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Hello all. I am in the Army and deploying in about two weeks. I will be gone for around a year and I have looked all over but cannot find information about long term storage on these trucks. The truck will be outside in Pennsylvania. Should I add more straight coolant to increase its low temp storage? Gassers argue over full vs empty tank of fuel all the time. Should I add some stabile to the engine? Fuel? Anything else? Any other suggestions? Thank you all.



Michael
 
First of all, Michael, thanks for your service!



I've never had to store a vehicle for very long so I'm hoping someone who has done it, posts very soon for you. However, I would think a full fuel tank is the best answer; you are less likely to have condensation build up. If it were me, though, I think I would put at least a 1/2 tank of #1 diesel with a bottle of P/S 911 (or equivalant) anti-gel additive; drive it around just a little bit to get 'er mixed up in the fuel and up into the pump/injectors. #1 diesel is not as prone to gelling as #2. Hopefully, someone will post as to whether the fuel will still be good after that long, but I think it should.



Disconnect the batteries, clean up those cable ends and spray 'em with a corrosion preventative, then leave 'em disconnected; if for no other reason than to keep any corrosion from creeping down into the cables.



Be safe, soldier!
 
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Michael:



Although you did not say what truck you have, I'm presuming it's a 3rd-gen diesel. I'm also going to guess that you're placing it into typical military POV storage (open storage in a large parking lot, either on a military installation or with a contractor).



Wash and wax the truck, IOT protect the finish to the extent that you can. Put an appropriate amount (read the label) of a good diesel fuel treatment such as Stanadyne or PowerService in the tank, and then fill the fuel tank to minimize the amount of air available in which condensation can occur. IF YOU CAN, put the vehicle up on blocks or jackstands to relieve pressure on the tires. Set an auto Xmsn in "P" or a manual in gear, DO NOT set the parking brake; chock the wheels unless you have it up on blocks. Disconnect the batteries, and if possible, find somewhere to store them indoors at room temperature. If you aren't able to do that, then just disconnect them and plan on buying two new batteries when you return. Go buy a box of those drier sheets (Bounce or similar) and toss a half-dozen wadded-up sheets around the interior of the cab. Keeps out insects and vermin; no I don't know why, it just works. Consider plugging-up the exhaust pipe and air intake so that you don't get mouse nests in there. Remove all valuables except perhaps an adjustable wrench to help you get the batteries re-installed. Personally, I would not add straight coolant, but keep the 50/50 mix that you currently have there. If you're really concerned about it, you could try draining the coolant (but remember to add some when you return). And leave a note inside the cab detailing all that you did, so that you remember to un-stuff the exhaust pipe and air intake in case you don't remember to do that 12-15 months from now. This will also help if things go badly and someone else has to retreive the vehicle from storage.



Park the beast, pat it on the hood, take the keys and walk away. Don't forget to call your insurance company and tell them that it's in storage, and have them reduce the coverage down to comprehensive and towing / emergency service only while you're gone and to reduce the premium by eliminating the liability and collision insurance that you won't need while you're away. (Of course, remember to turn this back on shortly before you redeploy so that you're covered when you pick it up). The reason that I mention leaving the emergency road service in force is so that they can come help you if you need it immediately upon return, and besides it's usually only $2-3 / month. If you still owe money on the truck, call the lender and inform them that you are going on deployment; they may cut your interest rate.



If storage is at a contracted POV storage facility, they will probably offer you the option (at your cost) to start the truck up and run it around every week or two. Think about this very critically, and consult with SJA and other soldiers concerning the reputation (and prior claims against) the contractor. Do you REALLY want some stranger driving around in your pride and joy? Prior to my last deployment, there were a number of claims against the contractor for in-storage damage, so I declined this particular extra-charge service. Do a really good inventory of the truck and its condition during the turn-in procedure, as this will be used for the basis of any claims should damage occur while in storage. They'll probably make you turn in a key; remember to keep a spare in case they lose it.



I went through the same process about four years ago for my own all-expense-paid vacation to the sandbox. Only difference was that mine was stored in the SE (Ft Stewart) with less exposure to low temperatures and much higher humidity. The truck sat in a military-contracted POV storage lot (i. e. , sitting on gravel and not messed with) for a bit over a year. It only took a jump to re-start it, and then replacement of both batteries later that day. It did run just a tad rough until the next fill-up. The tires managed to last another year. During several previous deployments I'd stored gassers using much the same procedure except Stabil instead of diesel fuel additive. In one case with private storage (barn) available, I also drained the oil and coolant, but left a note to add it back before attempting to crank. Something to consider depending on your exact circumstances.



Then go deploy with one less set of worries to distract you from your duties. Just remember that you're headed to a region of the world with a strong tribal-based society where loyalties can be bought and sold. Do not trust ANYONE who is not a US soldier, sailor, Marine, or airman. Good luck and Godspeed to you.
 
I would add anti algae treatment in the fuel tank. If you can a solar trickle charger to the disconected batteries to keep em from going bad. change oil before you go if not done very recently to remove the acids.



Good Luck and come home safe
 
I suggest you cover the inside of the windows to keep the light out as much as possible to prevent UV damage. The spring loaded sun screens would work
 
All good suggestions.



I'll second the drier sheets recommendation, but you should also put a bunch of them under the hood too. Tie them to wiring harnesses to keep rodents from gnawing on them. Might put a couple in the air box, too.



I'd probably use a whole box under the hood, stuffed into every nook and cranny I could find.



Thanks again for your service. I'm a retired USAF Master Sergeant, myself.



Bob
 
Kenny61, you and I are on the same page. I was going to suggest both of your ideas. An anti-algae/bacteria treatment can be found at some auto parts stores. I had to have mine special order it. They said it wasn't something they get asked for often. Northern Tools, Harabor Freight, or JC Whitney catalogs all have solar trickle chargers for the batteries. A friend of mine uses a small one for the house batteries in his RV and it works great. The cost of the charger is paid for several times over by not having to purchase new batteries upon return.



Safe journey, Mike.
 
Algacide can be found or orderd at most marine supply stores as it seems to be a much more common problem on boats. I know my old boat stores wholesaler stocked it and could deliver it on the weekly delivery without special order. If you have a place to store the batteries a plug in maintaner can be used for the batteries
 
I don't have any suggestions to help you with your post. But would like to thank you for your service. Although I, myself have not had the honor of serving. I do have three close family members in the army two of which are currently deployed.

If you find yourself needing anything please drop me a line at -- email address removed --. Come home safe.

BTW Nice truck.
 
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Hi Michael;

There are a lot of good sugestions here about storage. Just to put my . 02 in, I deployed a few years ago and all I did was make sure the fuel tank was full and put a little extra of FPPF in the fuel. My wife started it once in a while and drove it once a month or at least she said she did. Oh well I like the threads here as I will be going again by late Summer. Lots of luck to you and your unit.



John
 
Is there anybody that can drive it once and a while for you? Im in my 9th month of a 12 month deployment in Iraq and I just parked my truck in the back of the shop and put storage insurance on. Once and a while my dad gets it out and takes it for a spin. Its nice that way the gaskets are not drying out. But other than that I havent done anything to prep it for storage. When I went home for my two week leave last month she fired right up and didnt have any problems.
 
Mike



Thanks for your service.



All good info above. I would prefer to have someone start hte truck and drive it around once in a while if that is possible. If you have to put it in storage take pictures of it and the speedometer to show condition and milage. Hard to sau a dent was there at the start when you have the pic's to see.



Be safe
 
If you have the time get four jack stands, jack up the truck and put them under the axles if your are going to be on a hard surface. it will help the tires stay round and not have flat spots on them when you get back.
 
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