Long term storage
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Joined: Jun 2004
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Long term storage
I'm going to be leaving the country for two years while working for the U.S.Army. I may get back state side for one month after being gone for one year. I want to store my 2003 SuperCrew which has 18000 miles on it and has a 5.4L Triton. I'll be using a U-Store it unit. I know about the moth ***** in the engine bay and in the cab and exhust to keep the mice out. Also the gas stablizer. Can you give me any other ideas. Thanks for a great web site. Pete Bolen.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 66
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Definately put it on jack stands, if you are going to be gone that long the tires very well could form flat spots. One thing you should check into though instead of letting the air out, see if there are any shops that fill tires with Nitrogen instead of air. Nitrogen contains very little moisture and does not expand or contract with heat or cold as does air. Moisture degrades the rubber and rusts steel belts inside tires if exposed. Most shops that do this, charge about $50 or so. Say, where do you live, maybe someone could drive it around the block once a week or so.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,821
Likes: 19
From: South Dakota
Welcome to FTE!
What ever you decide to do, make sure that you make a list of the things that you did, and leave it on the front seat of the truck so that you know what you need to undo. Make sure to note locations of items placed, like rat bait, moth *****, etc.
I would reccomend:
1. unhooking the battery
2. jack the truck up using the frame on the front, and the axels on the rear
3. pull the valve cores out of the tires and let all air out, it is best to not have any air at all.
4. replace oil filter and drain crank case, then fill the motor as full of oil as possible.
5. Moth *****, mice and rat bait, and steel wool placed at stratiegic places in vehicle and areas of the storage unit.
6. Wash and wax and a really good vaccuming of interior (want to remove any thing that may attract rodents.
7. Large secitons of card board and plastic under the truck and one large sheet of plastic over the top of said vehicle to keep off the dust and possible bird bombs.
What ever you decide to do, make sure that you make a list of the things that you did, and leave it on the front seat of the truck so that you know what you need to undo. Make sure to note locations of items placed, like rat bait, moth *****, etc.
I would reccomend:
1. unhooking the battery
2. jack the truck up using the frame on the front, and the axels on the rear
3. pull the valve cores out of the tires and let all air out, it is best to not have any air at all.
4. replace oil filter and drain crank case, then fill the motor as full of oil as possible.
5. Moth *****, mice and rat bait, and steel wool placed at stratiegic places in vehicle and areas of the storage unit.
6. Wash and wax and a really good vaccuming of interior (want to remove any thing that may attract rodents.
7. Large secitons of card board and plastic under the truck and one large sheet of plastic over the top of said vehicle to keep off the dust and possible bird bombs.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 12
From: Forest Hill MD
I would be willing to sacrifice by not driving my beat-up 95 and drive yours while your gone 
. Thanks for giving you rtime to the military.
Chris
. Thanks for giving you rtime to the military.Chris
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 335
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don't put plastic on the truck, the paint needs to breathe, get a car cover.
Also raising the truck and leaving it lifed in the air is not a good idea either, it will make the suspension sag.
If you are not concerned with the tires, then just over-inflate them and take you chances with flatspots. Otherwise purchase a junkyard set of spare tires and let them sit on that.
If the truck is indoors I wouldn't worry about rodents too much.
Just change the oil and filter right before you store it with a high quality diesel oil (delvac, or rotella). This meets gas requirements and has a high additive package which is excellent for storage.
Also fill the gas tank up with gas, and add a can of stabil fuel stablizer and leave it be.
Have a good trip and come home safe.
Also raising the truck and leaving it lifed in the air is not a good idea either, it will make the suspension sag.
If you are not concerned with the tires, then just over-inflate them and take you chances with flatspots. Otherwise purchase a junkyard set of spare tires and let them sit on that.
If the truck is indoors I wouldn't worry about rodents too much.
Just change the oil and filter right before you store it with a high quality diesel oil (delvac, or rotella). This meets gas requirements and has a high additive package which is excellent for storage.
Also fill the gas tank up with gas, and add a can of stabil fuel stablizer and leave it be.
Have a good trip and come home safe.
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