winter storage

[doublekrossd]

So I'm looking for some opinion on storing my car this year. I'm in Michigan, so it's gotta go to bed for a couple months, sucks I know...
I have 2 options,

1'st is an indoor non climate controlled storage unit where I know for a fact the floor sweats like a whore in church when early spring comes around.

2'nd is in my car hauler that has no leaks, a couple vents to stabilize humidity I would think, and a waterproof cover to further protect it. But the whole thing would be outside all winter.

I wouldn't think the cold temps would hurt anything in the car but the sweating floor in spring may not be good, besides the unit isn't heated at all. Any thoughts?

 

[Fran Blacker]

That sweat floor is a no go for me.

 

[67belvedere/225]

pay to store it properly , it s cheaper

 

[747mopar]

I vote car hauler, being elevated helps tremendously. To many of you guys way overthink the whole winter storage thing, keep it dry, sealed from rodents, treat the fuel, and call it quits. These cars sat outside in the rain, snow, freezing temps and everything else just like any other car so it's not a big deal. I would recommend starting it periodically bringing it up to operating temperature. Also wouldn't hurt to keep the battery where it's warm, cold weather takes a toll on batteries especially if they get low on charge.

My personal preference is don't put them away for the winter... completely. I'm in Ohio so much of the same but everytime we get a break where the rain has washed the roads and it's dry I get mine out for a short cruise.

 

[metaldad]

mine is stored in a heated garage (42, higher when im hiding from metalmom)
washed, cleaned, waxed, covered
a variable timed ceiling fan to stir the air (new this year)
roof vents closed
multiple baited mouse traps and glue boards
full tank treated with stabil
i run it to operating temp, + 20 minutes, every 3-4 weeks.
crank it a little, every week, to change which valve spring is compressed
im limited to drive time due to the plates, and the insurance hinges on that

 

[GetX'd]

I vote for the trailer too. Inexpensive, dry, close by, accessible. A sweating floor is asking for problems - if it’s free well then .......

 

[Fran Blacker]

Don't how well they work.

http://www.rhinoshelters.com/vehicle-storage-protection/41-car-pocket.html

 

[HEMI-ITIS]

Trailer if those are the only choices,but MUST be secure so it can't be stolen!!

 

[gtxracer]

My GTX sits in the shop with a propane heater that keeps the temp at 45 degrees. I still use a low watt RV heater inside the car that provides a small amount of heat. If you store inside an enclosed trailer, I would use one of these small heaters as well. My thoughts..

 

[VANDAN]

I'm just East of Buffalo,NY, so we get the "Full Shot" of Winter. I use a "Car Jacket" on the restored cars, and they seem to work very well. I believe they are sold by a couple out of MI, so you may want to check these out. I usually prep & clean the whole car, open the bag, drive the car onto it, lift & block up to take the full weight off the suspension, cover after cool down, fresh desiccant to grab any moisture, and zip the bag shut. My storage isn't heated, so this seems to work real well, and have been using it for years. When Spring arrives, I can usually unwrap the cars, and head right out to a cruise or show, without any effort. I'm sure they have a website, and covers to fit most types of vehicles. PM me if you can't find the site, and I'll take a look for it...

 

[Don selleck]

I'm just East of Buffalo,NY, so we get the "Full Shot" of Winter. I use a "Car Jacket" on the restored cars, and they seem to work very well. I believe they are sold by a couple out of MI, so you may want to check these out. I usually prep & clean the whole car, open the bag, drive the car onto it, lift & block up to take the full weight off the suspension, cover after cool down, fresh desiccant to grab any moisture, and zip the bag shut. My storage isn't heated, so this seems to work real well, and have been using it for years. When Spring arrives, I can usually unwrap the cars, and head right out to a cruise or show, without any effort. I'm sure they have a website, and covers to fit most types of vehicles. PM me if you can't find the site, and I'll take a look for it...

I just looked that up great idea!

 

[Ranger16]

I vote for #2. The cold is not going to hurt anything.

 

[Steve009]

From my experience cold doesn’t hurt anything, moisture does. We all store are cars here in Ottawa, Canada, and mostly in non-heated garages. I’ve seen a few guys do it in non-vented areas and the moisture will flash rust things and also sometimes ruins interiors. Add a bottle of stable, disconnect the battery, call it a day with the the car hauler if that is your options. But beware of rodents! They will destroy all!

 

[747mopar]

I've pointed this out in other threads but it's worth repeatng although not a simple cure to rodents. Knowing rodents could be a problem I scowered the whole car during the build looking for an access hole, I believe the cowl drains under the front fenders are the the only entrance. Since mine was apart I installed screens over them and have never had a rodent. For you guys with complete cars shut the vents, that will at least keep them out of the ductwork. I'd also think about a deterrent in the cowl area.

 

[doublekrossd]

I think I'll probably go with that bag idea in the trailer. I think it'll work best for me. I really didn't like how the floor sweated so much last year in the storage unit. Seems like we just got the car out a couple days ago and now here we are getting ready to winterize and store it again. What a bummer! Thanks for all the opinions guys! This site is a huge wealth of knowledge again.

 

[71_Duster]

My Dad doesn't have a garage even. His 69' Merc Cyclone has been in his car trailer for over a years as he's been sick.

Dry, no mice and he has a hitch lock and a wheel lock on it and no problems. Prior to the car hauler he had one of those tent garage tyoe buildings. You get what you pay for. If your not spending a few grand on the ones like farmers use and are in an area that gets snow save your money. Dad had one first and constantly having to sweep snow off the roof so it couldnt collapse. Thing was falling apart after 2 years.

 

[VANDAN]

I think I'll probably go with that bag idea in the trailer. I think it'll work best for me. I really didn't like how the floor sweated so much last year in the storage unit. Seems like we just got the car out a couple days ago and now here we are getting ready to winterize and store it again. What a bummer! Thanks for all the opinions guys! This site is a huge wealth of knowledge again.

Just to add, I usually place a generous amount of the "Fresh" smelling dryer sheets, in all the sections of the cars, and have never had an issue with mice. If your trailer is outside, and you have any concern about vermin, Use the dryer sheets inside the Car Jacket, and get some moth balls to place around the floor inside the trailer after the car is sealed up. Just place them in plastic cups or bowls around the inside of the trailer, and that should deter entry from any unwanted guests. EASY clean up, and air out when you open it up for the Spring, and the car should have NO SCENT of moth balls either...

 

[racerkilla]

I would say car capsule. I have read great reviews. I have mine in a gravel floor car port with enclosed doors. Today the other car in the car port had sweat on the chrome/aluminum from the weather. My cuda in the bubble had moisture on the outside of the bubble but inside looked 100 percent dry with out a drop on any chrome or aluminum I could see.

 

[twecomm]

For many years now, I rent an un heated 10x20 ft. storage unit from Nov. 1 thru March 31. Not some big chain company, but it's on a heavily traveled road and regularly patrolled by the local cops. Since it seems I want to drive it every nice day I can, I usually end up putting it away for hibernation about mid to late Nov. Since I can choose from many available rental units in the complex I use, I always look them over and make sure there are no voids inside and roll up door closes fully so there are no places for critters to get in. I also get a dozen bars of Irish Spring soap and put them inside the car. Roll up windows, lock doors, disconnect battery and put a cover on, thats it. On the concrete floor, I put down a 10x20 heavy blue tarp as a vapor barrier of sorts before I pull in. They are cheap at Harbor Freight. Would never put in a place that had floors that sweat.. Already a 50/50 mix on the coolant, so good there. I also store it with a 3/4 full tank of gas with stabilizer added. Never had any issues..

 

[mmissile]

Just to add, I usually place a generous amount of the "Fresh" smelling dryer sheets, in all the sections of the cars, and have never had an issue with mice. If your trailer is outside, and you have any concern about vermin, Use the dryer sheets inside the Car Jacket, and get some moth balls to place around the floor inside the trailer after the car is sealed up. Just place them in plastic cups or bowls around the inside of the trailer, and that should deter entry from any unwanted guests. EASY clean up, and air out when you open it up for the Spring, and the car should have NO SCENT of moth balls either...

Our mice make nests outta dryer sheets. They are warm, and smell nice. I spread a whole box of mothballs around the garage floor, for the winter. Glue strips and manual traps are also set. I may get one or two over the winter, and we have farming behind our property.....so I think it works well.