When you’re home from this season’s adventure.
When you’re storing your car, truck, or any other vehicle, your first decision should be location. Where are you going to store your vehicle? You need a storage facility that is convenient, affordable, and dependable. You want to store your vehicle in a place that makes you feel comfortable and secure. Here at The Storage Place, we can easily accommodate your vehicle needs. We’re always happy to discuss your options and answer your questions.
Below are some tips to get you started with your storage experience.
Prep for Storage
Wash and wax your car and then allow it to dry thoroughly. Be sure to remove dirt from the underbody of the car, particularly the wheel wells. Dirt holds moisture and may cause iron and steel to rust. Fill the gas tank and then add an adequate amount of gasoline stabilizer to prevent gum and varnish formation. Drive the car 30 to 40 miles to mix the stabilizer with the fuel. Vacuum the interior and trunk of your vehicle to thoroughly remove any mall bits of food that could attract insects and rodents.
Vehicle Storage Tips
Use most of these tips whether storing indoors or outdoors.
- Lay plastic sheeting or tarps on a concrete floor to create a vapor barrier (indoors).
- Remove the spark plugs and spray oil into the cylinders to prevent corrosion. Turn the crankshaft about 4 to 6 times to circulate the oil. Reinstall the spark plus and reconnect the plug wires.
- Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Clean the top and sides and remove any moisture-retaining, conductive film. Place it on a clean, dry surface and connect a float charger to maintain a battery charge for long periods. Inspect the battery box for corrosion.
- Lubricate the hood release latch and hood and door hinges to protect them from moisture.
- Flush the old brake fluid and replace with new fluid. Your car may require silicone fluid to prevent moisture absorption.
- Check the freeze point of the engine coolant with a hydrometer to make sure it’s low enough for the ambient temperatures.
- To protect from rodents, stuff aluminum foil into the tailpipe, engine air intake, and the fresh air intake in front of the windshield.
- If the vehicle is left longer than six months, consider flat-spotting the tires. Jack up each end of the vehicle so that it’s high enough to slip a jack stand under each lower arm.
- Stuff clean rags between the wiper arms and windshield so that the wipers don’t stick to the windshield. Apply a film of rubber lubricant to the squeegees.
Cover Your Vehicle
Cover the vehicle whether you’re storing indoors…
Cover prices range from $20 up to about $300. At the lower end you will get a cover that may not fit well and can trap moisture underneath, damaging the vehicle finish. Fit is critical, especially if you’re storing outdoors. Wind can whip a loose-fitting cover against the paint. When you remove the cover, the finish looks as if it has been sanded.
or outdoors.
If you’re storing outdoors in a sunny area, choose a cover that keeps out ultraviolet rays to protect the car’s finish. In a windy area, you can add an extra layer of protection by first covering the body with soft blankets tied down with bungee cords.
In any case, a premium, breathable custom-fit cover that extends down to cover the wheel wells and is secured with straps is your best bet for both outdoor and indoor storage.
Don’t leave your RV, travel trailer, or camper in your driveway over the winter. What you need is a convenient, affordable, and secure place to store your “home away from home” until you’re ready to use it again. The city or your HOA may have rules against leaving oversized vehicles in the driveway or on the street. And, there is the extreme inconvenience of having to maneuver around it to park your cars in the garage. The Storage Place has years of experience storing recreational vehicles ranging from travel trailers and truck campers to Class A, B, and C motorhomes.
To get your RV ready for storage, we offer the following tips.
- Drain All Tanks | Drain the fresh water holding tanks as well as the black and grey holding tanks.
- Drain the Water Heater |Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. Caution: Do not drain when the water is hot!
- Remove Food and Supplies | This seems an obvious, but even that forgotten bag of unopened chips can attract bugs. bugs.In any case, food left for long periods of time will become moldy and/or inedible.
- Disconnect the Refrigerator and Leave the Door Open |Leaving the refrigerator door open prevents stale air and condensation that can ultimately cause mold.
- Use RV-Approved Non-Toxic Antifreeze | To keep your pipes from freezing during the frigid weather use RV-approved, non-toxic antifreeze so that you don’t poison your water.
- Pressurize Your System | Start with the faucet closest to the water pump and slowly open the hot and then the cold valves until the antifreeze appears.
- Cover external vents to Prevent Pests | Don’t let your RV become a “home away from home” for pests during extended storage.
- Check Roof Condition | Repair damage to your roof.
- Coat Your RV with Wax | Give it a coat of wax prior to storage for an added layer of protection.
Here at The Storage Place, we understand how important you boats and watercraft are to you. Storing your boat is not as simple as pulling it out of the water and hauling it to your storage facility. Your first task is to locate a convenient, secure, and affordable storage facility. You want your boat protected from the elements and from unwanted visitors. Frigid weather and/or long periods of storage can result in expensive repairs and unnecessary maintenance. We’ll do our part; you do yours.
Here is a list of steps you can take to ensure that your boat is ready for storage.
- Clean the Hull and Deck | You’ll probably be storing your boat for an entire season. You want it clean and free of last summer’s trash when you are ready to put it in the water next summer.
- Add a Fuel Stabilizer and Fill the Tank | Condensation can form in an empty gas tank, causing corrosion or worse if the moisture freezes. Fuel stabilizer will prevent this from happening, and your fuel will be ready to go when you are.
- Change the Oil | Water or acids that have gotten into your oil can corrode the engine. Change the filter and flush it out so that no water remains. Then, add new oil.
- Refresh the Coolant System | Drain the coolant, flush with water, and fill with fresh antifreeze. Make sure you’ve diluted the antifreeze to specification. This will protect your engine from freezing and corrosion.
- Disconnect the Battery | Don’t allow your battery to drain over the winter. Disconnect it and top it off with distilled water. Charge it periodically to make sure it’s ready to go when you hook it back up to your boat.
- Grease the Steering Mechanism | Grease the steering and control mechanisms so that they will be moving smoothly when it’s time to take the boat out again.
- Remove the Drive Belts | Before storing your boat, loosen or remove the drive belts. They may crack under the stress of being kept under tension for long periods of time.
- Maintain the Interior of Your Boat | If you have electronics in your boat, they are vulnerable to extreme cold and moisture. Remove them prior to storage. Leather, canvas, and any other organic fabrics should be removed to prevent mold and mildew. Empty the water tanks and run antifreeze through the pipes.
- Wash and Wax the Exterior | Cover the body of your boat with wax. This will prevent rust from corroding your boat’s body and is particularly important if you are storing your boat outside.
- Use A Cover | Even if your boat is parked in interior storage, a cover will protect it from dirt, dust, grime, and moisture.
