"Medium Term Storage and Cover Options

[G8RB8_12SR5]

In late summer I'll be going to a new unit in the Bay Area, CA and deploying for 3-4 months (possibly up to 6) at a time. I read this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/106748-long-term-storage.html which was useful but only discussed mainly about storing for 1-2 years.

Should I be looking at doing the same thing as what is suggested for the longer term or is that too extensive for my application?

The vehicle will also be stored outside so I was considering a car cover since the 4Runner is black and the bay area for the most part is pretty sunny. Would this be worthwile or is there a tight fitting option available so wind does cause the cover to flap against the paint and cause damage? or should I just get a good sunshade and cover for the dash and close the moonroof slide. (the one thread that asked about a cover never received a response) Tint will be 10% in the back windows and 25% in the front with a 6" visor when it's all said and done before I leave it.

Thanks in advance

 

[NHinAK]

Covers cause more problems than they prevent. They abrade the clear coat and trap moisture under the cover. They’re fine in a garage to keep the dust off, but, should cautiously be used for long-term storage outside. Wash, clay and seal the vehicle using a premium sealant. This will provide the UV protection that you’re looking for. Cover the windows as required and have someone check on the vehicle to make sure it hasn’t been broken into.

Change the oil, have your tires properly inflated and put Stabil in the fuel tank. Make sure to run the vehicle after adding the Stabil to circulate it though the entire fuel system. Finally, disconnect the battery so it doesn’t die from parasitic draw.
FWIW: I’m currently deployed but have mine in my garage.

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

Covers cause more problems than they prevent. They abrade the clear coat and trap moisture under the cover. They’re fine in a garage to keep the dust off, but, should cautiously be used for long-term storage outside. Wash, clay and seal the vehicle using a premium sealant. This will provide the UV protection that you’re looking for. Cover the windows as required and have someone check on the vehicle to make sure it hasn’t been broken into.

Change the oil, have your tires properly inflated and put Stabil in the fuel tank. Make sure to run the vehicle after adding the Stabil to circulate it though the entire fuel system. Finally, disconnect the battery so it doesn’t die from parasitic draw.
FWIW: I’m currently deployed but have mine in my garage.

Awesome. Thanks for the advice, definitely the direction I was looking for. Sounds much more sensible for shorter term storage. :thanks:

 

[phillyd2]

May also want to consider one of those storage places. A friend mine owns one and the way he tells it the industry is way overbuilt and most are renting short term at reasonable rates. Your area may be different but around here they are all advertising like mad.

 

[Scuba6]

In late summer I'll be going to a new unit in the Bay Area, CA and deploying for 3-4 months (possibly up to 6) at a time.

Each time I deployed, I just rented a 10x20 storage unit right up the street for about $100 a month. I backed my SUV (pre-T4R) into the unit and let a buddy of mine drive it about once a month just to keep things turning over right.

This solution is of course dependant on the prices of such storage units in your area (CA is probably a lot more $$$ than GA), and wether you know anyone in the new area that you'd trust with your keys.

Mine were year long deployments, so your 3-4 month trips should be even easier to handle the truck sitting.

I guess that's a plus of being married now....my T4R is better taken care of during this deployment and is at home in my own garage. :clap2: