Storage Tips
Travel Vehicles — Chula Vista, CA — Toy Storage

Tips and Guidelines

Note – Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended procedures to prepare and protect your  particular vehicle during storage;  The below are general guidelines applicable to most, but perhaps not all, vehicles.

Vehicles

  • Insurance - Before storing a vehicle, be sure to check with your insurance carrier. Many insurance companies offer coverage especially written to protect your car while in storage. Such off road coverage can offer significant savings over the road insurance coverage.
  • Fill up the gas tank. An empty gas tank can collect condensation and slowly corrode.  Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Be sure to run the vehicle for 10 minutes or so after adding the fuel stabilizer, or drive it about 10 miles, to allow the stabilizer to circulate throughout the system. Neglecting to add a fuel stabilizer can allow the gas to break down, causing it to form gum and varnish when it deteriorates. 
  • Check all fluid levels and ensure that they are topped up, and that the correct mix of anti-freeze is installed and up to proper level and circulated through the engine.
  • Battery –  Ideally,  place a  solar charger on your vehicle to keep your battery charged. Solar Chargers are available at many auto-parts stores.  If you are not placing a solar charger on your battery, to prevent inadvertent draining of your battery during storage, many manufacturer’s advise to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery, but you should always refer to your owner’s manual for battery care during storage.
  • Clean out your car of any trash or potential food sources for bugs and mice.  Any combustible items should be removed from the vehicle, like spare gas tanks or propane cylinders.   Roll up the windows and close vents to protect your vehicles against moisture and from bugs and mice getting inside.
  • Cover your tires!!  Tires can deteriorate when sitting in storage for long periods, especially if they are exposed to the sun. They can develop dry rot and flat spots. Over inflate the tires slightly to prevent flat spots.
  • Windshield Wipers- place newspaper or other material between the wipers and the windshield (or headlights if you have headlight wipers) to prevent them from sticking to the glass.
  • Do not set the parking brake, as the parking brake shoes/pads may stick after prolonged storage.
  • Cover your vehicle with a tarp or car cover to keep it safe from sun damage and dirt/dust.  Secure the cover to the vehicle to keep it in place in case of high winds and during inclement weather.
  • If possible visit your stored vehicle periodically; start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.  Check the air pressure in your tires and top-up as necessary, and take your vehicle for a quick drive to circulate all fluids and let them heat up, to drive water moisture out of them.
  • Prepare your vehicle for the road after long storage. Open all windows to air out your car. Check all fluids and tire pressure, topping up as necessary. Reinstall or reconnect the battery and make sure it is fully charged.

RV’s/Trailers

  • Follow all of the above vehicle storage tips, as applicable, but additionally:
  • Make your RV or Trailer “critter-proof”!!  Remove all non-canned foods and perishables from the vehicle  - rats and mice have a way of finding food sources!
  • Close and Lock all outside cabinets, storage and access points to prevent theft  - not all “rats” have four legs!
  • Turn refrigerator/freezer off, and prop the doors open with towels or other item to prevent the residual moisture from growing fungus or mildew.
  • Empty and flush thoroughly waste holding tanks
  • Cover your tires!

Boats

  • Repair damages
    It is best to handle anything that is broken, worn, or damaged in the fall when boatyards are less busy than in the springtime rush. You also don’t want to leave something like a crack sitting all winter long, as damage could become worse.
  • Remove electronics
    All electronics should be removed and stored in a safe, dry, and warm place.
  • Prevent mildew
    Things such as cushions, curtains, sails, personal flotation devices, and fire extinguishers should also be stored. Lockers and drawers should be propped open to air out, and the refrigerator should be emptied out.  Place some boxes of baking soda throughout your boat to absorb moisture.
  • Drain
    Drain the port-a-potty, fresh water tank, and hot water heater. Add non-toxic antifreeze to your water tank, hot water heater, and port-a-potty.
  • Fuel and antifreeze
    Fill the gas tank to prevent condensation, oxidation, and gas spoilage. Be sure to add stabilizer to preserve the gas and prevent damage to the fuel system. Run the engine for about 15 minutes to make sure the stabilizer reaches the gas in your fuel lines. Put antifreeze into the cooling system.
  • Motor oil
    Oil changes are especially important for watercraft. There is a good chance some water or acid got into your oil over the summer. If it's not removed, it could corrode your engine. Replace the filter, flush out the oil, and then pour in new oil.  Run the engine to warm it up and change the oil while it is warm. Dirty engine oil can thicken after long-term storage and make it difficult to start the boat when you are done storing it. Be sure to change the oil filter, too.
  • Prepare the battery
    Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Apply a light coating of grease to the terminal ends of the battery and cables. Use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged. Store it in a dry, safe place and off of concrete.
  • Inspect the stern drive
    Thoroughly inspect the stern drive and remove any plants or barnacles from the lower unit. For stern drives with rubber boots, be sure to check for cracks or holes. Make sure you grease all fittings and check your fluid levels.
  • Clean bilges
    Bilges should be clean and dry. Use soap, hot water, and a stiff brush to clean up any spills from oil. Once the bilges are clean, spray them with a moisture-displacing lubricant and add antifreeze to prevent water from freezing.
  • Cover your boat properly
    Be sure to cover your boat tightly before storing it. Make sure that whatever cover you choose has good ventilation. Be certain there are no tears or damages to the cover, and check it periodically during storage as the sun and wind can cause deterioration of the cover.
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