Archives for posts tagged Vehicle Storage

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage

All summer long, you have enjoyed going out on the water in your boat. But, with winter quickly approaching, its time to prepare your boat for storage until next summer. Preparing your boat for winter storage involves a lot more than pulling it out of the water and putting in your backyard. Any boat with a motorized engine needs protection so that it can survive the temperature and be ready to use again. Total Storage’s boat storage facility comes in quite handy when storing your boat during the offseason. However, there are steps you should take before you put your boat away for the next few months. Follow the tips below to ensure your boat is ready to be stored this winter.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Oil and Coolant System

The first steps are to change your oil and refresh the coolant. Water or acids that may have gotten into the oil can corrode the engine when the boat is not in use. Change the filter and flush the system to ensure no water remains, adding new oil before the boat is placed in storage.

For the coolant system, drain out the coolant currently inside and flush with water. Use fresh anti-freeze, making sure you dilute it as needed. By completing these simple changes, you’re ensuring that portions of your engine will not freeze and be protected from corrosion.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Protect your Battery

When you’re ready to put your boat into storage, remove the battery from your boat. This will prevent your battery from freezing – as once the battery freezes, it’s usually non-recoverable. Take your battery and store it in a warm, dry place within your home – or if you rent a climate controlled storage unit, store it there.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Engine and Steering

There are steps that also need to be taken to ensure the engine and steering system will work properly when you get the boat back out in the summer months. The engine needs to be sprayed with fogging oil within the carburetor and the spark plug holes. The manual or a trained engine mechanic should be consulted for this process. Moving parts of the engine need to be protected during the cold winter months.

The mechanisms involving the control and steering of the boat also need to be considered. By greasing these components, they stay at the ready, moving with ease once the boat is back out on the open water.

Preparing Your Boat for Winter Storage – Quality Storage

One of the smartest decisions you can make is by storing your boat in a safe and quality environment. At Total Storage, there is plenty of room for boats to be stored. We have limited temperature controlled storage units, so make sure you call and reserve your unit asap. Having the benefit of a climate controlled storage unit will give you the best chance your boat remains in good condition during the harsh winter season. Next year, you’ll just have to pick up your boat when summer arrives to get out on the water quickly!

In addition to our climate controlled storage unit options, we have outdoor parking options. This allows you more space on your property and driveway during the winter.

For more information on our storage unit options – contact us at 204-832-8181. Alternatively, visit our website to learn more about the storage unit options which can fit your needs.

Prepare your Snowmobile for Summer Storage

Once winter is over, spring arrives, and summer is right around the corner. Any tools or machinery used in the winter months will need to be stored. If you enjoy using a snowmobile for fun or work around the home, it’s likely time to put the machine to rest for the summer (if you haven’t already!). Knowing the right way to prepare your snowmobile for summer storage will ensure it’s ready to function when winter arrives once again.

Cleaning the Snowmobile

The first step you need to take is to wash and wax your snowmobile. As the snow begins to melt, a snowmobile can easily get dirty with mud, plus any road salt that may be present. You want to clean your unit before you store the snowmobile so that you do not have any corrosion of the parts or paint. Use warm soapy water with a sponge to ensure the snowmobile is clean before it’s placed in storage.

Maintenance

The next step is to keep the fuel system of the snowmobile properly maintained. For a fuel-injected system, fill the tank and then use a fuel stabiliser to prevent the breakdown of gasoline solvents. If the solvents break down, it can create corrosion within the carburettor. Run the engine for a short time before the sled is stored for maximum efficiency.

Prevent Rust

A snowmobile can be subject to rusting so taking preventative measures is key. Add grease to any areas where grease fittings exist. Use a lightweight oil like WD-40 to grease nuts, bolts, suspension rails, etc. After storing, use a degreaser to remove any oily residue before going for a ride.

Removing the Battery

The battery of your snowmobile needs to be removed and stored in an area where the temperature can be controlled. If you are using a storage unit with climate control, the battery can remain in place. If not, be sure to remove the battery and then charge it once a month with a small charger to keep it in good condition.

One of the best ways to store a snowmobile is to use a storage unit. With climate control and security measures in place, you are easily able to store your vehicle safely; and because you’ve already done the proper prep, once winter arrives, you’re ready to get on the trails sooner. With climate controlled storage, like what is provided by Total Storage, your snowmobile will remain safe, and in excellent condition.

Prepare your RV for Summer

Travel Trailer Camping Prep - Total Storage Ltd. - Business Storage Spring is just around the corner, and soon another Winnipeg winter will be behind us. You are probably longing for your first long weekend trip in your RV or maybe even sooner. Just as you prepared your RV for winter, you too should prepare your RV for the season ahead.

Here are 12 tips for preparing your RV for summer

Open all doors and windows and vents of your RV to air it out.
Open the awning and check for mold. Rinse it down and air it out, and check that it opens freely and all springs are working.
Remove any covers you have put over vents and openings.
Carefully check the entire RV for any critters or signs of critters that may have bypassed your winterizing efforts.
Check your mattresses for mold or mildew and place dryer sheets under the mattresses to prevent mice. They don’t like the smell.
Check all the batteries well. Reinstall batteries that you removed from your RV and if you didn’t remove them, they must be checked thoroughly. Have a professional do load tests and if any batteries need to be replaced in a battery bank, make certain that they are all new. Do not replace a new battery with older ones.
Place new batteries in your smoke detectors and check that your fire extinguishers are full.
Check for any leaks that may have occurred during the winter. Be vigilant and check everywhere.
Check all caulking both inside and out and replace anywhere that looks the least bit compromised. Even the smallest crack can cause major leaks later on.
Check all hoses and valves. This includes your waste tank hoses, dump valves, and all gas valves.
Have your engine checked; make sure that all fluids are topped up.
Check your tires! Don’t just add air. Do a thorough inspection for any wear and tear.

Preparing your RV properly for each season will keep you safe and give your vehicle a much longer life.

Happy camping this summer!

12 Tips for Storing Your RV This Winter

As the summer draws to a close it is soon time to think of storing your RV for winter. These tips will help keep your RV in top condition so you can spend less time preparing it next spring and get you on the road sooner.

Clean the inside of your RV well. Make certain that all counters and spaces are cleaned of crumbs. Vacuum all cushions and strip mattresses.
Remove all clothing, blankets and linens to keep bugs out.
Empty the cupboards of all food and make certain cupboards are fully cleaned.
Defrost and clean the fridge and freezer. Make certain that the door of the fridge is propped open while the RV is stored.
Winterize all the plumbing in your RV. Follow instructions carefully and do it properly. Improper preparation can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your RV water system.
Cover all exhaust vents and openings with cardboard and tinfoil. Animals will take any opportunity to make their way in to the smallest of openings.
Check for any other areas an animal may be able to make home. This includes the chassis. You can purchase sealant at any RV store to cover exposed seams
Cover A/C vent on the roof. You can purchase one at any RV supply store.
Remove 12 volt battery and store in a warm dry place. If you cannot remove it make certain that water levels are topped up and all cables are unplugged.
Fill propane tanks. Half empty tanks will dissipate faster in cold weather. If you have removable tanks do not store them in the RV. Store them in a separate place.
Winterize your car engine. Fill the gas tank and always use a fuel stabilizer. Make certain brake fluid is topped up and the radiator is topped up with antifreeze.
Clean the exterior and undercarriage of your vehicle and fill the tires before storing.

With proper preparation for storing your RV over the winter, you can avoid costly expenses and stress and have your vehicle ready to enjoy the first long weekend of spring.