Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-11-2014, 11:33 AM   #1
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SE Ks
Posts: 12
Rodents on top of engine.

Time to think about winterizing, and need to address a new concern. Our '98 Brave had rodent nest and droppings (suspect rats/packrats) on and around the engine (Ford V10). The RV is kept under a Carport outside, have not came up with a solution to this problem yet, and feel very lucky as I have not found any wiring damage. No operational problems. Suggestions appreciated. Have already decided against poisons, and have read that repellents are not effective.
Jim in SE Ks is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 11:45 AM   #2
Winnebago Owner
 
CampDaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Fulltime, USA
Posts: 111
Best trap some to see what it is.
If pack rats, they are nocturnal and cant stand lights. Rope lights in the engine compartment and under the RV should keep them out. Standard practice in the desert.
Rats? Traps with peanut butter. Check often.
__________________
Dave and Nola, RVM1
The Journey is Our Destination!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
https://davenola.blogspot.com/
CampDaven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 12:31 PM   #3
Winnie-Wise
 
Tom-NC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Murphy, NC, USA
Posts: 296
You ca use Bounce dryer sheets too but have to remember to take them off engine as they would cause a fire.

We put the dryer sheets in all our drawers inside of the RV just in case they get it but I have plugged all holes up underneath with steel wool on my previous RV.

__________________
2014 Winnebago Adventurer 35P,Ford F-53, V-10
2011 Ford Escape,2000 Roadmaster Tow Dolly
"Have a Great Day, Enjoy RVing."
Tom-NC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 12:48 PM   #4
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 25
Try this Use RV Antifreeze so the water will not freeze.
Redneck Mouse Trap!
TN Bill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 12:54 PM   #5
Winnebago Owner
 
CampDaven's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Fulltime, USA
Posts: 111
I would put out traps and the rope lights. If none trapped, packrats prevented. Otherwise, rats.
__________________
Dave and Nola, RVM1
The Journey is Our Destination!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
https://davenola.blogspot.com/
CampDaven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2014, 04:02 PM   #6
GG1
Winnie-Wise
 
GG1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: WHITING,NJ,USA
Posts: 470
Try a product called critter out. We have been using it for 10 yrs. it's a minty non toxic spray a little pricey but it works.
__________________
07 Itasca Ellipse 40fd, 2014 Honda CRV, greyhound lab mix, pit pointer mix(RIP bessie) , shar pei mix, stupid cat, wife
GG1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2014, 12:51 PM   #7
Winnie-Wise
 
bruceh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Coarsegold, CA
Posts: 264
I have been using old socks with mothballs inside. Seems to work for ground squirrels (that's what I have here), don't know about rats.

Side note:

While camping, I opened my hood which I rarely do while camping and found a mom cat and 5 kittens scattered around my radiator and fan. Some one had driven through and dumped them. I got the kittens and called animal control. Later I found a dead rabbit and two field mice that the mom cat had stashed on top of my engine.

Huge mess averted through sheer dumb luck.
__________________
2001 Winnebago Adventurer, 35U, W-20 8.1
F+R Trac bars, F+R sway bars, SafTsteer, F Sumo Springs, 4 Koni FSDs
bruceh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2014, 03:00 PM   #8
Winnebago Owner
 
Bo Walker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Crawfordville Florida
Posts: 181
I had the rodent problem two or three years ago. They had a big nest built around and under the breather on the engine and on top of the battery bank.
I discovered it when we cranked to leave on a trip. The auto park would not disengage. I investigated and found the nest. Those skeesters had cut 13 electric wires. They didn't just cut and leave the wires.
They transported the wires to the nest. They stole wires from the auto park, the generator and up underneath and in front of the left front wheel.
With the help of OLD USED Bear, I was able to make the repair. I then placed a packet of pellets on top of the battery bank. It is still there. They never returned.
Try the suggestions made above and hopefully you can get rid of them. I hope you don't have any damage to repair.
__________________
I have no Idea!
Bo Walker is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
How to keep rodents away... azloafer Winnebago General Discussions 15 06-03-2010 09:27 AM
Roof Top A/C Unit Geechee General Maintenance and Repair 8 03-29-2007 06:14 PM
Crack in counter top Navy Flier General Maintenance and Repair 13 01-12-2007 02:51 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:57 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.