Since gas prices are going nowhere but upwards, and also the fact that I now work at home most of the time, plus factor in that the Aero won't be needed for it's main purpose for a while - to tow our tent trailer...I've yanked the insurance off of it, and will be letting it sit for a few months at a time, putting a temporary permit on it maybe every 3 months and giving it a 30 minute run somewhere.

I read in the Ranger part of the forum a thread that had good tips that I'll use (remove the battery, I've already topped up the fuel tank prior to putting it in Park) but I'm wondering if anyone else had anything to offer? It'll unfortunately be outside but in-between 2 carports at our Townhouse, so it will be semi-sheltered from the wind and any major storms. Taking off the wheels isn't an option - our Strata wouldn't permit that.

Insurance for it is about $1200 per year, and a temporary permit, if I did it every month (like I'd like to) would probably $100 per month...so I'll have to make it every 2 or 3 months to realize any savings!

Any other suggestions? Thanks in Advance.

 

set it on car stands 2 front 2 rear under frame
takes weight off tires

good buffer wax. no carwash spray on goop

spray the neoprene foam door seals and key locks with silicone spray

add StaBil to the gas to prevent fuel breakdown

change engine oil to fresh. used oil has corrosive components.

fog the engine thru the TB with a spray fogging oil from marine store

don't run the engine for short periods during setting time, worse than letting set. builds up unburnt fuel and corrosives in oil. if ran, take out on road at 50 mph+ for at least 10 miles to bring up to temp.

if you can run a 120v AC cord to the van, put a small space heater in the back and set on low on the thermostat

mine sets for 1 week to 1 month now between use.

shop around for short term insurance.
on my 96 with 300/500k liability no collision is less than $300 a yr.

 

If you want to protect the finish, you might consider this: Apply a good paste wax, but don't polish it off. A thick layer of waxy residue does wonders at protection. I had some on the top of my van that I parked outside for about 2 years, and the top looked great after I polish it off, just to re-apply again.

 

I addition to what has been mentioned; since it will be outside, I recommend that you get a cover. A good one will breath while protecting it from the elements. At a minimum, tarp it and get some wheel covers from Harbor Freight.

 

start engine every 4-6 weeks and drive around subdivision to let all gears engage.

 

One of the biggest things to worry about is rodent damage, it has happened to me....
I hear that 'irish spring' bar soap will keep them out of the interior..if they get in, and eventually they will, your wiring will be riuned, they eat the insulation. So, place a combination of sticky mouse traps, poison, and several bars of the soap inside, and under the hood..triple threat.
Another old but very effective trick is to smear cheap grease all around the bottom 1/3 or 1/2 of your tires, and then place a band running around the greasy tire of coarse steel wool.
This keeps them off the car to begin with ( i had an electrical fire under my dash, caused by a nesting mouse-beware)
I have discovered the best paint protectant--it is called "rejex". Not a silicone or a wax,
I am using it now after trying most everything, beads like crazy IF you apply it according to directions (no sun, under 85f, cure for a while before exposure, etc.)
If you use a cover, make sure to cinch it down so that the wind does not make it flap around, that will cause total loss of paint from the thousands of tiny abrasions that will occur if it moves a lot...this happened to me, also..the 'edges' of my mustang were literally polished metal after 1 summer....be careful, and learn from my mistake!

 

Great suggestions, guys - thanks. A trip to the auto supply store is in order this weekend...

As for the insurance, that's what my wife does for a living...she's an insurance broker who gets the cheapest insurance for people, so I'm well covered on that!