Winter storage
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,723
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From: Rich, Virginia
Originally Posted by last5oh_302
The question was, how to store your truck in the winter, so whether you think it's a good idea or not has nothing to do with the actual question.
If the guy wants to store his truck, who are any of us to question his judgement?
Anyway...
I agree with what FordsForMe said earlier in this piece.
I did almost the identical thing to my GTO a couple of winters back.... though it was for 4months only.
Good luck to you.
Technical Article Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,636
Likes: 264
From: Vernon, NY
I store my Dakota... We've been doing it for over 7 years... making this it's 8th year being behind closed doors for the winter months. Now if I lived down south... hmmmmm... I think I'd be driving it much more than my F150. 
But since I don't... then it rests in the winter. I just got to get around to changing the oil/filter and jacking it up. I just need to start feeling better...
But since I don't... then it rests in the winter. I just got to get around to changing the oil/filter and jacking it up. I just need to start feeling better...
Graphics Contributor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo NY
Originally Posted by bri687
Well i don't want to store my truck but i can't take it with me so this is my only option. What do you recommend to eliminate rats? and moisture?
Where are you going?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 211
Likes: 1
From: Home
Don't start your vehicle regularly through the winter. Sitting idling doesn't get the engine hot enough to drive off condensation, and break down acids in the oil.
Do this.
Wash and wax
Change oil and filter
Get tires off flat ground if possible
battery trickle charger
Top off all fluids
Top off the fuel and add stabilizer. Run stabilizer through injectors and then top off tank again
Pull plugs and put a small amount of oil in each combustion chamber ( yeah I know, this could create a whole other problem, so it's up to you ) Replace plugs
Baking soda, mothball
Cover
Come spring, Change oil and filter again, check tire pressures, remove trickle charger, uncover, fire it up and go.
I think I've remembered everything, but I'll edit it if I forget. I've stored vehicles/motorcycles this way ( many for up to 20 years, and they always start up trouble free come spring. All my vehicles stored have had excellent engine life. )
Do this.
Wash and wax
Change oil and filter
Get tires off flat ground if possible
battery trickle charger
Top off all fluids
Top off the fuel and add stabilizer. Run stabilizer through injectors and then top off tank again
Pull plugs and put a small amount of oil in each combustion chamber ( yeah I know, this could create a whole other problem, so it's up to you ) Replace plugs
Baking soda, mothball
Cover
Come spring, Change oil and filter again, check tire pressures, remove trickle charger, uncover, fire it up and go.
I think I've remembered everything, but I'll edit it if I forget. I've stored vehicles/motorcycles this way ( many for up to 20 years, and they always start up trouble free come spring. All my vehicles stored have had excellent engine life. )
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Originally Posted by Droog
Don't start your vehicle regularly through the winter. Sitting idling doesn't get the engine hot enough to drive off condensation, and break down acids in the oil.
Do this.
Wash and wax
Change oil and filter
Get tires off flat ground if possible
battery trickle charger
Top off all fluids
Top off the fuel and add stabilizer. Run stabilizer through injectors and then top off tank again
Pull plugs and put a small amount of oil in each combustion chamber ( yeah I know, this could create a whole other problem, so it's up to you ) Replace plugs
Baking soda, mothball
Cover
Come spring, Change oil and filter again, check tire pressures, remove trickle charger, uncover, fire it up and go.
I think I've remembered everything, but I'll edit it if I forget. I've stored vehicles/motorcycles this way ( many for up to 20 years, and they always start up trouble free come spring. All my vehicles stored have had excellent engine life. )
Do this.
Wash and wax
Change oil and filter
Get tires off flat ground if possible
battery trickle charger
Top off all fluids
Top off the fuel and add stabilizer. Run stabilizer through injectors and then top off tank again
Pull plugs and put a small amount of oil in each combustion chamber ( yeah I know, this could create a whole other problem, so it's up to you ) Replace plugs
Baking soda, mothball
Cover
Come spring, Change oil and filter again, check tire pressures, remove trickle charger, uncover, fire it up and go.
I think I've remembered everything, but I'll edit it if I forget. I've stored vehicles/motorcycles this way ( many for up to 20 years, and they always start up trouble free come spring. All my vehicles stored have had excellent engine life. )
well written
One thing I would change is remove the battery, and hide it in warm place, and charge it up 2 days before you are ready to start your truck
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: Marion VA
It's not hard. Wash it, park it, trickle charge the battery every couple of months. I don't know how long it will take for this procedure to hurt a vehicle. It has worked for me on my 62 Fairlane 500 for the last 20 years. A lot of vehicles sit unused for 4-6 months frequently with no apparent problem.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 211
Likes: 1
From: Home
Originally Posted by FX4Matt-06
Wow
well written
One thing I would change is remove the battery, and hide it in warm place, and charge it up 2 days before you are ready to start your truck
well written
One thing I would change is remove the battery, and hide it in warm place, and charge it up 2 days before you are ready to start your truck
:beer
Last edited by Droog; Nov 16, 2007 at 01:50 PM.