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Recreational Vehicle and ATV Winter Storage

You’ve ridden over hills, through valleys and along country roads on your ATV, motorcycle, or moped. Now, it’s time to return the favor and set aside an afternoon to make sure your recreational vehicle will be properly stored over the winter. Here’s how to get the job done.

Recreational Vehicle and ATV Storage: What to Do First

Dust, bugs, and dirt should all be taken care of. Get a bucket of soapy water and a scratch-free sponge and clean everywhere you can. Rinse your vehicle with a hose and dry it with a soft cloth. Add a coat of wax to keep everything looking good.

Next: Maintain the Fuel System

For fuel-injected recreational vehicles, you should fill up the gas tank to prevent condensation from forming and add a bit of stabilizer, which prevents the solvents in fuel from breaking down and corroding the carburetor. If your vehicle is not a carbureted model, you’ll want to simply drain the fuel tank.

Don’t Forget the Coolant

Make sure the coolant is filled. If it’s more than two years old, go ahead and empty it and add new coolant. Make sure your coolant has anti-freeze protection.

Then: Fog the Engine

First, remove your air filter. Then, start the engine and spray the fogging oil directly into the intake. Make sure to do this step in a well-ventilated area.

Lubricate, Lubricate, Lubricate

Lubricate anything that could corrode over a long winter, including chains, sprockets, cables, and lug nuts.

Take Care of the Battery

Remove the battery, charge it, and put it somewhere where it won’t freeze for the winter. Another option is to use a battery tender, which uses smart technology to monitor the charge.

Finish the Job

Inflate your tires and then make sure your vehicle is not sitting on a concrete floor all winter long. You could use blocks to lift it off the ground or just place your vehicle on cardboard or even a scrap of carpet. Finally, cover with a tarp and dream of spring.

ATV Storage and StorageMart

A garage is a good place to keep your ATV or recreational vehicle, but if you find that space in yours is getting tight, a self storage unit might be a great solution.

At StorageMart, we offer clean, well-lit self storage units in a variety of sizes—all of which can be rented on a month-to-month basis. Need more info? Check out our storage unit guide or rent a unit online today.