed. We had a couple fail due to careless sealing of the opening.

Use tape to seal the overflows. To be safe you may want to use a better quality moisture - proof tape than the painters tape used here.

Cover all Windows and Patio Door

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, or between the window and screen.

A variety of window coverings are seen in the parks come summer. Some simply use cardboard, some appear to be thin plywood. Some trailers with awnings will lower and secure them. But probably the most common are those aluminum sheets cut to fit each each window and the patio door.

They are quite durable and can be used year after year.

Shut off Water and Power Supply

And of course power and water supply lines should be shut off. Shut off power at both your internal breaker and the outside main breaker. Shut furnace thermostat and water heater off.

Some people advise leaving water in the lines to help protect the plastic lines from drying out and plugging.

And when you return it is suggested that you open some taps before turning the water back on and run the hot water for about ten minutes to clean out the hot water tank.

More Inside the Trailer

Clean the fridge and freezer and use fresh coffee set in
dishes to help absorb odors. Some people also like to block
open the doors to keep air circulating.

Clean the grill and oven. Use drain cleaner in kitchen and
bath drains and flush with hot water.

Remove batteries from smoke alarms, clocks, and remotes.

Outside the Trailer

Weeds

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

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. It may be a good idea to call in an exterminator to have your unit checked and sprayed.

You can buy termite sprays and do some work yourself but be sure to read the instructions for dealing with these critters. We are told that you can kill termites that are there but to prevent them at all you need to dig trenches or holes in the ground and then soak the ground under the surface. That's where they will come from.

And don't store anything under that trailer unless it is sealed in plastic. That good 2x4 you are saving will be a real attraction.

(You can find good information about termites from the Arizona State office of pest management and search 'termites' for a variety of topics.)

Winds

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. Also check yard ornaments and outside furniture.

You should do the walk around to see what can best be stored inside the shed or trailer. The less loose things around the better. (And, of course, less tempting should there ever be a breach in security.)

Ants

Ants are another concern. As with other issues, things can happen over time when no one is around for maybe seven or even nine months. Get some ants appearing in your home and you usually catch things before they get out of hand. But when no one is around to 'catch things' they can/will get out of hand.

All about 'Swamp Coolers'
aka 'Evaporative Coolers'

If you care about utility bills and about the environment then don't discount the Swamp Cooler.

Swamp coolers use water evaporation to provide cooling that is then blown by fan throughout the trailer. They are only effective only in hot dry weather. Certainly a reasonable cooling alternative for the desert areas.

"After a bit of searching and asking around we learned about that strange thing on the roof of our old trailer. The Swamp Cooler.

The best explanation I have heard to describe the concept
is to imagine putting on a wet t-shirt on a hot day and then
blowing yourself with a fan. The rapid evaporation of the moisture provides considerable cooling effects".

Swamp coolers became quite out of fashion and almost suggest 'old'. But there may now be some resurgence.

They can be more economical to operate than air conditioners and will save on energy.

They require some regular maintenance but do seem to be quite an affordable means to provide some relief from the heat in earlier fall and later spring.

The following websites provide good information on both the value and use of a swamp cooler and how to maintain and repair them.

Buying and Using a Swamp Cooler - Referenced items on swamp coolers

How I rebuilt my swamp cooler - Experience with a cooler including some links

The Care and Feeding of a Swamp Cooler

How to Fix your Swamp Cooler