Long term storage

Hello, I'm in the military and I will be leaving the country for 4 years. I'm currently thinking of leaving my tundra at my parents house, garage not an option so I will be leaving outside. What are some thing you guys would recommend I do. Should I have them drive it from time to time or should I put it on Jack stands? Is it a good idea to let it sit for that long? If I do let it sit for all 4 years, should I drain all fluids?

 

https://www.jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/how-to-store-a-car-long-term

 

I love my Tundra, but I would sell it rather than have a depreciating asset sitting unused for four years. Resale values are insanely high right now. The value of that truck will be much lower in four years.

Thank you for your service!

 

Make sure you get some rodent deterrents if you are letting it sit outside that long.

Stay safe. Thank you for your service.

 

You might be able to get the military to store it indoors for you. I would look into it. Thank you for your service! https://download.militaryonesource.mil/12038/Plan My Move/Shipping-and-Storing-Automobiles.pdf

 

4 years is a long time- really long time. With today’s hot market, I would highly consider selling. There always be Tundras for sale.

If not, you def need a car cover. What is scary is if animals make a nest. You will have to keep it registered and insured. Maybe transfer the car to your parents and let them drive and use it. Ask them to take it out weekly.

If you want store it, do not put it up on jackstands. You want the suspension under load. This can cause the tires to flat spot. Race Ramps sell these little curved ramps that help prevent it. You will wanna change the fluids but not drain. You will want to add fuel stabilizer.

If the truck hasn’t been started in a while, pull the fuel pump fuse/relay and bump the starter a few times. This helps build oil pressure. You will want to pull the battery completely or disconnect the negative cable to prevent it from draining. A trickle charger would be ideal but dunno if that is possible

 

You having a 2017, close to being paid off?? Such a killer truck to sit four years... Been there before during a deployment, but I had a restored a 71 Karma Ghia and decided to put in long term inside/storage bldg... Climate controlled, full tank, battery tender, pest controlled, and with a breathable cover....
If you can afford a bldg storage site, go for it, a good investment for a killer truck and peace of mind... Good luck and thanks for your mission calling. Be safe and safe return home..

 

My family and I Thank you for your service Jose.

 

Indoor rv storage and open containers of moth balls inside the cab, under the hood, and on the floor around the perimeter. Have someone refresh them every 6 months. Remove battery, sell tires. Flush fluids upon return prior to driving. Ask insurance and registration dmv for non usage policy/tags.
Be safe soldier!! Good luck!!!

 

Thank you for your service and be safe.

I’d vote to sell it and invest the money. You should see a decent return on your money in 4 years and you can upgrade.

 

I second this advice…. Cars are a huge depreciating expense… besides in 4 yrs gas could be up to $10/gal…… Then what?..Definitely don’t want an 8 yr old gas guzzler that may need work just to get up and running… Godspeed Brother and be safe.

 

Sell it. Throw the money into Crypto. Buy a brand new 2025 Tundra when you get back.

 

I agree with @NCSkeeter. Its a tough call but it is a seller's market right now with indication it hasn't peaked yet. Unless you've done a ton of custom work to your truck I would probably sell in your situation

If you keep it @frichco228 posted a great link

Keep your powder dry and stay safe warrior.

 

Not true, at least in my state, so it may vary by state. If you notify the DMV that the vehicle won't be used they can basically flag it as inactive so you don't accrue the registration fees. Insurance is a good idea in case of something like a fire/accident, but the registration is worth looking into, especially if you live in a state that rakes you over the coals on cost.

 

To piggy back on this comment call your insurance to let them know of your situation. If you store it, most can keep you covered at a reduced rate since you won't be driving it.

 

best plan ever..lol

OP might be able to get close to one bitcoin with today's used market on Toyotas
OP comes back from deployment in 4 years and now 1 bitcoin worth $200K.
OP jumps in the air and goes on tundras.com to thank @joonbug who is now driving a 2024 Long travel Tundra.

 

If he doesn’t plan to have anyone drive it then yeah- you are correct. I would assume that he would want someone to periodically put her on the road.

Personally- any vehicle I have is insured. That way if something happens- I don’t lose the vehicle with no recourse. Not every home insurance policy will cover vehicle damage under every situation.

Also with catalytic converter theft and leaving it outside - perfect target for a car thief.

 

All good points.


OP, I'd see if your folks are willing to run it on some kind of 30 minute errand once a week, or every other week to keep the kinks worked out. That, or do some hefty research into long term vehicle storage and weight that out against selling. Personally, I love the Tundra and I want it to be my old truck when I'm rattling around in my 70s (should I live that long) so I am biased against the selling option.