Long term storage question

[woof]

I have an '03 6 spd crew cab that I will be storing in northern Washington state for perhaps a year while I join my girlfreind in Hawaii. I don't know what precautions to take to avoid problems resulting from this. I may have a person willing to start the truck occasionally but am I better off properly preparing for a years inactivity ? Thanks for your advice.

Steve Wolfe

 

[JMarketos]

my 0. 02-
This question comes up on the volkswagen diesel forum, as well. (google fred's tdi page)
imho: since it's "only" a year, and since you possibly have someone willing to start the engine, I would be inclined to recommend keep the fuel tank full (to avoid condensation forming on the inside free volume), and keep a trickle charger on it if possible, and have the engine started every 3 weeks to a month. If the vehicle will remain "on the road" (ie. licensed and insured) and the friendly helper is capable of driving it, then I'd say also good to take it on an errand once a month or so (but not in winter salt- just let it sit during the coldest weather). Mix some diesel juice in the fuel tank if you want to, but I think it will survive reasonably well. Cold weather slows the rate at which fuel degrades, and everything I've read suggests that diesel fuel deteriorates at a slower rate than gasoline anyway. Preferably clean it before storing, and don't do anything such as wrap in plastic or tarp etc, as that just traps moisture. That's my 0. 02.

 

[AH64ID]

If you are going to cancel the insurance don't have anyone start it. Unless you have it driven about 20 miles when started you will be doing more harm than good.

If it were my truck I would do the following just prior to putting it in storage.

Change the oil
Grease all the joints
Last drive should be 20 miles
Top off the fuel tank, with a good additive for storage properties

If it won't be driven at all (not really an issue)
Disconnet the batteries
Use jack stands to remove some of the weight off suspension/tires if possible.

If you have a buddy willing to hook the batteries up every 6 weeks or so and bump the starter you can change the load on the valve springs.

If someone can't do that you could always remove the rocker arms and then all the valves would be closed and have even pressure on the springs.

I would put rat/mouse poison in the engine bay and cab, as well as a dehumidifier or chemical dehumidifier if you wont have electricity in the cab as Washington has plenty of moisture.

 

[S.Morris]

In addition to what AH64ID said, do a brake fluid flush if it has been a while since it was done, so you don't have possible issues when you get it out in a year.

 

[Grizzly]

If possible keep it under cover, such as a garage. Do keep insurance incase of theft or fire. I wouldn't let anyone start it. It will survive for a year with the batteries disconnected.

 

[Troubleshooter]

... while I join my girlfreind in Hawaii. I don't know what precautions to take to avoid problems resulting from this.

Don't give her access to your bank accounts.



And regarding the truck, the Apache driver has given you good advice. When i used to put mine in storage, I added Stabil to the full tank; you should do the same or choose some similar product. Trickle chargers on the batteries (or remove them to someplace warm and dry) so that they don't discharge completely while you're gone. And crumple up a few of those Bounce dryer sheets and toss them in the cab; keeps out the mice.

 

[DavidC]

A trickle charger hooked up constantly will destroy your batteries. Use a battery tender if you want to do that. Can't guarantee the batteries will survive even with the tender as I do not know anyone that kept one on that long.



Dave

 

[Mark31]

Woof, a few years ago, I saw an article in a farm mag about a midwestern farmer who used 18" galvanized rolled sheeting to make a fence around his combine to keep out rats and mice. I'm assuming enclosed garage on level concrete? Mark