When you’re home from this season’s adventure.
When you’re searching for car, boat, or RV storage, your first decision should be location. Where are you going to store your vehicle? You need vehicle, boat, and RV parking that is convenient, affordable, and dependable.
Whether you’re interested in enclosed or outdoor vehicle storage, All Climate Storage Center is ready to accommodate your needs. Our professional staff is available to discuss your options and answer your questions.
Below are some tips to get you started on your storage journey.
Whether you’re storing a classic car or an everyday vehicle, we have the reliable, budget-friendly storage that you need. With flexible monthly storage options, you don’t have to worry about a long-term commitment, and 365-day access enables you to pick up your vehicle at your convenience.
Keep your car in top-notch condition with the following guidelines.
- Lay plastic sheeting or tarps on a concrete floor to create a vapor barrier.
- Remove the spark plugs and spray oil into the cylinders to prevent corrosion. Turn the crankshaft about 4 to 6 times to circulate the oil. Reinstall the spark plugs and reconnect the plug wires.
- Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Clean the top and sides and remove any moisture-retaining, conductive film. Place it on a clean, dry surface and connect a float charger to maintain a battery charge for long periods. Inspect the battery box for corrosion.
- Lubricate the hood release latch and hood and door hinges to protect them from moisture.
- Flush the old brake fluid and replace with new fluid. Your car may require silicone fluid to prevent moisture absorption.
- Check the freeze point of the engine coolant with a hydrometer to make sure it’s low enough for the ambient temperatures.
- To protect from rodents, stuff aluminum foil into the tailpipe, engine air intake, and the fresh air intake in front of the windshield.
- If the vehicle is left longer than six months, consider flat-spotting the tires. Jack up each end of the vehicle so that it’s high enough to slip a jack stand under each lower arm.
- Stuff clean rags between the wiper arms and windshield so that the wipers don’t stick to the windshield. Apply a film of rubber lubricant to the squeegees.
- Cover your vehicle with a breathable, custom fit cover that extends over the wheel wells.
There is more to storing your boat than pulling it out of the water and hauling it to your storage facility. You need a dependable, secure facility that will make boat storage easy and convenient. To protect your boat from the elements and avoid expensive repairs and unnecessary maintenance, consider the following tips.
Clean the Hull and Deck
You’ll probably be storing your boat for an entire season. You want it clean and free of last summer’s trash when you are ready to put it in the water next summer.
Add Fuel Stabilizer and Fill the Tank
Condensation can form in an empty gas tank, causing corrosion or worse if the moisture freezes. A fuel stabilizer will prevent this from happening, and your fuel will be ready to go when you are.
Change the Oil
Water or acids that have gotten into your oil can corrode the engine. Change the filter and flush it out so that no water remains. Then, add new oil
Refresh the Coolant System
Drain the current coolant, flush with water, and fill with fresh antifreeze. Make sure you’ve diluted the antifreeze to specification. This will protect your engine from freezing and corrosion.
Disconnect the Battery
Don’t allow your battery to drain over the winter. Disconnect it and top it off with distilled water. Charge it periodically to make sure it’s ready to go when you hook it back up to your boat.
Grease the Steering Mechanism
Grease the steering and control mechanisms so that they will be moving smoothly when it’s time to take the boat out again.
Remove the Drive Belts
Before storing your boat, loosen or remove the drive belts. They may crack under the stress of being kept under tension for long periods of time.
Maintain the Interior of Your Boat
If you have electronics in your boat, they are vulnerable to extreme cold and moisture. Remove them prior to storage. Leather, canvas, and any other organic fabrics should be removed to prevent mold and mildew. Empty the water tanks and run antifreeze through the pipes.
Wash and Wax the Exterior
Cover the body of your boat with wax. This will prevent rust from corroding your boat’s body and is particularly important if you are storing your boat outside.
Use A Cover
Even if your boat is parked in interior storage, a cover will protect your boat from dirt, dust, grime, and moisture.
What you need is a convenient, affordable, and dependable place for your outdoor vehicle storage. Leaving it in your driveway is not the best option. Your neighborhood association or your city may have rules against leaving oversized vehicles in the driveway or on the street. And, there is the extreme inconvenience of having to maneuver around it to park your cars in the garage.
Drain All Tanks
Drain the fresh water holding tanks as well as the black and gray holding tanks.
Drain the Water Heater
Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. Caution: Do not drain when the water is hot!
Remove Food and Supplies
This seems obvious, but even that forgotten bag of unopened chips can attract bugs. In any case, food left for long periods of time will become moldy and/or inedible.
Disconnect the Refrigerator and Leave the Door Open
Leaving the refrigerator door open prevents stale air and condensation that can ultimately cause mold.
Use RV-Approved Non-Toxic Antifreeze
To keep your pipes from freezing during frigid weather use RV-approved, non-toxic antifreeze so that you don’t poison your water.
Pressurize Your System
Start with the faucet closest to the water pump and slowly open the hot and then the cold valves until the antifreeze appears.
Cover External Vents to Prevent Pests
Don’t let your RV become a home for pests during an extended storage time.
Check Roof Condition
Repair any holes or damage to your roof.
Coat Your RV With Wax
If you give your RV a coat of wax prior to storage, it will not only look brighter the next time you’re ready to use it, but you’ll give it an added layer of protection from the weather.
