Monsterface

I'm putting our 2008 F-150 in the garage for the Winter. It's put up from November to May. This is the first time I've had a vehicle I only use 6 mos of the year. What do I need to do/remember? Thanks guys...Monsterface

kozal01

iTrader: (2)

disconnect the battery or put a battery tender on it.

Monsterface

I had planned to start it up once a week or so just to keep the juices flowing. Which option makes better sense? Thanks....

kozal01

iTrader: (2)

you can do that too but if youre anything like me youll forget to do that regularly and the battery will die. lol thats what always happened to me at least. i picked up a battery tender for about $20 and it works well.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

make sure when you start it up once a week that you let it get to normal running temp.

cowboy

if your not going to start it once a week. Then its pretty much like normal motorcycle storage for the winter. Battery tender or trickle charger as we call them and sta-bil in the gas tank.

Thunderslide

I would not start it once a week. I feel that is actually harder on it. Why? because you start it create a little heat and turn it off. then because it is warm, you get condensation. park it and forget it with a battert tender. how many boats never get started all winter?

CrashTECH

I'd consider parking on carboard or carpet scraps to keep from flat spotting the tires. I am not exactly sure how best to avoid that though.... so that suggestion might not be valid. I know of some people who store their bikes like that.

mattark17

I have a Mustang that I have stored for the last 5 years. I make sure to change the oil. I remove the battery and sta bil the gas. I put dryer sheets in the passenger compartment, trunk and hood to make sure I do not get mice. Make sure it is clean inside and out and then cover it with a fitted car cover. If you put it away clean it will come out clean. I do not put anything under the tires and had never had a problem with them flat spotting.

Then when I take it out I drive it like a grandma for about 50 miles to get the rust off the rotors. Do not park it with the parking brake on it will not release in the spring. After the tank of gas with Sta bil is gone fill it up and run 3 bottles of injector cleaner in the tank and run that as low as I dare. Then drive it like I stole it all summer till with tears it is time to put it a way again.

'08f150stx

First, run the tank low on gas, fill it up and put stabil in the tank and run the engine. Wash it. Change the oil. Put a tarp UNDER the vehicle, that will trap any moisture from coming up from the pavement. Some put the vehicle up on jacks, maybe carpet squares under them would work. Disconnect the battery, don't run the truck if you do not need to. If you take the battery out, do NOT put it on the concrete floor, do disconnect it. I would charge the battery twice while it is not being used, one of them being before you crank 'er up. If indoors, crack the windows and I like the dryer sheet idea. Covering the truck is controversial, Some do and some don't. If your garage is like mine and you have a lot of sawdust or debris, covering is a good idea. Then the windows need to be closed. Use a cover that breaths not a tarp or plastic, as that will trap moisture. Have a great winter!