Long-term vehicle storage?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 100
Likes: 2
From: Anchorage, Alaska
Long-term vehicle storage?
I’m trying to ask around for people’s quality opinions regarding long term storage for a new 2003 F-150 Lariat with a 5.4L Triton, if that makes a difference. I have tried to contact Ford an ask them, however I can’t get past the information guy who is suppose to know everything at Ford’s “800” number.
I consider long term (garaged) storage for six months without moving or starting the vehicle. Would it be a wise idea to have someone start the vehicle once a month and bring it up to operating temperature, and drive it a few feet to move all of the parts around?
Or should I just let it sit for six months and have it start dry once upon my return from Asia? I have already taken the insurance off of the vehicle, and don’t intend to drive it until next spring. One guy has told me to put it up on jack stands and just leave it as it is. He said that the oil isn’t going to start to eat up the seals like someone else has told me, and to just stop worrying about it!
So I thought that I’d run this by you guys because I can’t think of a better place to post this question. I always respect your serious opinions.
Best regards,
John
I consider long term (garaged) storage for six months without moving or starting the vehicle. Would it be a wise idea to have someone start the vehicle once a month and bring it up to operating temperature, and drive it a few feet to move all of the parts around?
Or should I just let it sit for six months and have it start dry once upon my return from Asia? I have already taken the insurance off of the vehicle, and don’t intend to drive it until next spring. One guy has told me to put it up on jack stands and just leave it as it is. He said that the oil isn’t going to start to eat up the seals like someone else has told me, and to just stop worrying about it!
So I thought that I’d run this by you guys because I can’t think of a better place to post this question. I always respect your serious opinions.
Best regards,
John
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
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From: Chicago Area
I don't think 6 months will be much of a problem, however, if it were mine I would have a friend start it up and run it as you suggested. The jack stand idea is to prevent flat spotting, which I don't think is a problem with today's tires, particulaly if you run it monthly. It's a temporary problem at worst.
You might want to put an "intelligent" trickle charger on the battery. I believe that would be better than just letting it sit. This will also prevent the possibility of the battery freezing, if its in a cold climate. Change the oil just before you leave and again when you return. Figure the 6 months as if it were 6000 miles for maintenance purposes. I think that will do it, but maybe somebody else will have some thoughts.
Sounds like a nice truck! I hereby voluteer to keep it in good hands while you're gone... LOL!
You might want to put an "intelligent" trickle charger on the battery. I believe that would be better than just letting it sit. This will also prevent the possibility of the battery freezing, if its in a cold climate. Change the oil just before you leave and again when you return. Figure the 6 months as if it were 6000 miles for maintenance purposes. I think that will do it, but maybe somebody else will have some thoughts.
Sounds like a nice truck! I hereby voluteer to keep it in good hands while you're gone... LOL!
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 11,496
Likes: 6
From: Kansas
It's a new enough vehicle that you should be fine. Add some Sta-bil to the gas tank and run it long enough for it to be in the entire system and it don't worry about it.
The jackstands are nice but probably not needed. 6 months will be nothing to the truck.
The jackstands are nice but probably not needed. 6 months will be nothing to the truck.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Area
I just noticed you're in Alaska. I would definitely use the trickle charger, or move the battery inside. In the cold, condensate is more of a problem, but otherwise rusting is slowed, so I might lean toward letting it sit as others suggested.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
I too would let it sit. Put it on jackstands to keep the tires from flat spotting in those cold temps. Add sta-bil as per the recommended dosage on the bottle( you should have a 25 gal tank) then fill the tank completely. This will keep condensation from forming in the tank. Remove the battery indoors until you return and everything should be fine.
Just giver it an oil change when you return and it will be ready to drive after you reinstall the battery and remove the jackstands.
Jimmy
Just giver it an oil change when you return and it will be ready to drive after you reinstall the battery and remove the jackstands.
Jimmy
