We all love our recreational vehicles, but when the seasons change, it’s time to store them away. This applies to:
- Jet skis
- Boats
- Four-wheelers
- And dirt bikes
Most owners put off this chore until the last moment. However, it is vital that you store your pride and joy correctly so that when the weather changes back, they are ready to go.
So, what do you need to remember when storing away your recreational vehicle?
Here’s a general overview of what you need to do.
General Tips For Storing Away Recreational Vehicles
It is essential to ensure that storing away your vehicle/s is done properly. Otherwise, when it comes time to play, the vehicle may need repairs.
Generally, here are the steps to take when storing away any recreational vehicle:
Prepare the Exterior
It’s always important to wash your pride and joy before storing it away. This means washing off dirt, bugs and grime. If you have time, you might want to consider giving it a good wax.
The next step is to inspect it (if you washed your vehicle, you’ve done this) and repair any damage. For vehicles with fibreglass parts, this is a great time to do the repairs to allow the fibreglass to set properly.
Lastly, store your vehicle under a breathable cover designed for it. We suggest parking it away in a covered area as well.
Time for the Interior
Just like the vehicle’s exterior, the inside also needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Make sure to wipe down all the surfaces, vacuum the floors, and ensure there’s no food left behind to attract pests.
As a precaution, you can use pest deterrents like mothballs and you should also seal up any openings.
Make It Mechanically Sound
There’s never a better time to do a mini service on your vehicle than before storing it away. The first task is to change the vehicle’s fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and other liquids, such as transmission oil.
Ensuring that the vehicle has new fluids will help prevent degradation. If you’re storing a vehicle with wheels, make sure to inflate the tyres properly and protect them from the sun.
The last step is to disconnect your vehicle’s battery and connect it to a smart trickle charger to ensure that it is fully charged when it is time to have fun!
Security and Documenting
When storing away your vehicle, make sure it is locked up securely. It might seem like overkill, but also make sure that the vehicle and its trailer are locked.
Before walking away, take a few photos of your vehicle as proof of its condition so that your insurance provider is aware of where it is being stored.
While these are all general tips for storing away your recreational vehicles, there are more specific storage tasks for different machines.
Storing Away A Jet Ski
As mentioned, when planning to store away your jet ski, make sure it is cleaned and covered. You will want to cover it in a tight-fitting and breathable cover to protect your jet ski from the elements.
When storing away a jet ski, drain out any water that is in the hull and engine bay. Leaving this water over the off-season will cause damage to the jet ski. For the jet ski’s fuel system, you’ll want to add some sort of stabilizer. To ensure this additive is circulated throughout the system, run the engine briefly.
Another preparatory step is to lubricate any moving parts and cables. Applying lubrication to these areas will help prevent corrosion from developing.
Finally, all fluids should be replaced with the recommended amounts from the jet ski manufacturer, the battery removed, and the charger connected to a smart trickle charger.
Storing Away A Boat
Like the other vehicles, your boat will require some cleaning, especially if it has been moored for most of the season. When it’s out of the water, you can remove barnacles and algae.
Also, a thorough hull inspection must be conducted, and the required repairs should be done if needed. When you’re ready to store your boat away, make sure to have its cover fitted tightly.
With a larger vehicle, such as a boat, you must remove all valuables. This includes:
- Electronics
- Safety equipment
- And personal items
For bigger boats, you will want to unplug any built-in electronics.
Like the jet ski, you’ll want to add fuel stabilisers and run the engine to circulate the mixture properly. And as with the previous vehicles we’ve mentioned, you should remove your boat’s battery and attach it to a smart trickle charger.
Storing Away A Four Wheeler
Start by removing all excess dirt, mud, and other debris from the four-wheeler. When inspecting the vehicle, make sure to check for any damaged parts or loose bolts, and replace any worn parts.
Any vehicle exposed to motor-cross conditions is bound to take a strain. You’ll also want to:
- Disconnect the battery and attach a trickle charger
- Add fuel stabiliser and circulate it
- Lubricate all moving parts to prevent corrosion
- And lastly, inflate the tyres.
Four-wheelers are easy to steal, so lock it away securely and use additional wheel locks or chains.
While no security solution is 100% theft-proof, making it difficult to steal will encourage criminals to move on.
By following these recreational vehicle storage tips, you can effectively winterise recreational vehicles like jet skis, boats, four-wheelers, and dirt bikes, ensuring they are in great shape when it’s time to hit the road or water again.
If you discover your vehicle’s battery is in poor condition, why not treat yourself to a new one to ensure you’re ready for next year?
