I did a search. Really I did. I found a bunch of information here from the past several years. I'm just wondering if after five years of production, is there a consensis on how the Lightning should be stored? I read a lot of conflicting information and opinions.

I will be storing my truck in an unheated garage. I will put fuel stabilizer in. I will not start it unless I get a chance to drive it (which I will not do with salt on the ground). It will be covered. I will use something to keep the cabin dry.

I'm not sure, based on what I've read here, if I should raise the truck off the ground or park it on something other than the concrete floor (add a surface material).

I'm not asking you folks who store your Lightning to tell me what to do. I'm interested in what you do.

Thanks!

 

Try searching storage and my user name. I used to think I was the pro at it, since I go out to sea for up to 8 months at a time, and my L sits in a damp garage. But now I'm lost....I think the last stabilizer I put in it, messed up my plugs, o2 sensors, and fuel system. As for the interior...I use these "mildew bags" that I believe are made by 3M. I get them from my Dads boat shop, so try west marine or similar. They smell like old lady, and you will think your truck will forever smell like grandma, but the second you take them out, the truck smells like new again! Other than that, disconnect the battery, get the tires off the ground, use something to cover the exhaust tips if there is ANY chance of rodents or even bugs climbing in there. I usually change my oil beforehand, and again in the spring. Make sure while its still running to turn off your ventilation to make sure the damper closes, and seals the cabin. Some people will say otherwise, but I store mine with the gas tank as low as possible, its that much less bad fuel you have to burn off in the spring. I use a good soft car cover, and then throw a blue tarp over the top of that. I also try to give her a good coat of wax, including door jams, wheels, and anything else. Also, ofcoarse make sure you have good clean distilled water and proper amounts of antifreeze in your radiator and intercooler tanks. and drain the windshield washer fluid or put no freeze stuff in there.
Good luck and stay warm!

 

Doing the same as I did last year:

Change oil – I normally use Mobil One full synthetic 5W-30, for storage I use the Motorcraft 5W-20. Reason is because the oil used during the summer months can and will get contaminates in it and could lead to some corrosion in the motor. I don’t know how much or if any at all but for $20 (oil change) its good insurance. After storage I drain the Motorcraft and fill it back up with Mobil One full synthetic 5W-30.

Wash and wax truck – My truck is always in the garage unless I am driving it and always clean. I never leave any bug guts on it I take them off as soon as I get home. Bug guts can eat into the clear coat and cause paint damage. You want the paint nice and clean with no possible contaminates on it during storage which could cause paint damage.

Truck Cover – Invest in a nice cover. This will keep the truck clean and the paint protected during storage.

Moisture barrier between truck and surface parked on I use a tarp that is a moisture barrier between the concrete floor and my truck when parked in my garage. Moisture can come through the concrete and possibly cause undercarriage rust, not just during storage, but anytime at all so my garage always has a tarp on the floor where the truck is parked.

Full tank of gas – It is best to keep the tank as full as possible to prevent moisture in the gas tank. The gas tank will get moisture in it regardless but the less area for moisture to build (as in full tank vs. empty tank) the less moisture in the gas and no possible corrosion of mechanical parts inside the gas tank.

Gas stabilizer – Your choice to use. It will keep moisture out of the gas which can be very harmful to not only the motor on start up after storage but any item in the fuel system, lines, filter, injectors, etc.

Cover exhaust openings – Great place for mice and other rodents to live in during the winter months. If left open chances are someone will use it as a home. You can use tennis ***** or like I did some tin foil snuggly wrapped around them.

Start motor during storage if possible – I started and ran my motor once a month for 1 – 1 ˝ hours. It was enough time for the motor and fluids to get up to temperature. Personally, if possible, I think it is best to run the motor to get the fluids moved around and coat the internals to help prevent or limit corrosion inside the motor. For example the cylinder walls etc.

Rotate tires once a month – I have read many articles that state it is not good to unload the suspension of a vehicle for long periods of time, as in putting it up on jacks so the wheels are off the ground. I do not know for a fact that would hurt anything but nonetheless I don’t do it. What I do is once a month I jack it up and rotate the tires 90 degrees. I do this before running it once a month. That way the tires never sit on the same spot for longer then a month. ****? Yes…

INSURE there is NO food sources in the garage – That would include bags of trash (not in a sealed trash can) mice can get into, dog food, cat food ect. If you do any mice or other rodents might decide to store it somewhere in your truck. Last year I found a bunch of dog food inside my air intake box and at the first month start up found mice turds on the top of the blower. Luckily they didn’t hurt anything such as chewing up wires etc. Once I removed the dog food I no longer had any issue with rodents.


Off the top of my head I can’t think of any more. What I do before driving it after storage is change the oil from the Motorcraft to Mobil One. I then drive it easy, no boost, until I use the tank of fuel up that has the stabilizer.

Some may agree with the above or disagree but it’s what I do. Some may simply park their trucks for 4 – 6 months and never do anything and never have any issues.