Long term storage
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New User
Joined: Jan 2021
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Long term storage
Newbie. Will be storing a 2020 F-250 XLT 4X4 6.2 for longer than 6 months at a time. Request suggestions. My thoughts - clean, fill tank, change oil/filter, place on jacks to unload tires, disconnect battery and put on trickle charger. Anything else? Or am I doing something wrong?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 1,221
From: Southern Crescent
Don't fill the tank. Run it almost empty before putting the Stabil in and store it that way. Otherwise you have a full tank of stale fuel to burn off. Fill up with fresh when you take it out of storage. If outside use sun shades. Might put a Damp-Rid in the cab.
If set up for 5th wheel towing I'll look after it for you. No charge.
If set up for 5th wheel towing I'll look after it for you. No charge.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 696
Don't fill the tank. Run it almost empty before putting the Stabil in and store it that way. Otherwise you have a full tank of stale fuel to burn off. Fill up with fresh when you take it out of storage. If outside use sun shades. Might put a Damp-Rid in the cab.
If set up for 5th wheel towing I'll look after it for you. No charge.
If set up for 5th wheel towing I'll look after it for you. No charge.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 502
Full tank of gas with Startron. Don't leave the tank empty. Never used Stabil, the Startron stuff has worked very well for me though.
Put dryer sheets everywhere to keep the mice out of it, including under the hood.
Put dryer sheets everywhere to keep the mice out of it, including under the hood.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,372
Likes: 14
From: West Cornwall, CT
As a former submariner, preparing a vehicle before a deployment (6+ months) was common. The best way was to fill the tank, disconnect the battery, and store the vehicle under cover. My truck started and ran just fine after connecting the battery and perhaps doing a jump start. A few individuals put their vehicles up on jack stands but I never saw any advantage to doing that. Adding Stabil or equivalent is a good idea.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 426
Likes: 92
I would store my 2013 Shelby with a full tank. It is not the old fuel that goes bad that fast. With that said this is how I stored it.
Full tank stabil or no depends on if I remembered
A damp rid for a boat in the cab, keeps moisture out.
Trickle charger on battery I did not disconnect it.
Socks over the exhaust pipes, so critters don't nest
Cover over it inside or outside.
Place some drier sheets in the engine compartment and under it. Critter again
I never jacked it up, the newer tires are more forgiven to flat spots. My tires cost $500 a piece and I figured it would help I would have done it.
leave windows open a crack front and rear
That was it for storage.
When I took it out
Check oil
Have a check list of the things you did to make sure you undo them. Leave the list on the drivers seat.
Run it about 10 miles or so then change the oil
Baby it for the first tank
I did this to my Shelby for the six years I owned it and never had an issue. This was in OH for the winter so I stored it about five months at a time.
Mike
Full tank stabil or no depends on if I remembered
A damp rid for a boat in the cab, keeps moisture out.
Trickle charger on battery I did not disconnect it.
Socks over the exhaust pipes, so critters don't nest
Cover over it inside or outside.
Place some drier sheets in the engine compartment and under it. Critter again
I never jacked it up, the newer tires are more forgiven to flat spots. My tires cost $500 a piece and I figured it would help I would have done it.
leave windows open a crack front and rear
That was it for storage.
When I took it out
Check oil
Have a check list of the things you did to make sure you undo them. Leave the list on the drivers seat.
Run it about 10 miles or so then change the oil
Baby it for the first tank
I did this to my Shelby for the six years I owned it and never had an issue. This was in OH for the winter so I stored it about five months at a time.
Mike
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 692
Likes: 134
I bought my 2019 F350 new, and for the past 2 yrs I fill the tank at least 1/2 to prevent water buildup(the more the better) and put a trickle charger on it and cover up and let it sit for the winter up here in Ne Ohio. No fuel additives. I do the same thing storing my 06 Audi A8 for the past 7 yrs with no ill effects. That car came from California and has never seen Ohio winters.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 186
From: Frederick, CO
I disagree with the fuel advice and so does the OM. Fill the tank with fresh fuel and add the correct amount of Stabil. With Stabil in the fuel it won't be stale in 6 mos. That's the purpose of Stabil. An almost empty tank with increase the risk of water in the fuel due to condensation.
But, basically, fuel and battery. The rest is fine. Oil doesn't turn into glue over 6 months. Some of the rodent control ideas might be good ... people are always battling this on the RV forums where it's common to store for the winter months.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 426
Likes: 92
Agreed. You can use Seafoam as a fuel stabilizer, too. Stabil isn't the only option. I've used Stabil with good success in my small engines, but have also used Seafoam ... whatever happens to be on my shelf. I think even Marvel Mystery Oil has stabilization properties in it for fuel.
But, basically, fuel and battery. The rest is fine. Oil doesn't turn into glue over 6 months. Some of the rodent control ideas might be good ... people are always battling this on the RV forums where it's common to store for the winter months.
But, basically, fuel and battery. The rest is fine. Oil doesn't turn into glue over 6 months. Some of the rodent control ideas might be good ... people are always battling this on the RV forums where it's common to store for the winter months.
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 973
Likes: 453
From: Adirondacks
I like the idea of a sock over the exhaust tip except I think that an opportunistic mouse would just use the sock material to furnish his new home. I used to stuff a wad of steel wool in the exhaust tip and never had any problems.