Tips

When looking for car, boat, or RV storage, the first thing to consider is location. Where will you store your vehicle? You need a parking solution that is convenient, affordable, and reliable.

At Teton Valley Storage, we offer uncovered, covered, and enclosed vehicle storage options to suit your needs. Our knowledgeable representatives are here to help you explore your options and answer any questions you may have.

To help you get started, here are some key tips to help you keep your vehicles looking and performing like new!

Vehicle Storage

It doesn’t matter if you’re storing your everyday vehicle or a work truck, we have the reliable, budget-friendly storage that you need. With flexible monthly storage options, you don’t have to worry about a long-term commitment, and 365-day access enables you to pick up your vehicle at your convenience.

If you’re not going to store the vehicle inside, you should consider doing all of these things. If you have it fully enclosed, you might want to do some of these things:

  • Lay plastic sheeting or tarps on a concrete floor to create a vapor barrier.
  • Remove the spark plugs and spray oil into the cylinders to prevent corrosion. Turn the crankshaft about 4 to 6 times to circulate the oil. Reinstall the spark plugs and reconnect the plug wires.
  • Disconnect the battery cables and remove the battery. Clean the top and sides and remove any moisture-retaining, conductive film. Place it on a clean, dry surface and connect a float charger to maintain a battery charge for long periods. Inspect the battery box for corrosion.
  • Flush the old brake fluid and replace with new fluid. Your car may require silicone fluid to prevent moisture absorption.
  • Check the freeze point of the engine coolant with a hydrometer to make sure it’s low enough for the ambient temperatures.
  • To protect from rodents, stuff aluminum foil into the tailpipe, engine air intake, and the fresh air intake in front of the windshield.
  • If the vehicle is left longer than six months, consider flat-spotting the tires. Jack up each end of the vehicle so that it’s high enough to slip a jack stand under each lower arm.
  • Stuff clean rags between the wiper arms and windshield so that the wipers don’t stick to the windshield. Apply a film of rubber lubricant to the squeegees.
  • Cover your vehicle with a breathable, custom fit cover that extends over the wheel wells.

Boat Storage

There is more to storing your boat than pulling it out of the water and hauling it to your storage facility. You need a dependable, secure facility that will make boat storage easy and convenient. To protect your boat from the elements and avoid expensive repairs and unnecessary maintenance, consider the following tips.

  • You’ll probably be storing your boat for an entire season. You want it clean and free of last summer’s trash when you are ready to put it in the water next summer.
  • Condensation can form in an empty gas tank, causing corrosion or worse if the moisture freezes. A fuel stabilizer will prevent this from happening, and your fuel will be ready to go when you are.
  • Water or acids that have gotten into your oil can corrode the engine. Change the filter and flush it out so that no water remains. Then, add new oil
  • Drain the current coolant, flush with water, and fill with fresh antifreeze. Make sure you’ve diluted the antifreeze to specification. This will protect your engine from freezing and corrosion.
  • Don’t allow your battery to drain over the winter. Disconnect it and top it off with distilled water. Charge it periodically to make sure it’s ready to go when you hook it back up to your boat.
  • Grease the steering and control mechanisms so that they will be moving smoothly when it’s time to take the boat out again.
  • Before storing your boat, loosen or remove the drive belts. They may crack under the stress of being kept under tension for long periods of time.
  • If you have electronics in your boat, they are vulnerable to extreme cold and moisture. Remove them prior to storage. Leather, canvas, and any other organic fabrics should be removed to prevent mold and mildew. Empty the water tanks and run antifreeze through the pipes.
  • Cover the body of your boat with wax. This will prevent rust from corroding your boat’s body and is particularly important if you are storing your boat outside.
  • Even if your boat is parked in interior storage, a cover will protect your boat from dirt, dust, grime, and moisture.

RV Storage

Leaving your RV in your driveway is not the best option. Not only do you have the inconvenience of having to maneuver around it to park your cars, but your HOA may have rules against parking oversized vehicles

Keep your “home away from home” ready for the next adventure with the following tips.

  • Drain the fresh water holding tanks as well as the black and gray holding tanks.
  • Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. Caution: Do not drain when the water is hot!
  • This seems obvious, but even that forgotten bag of unopened chips can attract bugs. In any case, food left for long periods of time will become moldy and/or inedible.
  • Leaving the refrigerator door open prevents stale air and condensation that can ultimately cause mold.
  • To keep your pipes from freezing during frigid weather use RV-approved, non-toxic antifreeze so that you don’t poison your water.
  • Start with the faucet closest to the water pump and slowly open the hot and then the cold valves until the antifreeze appears.
  • Don’t let your RV become a home for pests during an extended storage time.
  • Repair any holes or damage to your roof.
  • If you give your RV a coat of wax prior to storage, it will not only look brighter the next time you’re ready to use it, but you’ll give it an added layer of protection from the weather.