Storing my truck for 6 months

[chevymotocross]

In a few weeks I will be leaving for a deployment. I recently ordered the LMC 38-8820 4 layer cover for the truck.

It will be stored on base outdoors (which is obviously gated and secured), with no trees to worry about which is a huge plus.

I plan to give it one good final wash before covering it.

Should I leave the windows cracked open? Should I disconnect the battery? How much fuel should I leave in the tank? Will be back around November time so atleast it will be out of the elements of the harsh winter.

I won't be able to jack it up to keep weight off the tires so should I air them up to max to prevent flat spots?

Any other tips greatly appreciated!

[Wrecked1982]

i would leave not a lot of fuel in it ,maybe add some fuel conditioner. when youll get back fill it up full it should be fine. disconect batt. check antifreeze density you dont want to have a freeze plug to pop out or worst a cracked head/block. if you cant jack it put wood block beetween the axle and the ground, same with the control arms then deflate the tires. at least tires wont have any weight on them and they will probably deflate anyways.i have never tried it myself bu just tought about it while reading your post.

[andrewmp6]

I would take the battery out and store it in doors on a block of wood.

[rwhit57]

This is what I would do.
Pour some Sta-Bil in the gas
Air the tires up good to normal PSI
Disconnect the batt(maybe remove it)
Put the cover on it and secure it good(a cover blowing can beat a car to death)
Of course as mentioned check antifreeze
6 months is not a terribly long time to sit.

Be safe and Thanks for your service.

[Square_78]

Windows up
Fill the tank and put in fuel stabilzer. Run the truck and drive around for 15 or 20 min to make sure the stabilizer is mixed and in the fuel lines and carb etc.
I wouldnt worry about flat spots on the tires. As rwhit57 says, 6 months is not a long time. If you were storing it for 5 years, then yes I would put it up on blocks.
Make sure the cover is secure and tied down.
Disconnect battery but dont need to remove it unless you are worried it might get stolen.

[Goldfinger]

Put it on blocks so they tires don't have to support the weight of sitting all that time. otherwise you'll end up with rot and flat spots.

[JPalmer81]

its only for 6 months, i think ur going a little over board, put some sta-bil and disconnect the battery and thats it. dont drown yourself in a glass of water my friend. If you were going to be gone for a year or two, then i would take some extra time and make sure things were buttoned up, but for 6 months, that is not that long.

[esbstuff]

You should know... That the military usually has a storage program for vehicles of depolyed personal. I live next to FLW (Fort Leanord Wood) and there is a site here that will store your vehicle at the military's expense. The storage site ( which is bonded, secure and INSIDE ) will start and run your vehicle every 15 days, drive it around the warehouse and keep up on any issues that may come up at that time. Basicly your vehicle is up and running with no problems when you return. I have no idea on who is in charge of this program, but its free and I would look into it.

Originally Posted by chevymotocross

In a few weeks I will be leaving for a deployment. I recently ordered the LMC 38-8820 4 layer cover for the truck.

It will be stored on base outdoors (which is obviously gated and secured), with no trees to worry about which is a huge plus.

I plan to give it one good final wash before covering it.

Should I leave the windows cracked open? Should I disconnect the battery? How much fuel should I leave in the tank? Will be back around November time so atleast it will be out of the elements of the harsh winter.

I won't be able to jack it up to keep weight off the tires so should I air them up to max to prevent flat spots?

Any other tips greatly appreciated!

[Square_78]

I own many vehicles. Some of which i dont drive for 6 months+ at a time. Fuel stabilizer is the only thing I do to them if i know they are going to be sitting. Other than an occasional dead battery, Ive never had a problem. Ive had my 2005 300c srt8 sitting for almost 2 years now. Just fired it up the other day and took it for a drive. No flat spots. Flat spots were a problem with old bias ply tires, but I wouldnt worry about it with todays radial tires.

[78 Big10 454]

I agree with Square 78. I had my 72 'Burb sit for almost three years. Other than to d/c the battery, I did nothing else. Threw some Sta-Bil in the tank, cranked it over and off I went. Six months is a piece of cake.

Good luck with your deployment and THANK YOU for your service.

[ericjon262]

My K20 suburban sat for over a year without starting. no fuel stabilizer, no blocks, no removing the battery. it did have to be jumped off, but it fired and ran fine when I started it, even on the old gas in the carb. all I did to it before starting it was tag it, can add a little oil. 6 months should be cake for your truck.

[motornut]

fill the gas tank,higher test stuff then norm
change the oil
check quality of anti feeze
Pull the batt
i "park" summer stuff from Nov to April,May with no more prep
don't need the batt to move it,key and roll it a few feet
fwd and back if you don't want anybody driving it

[chevymotocross]

Thanks everyone!