Storing the van

[curly head]

When storing the van is it recommended to put on axle stands to stop the tyres from deforming? I won't be moving it for about 6 months

If on axle stands would it be too much weight on the small areas?

Any advice welcome

 

[Steve B]

When storing the van is it recommended to put on axle stands to stop the tyres from deforming? I won't be moving it for about 6 months

If on axle stands would it be too much weight on the small areas?

Any advice welcome

I put chalk marks on my tyres, and move forward or back a quarter each month. On the 5th month, I end up back on the original mark. So only a section of a tyre only gets 4 weeks at a time. That make sense?

Otherwise, axle stands or spare wheels with old worn tyres.

 

[Clem]

Place I used to work specialised in vehicle storage. They reckoned tyre deformation wasn't an issue unless parked for years. I wouldn't stress over a winter period of parking

 

[curly head]

cheers fellas, much appreciated

 

[magoo]

Our daily car tyres are starting to crack due to low mileage, so best to keep driving through the winter!

 

[Grazy]

As long as tyre pressure is correct and no punctures you should be ok

 

[curly head]

they are new tyres so I suppose it should be ok

apart from leaving the handbrake off and putting in a absorption tray thingy any other recommendations?

 

[magoo]

Ours were only about 1-2 years old, proper Goodyear tyres not remoulds or anything and they still started to crack, heading towards an MOT failure if it continues.

 

[Clem]

they are new tyres so I suppose it should be ok

apart from leaving the handbrake off and putting in a absorption tray thingy any other recommendations?

If its indoors then remove the battery, remove any soft furnishings such as bedding that may get damp, take down the curtains in case of mice etc that may eat them! Take out any food or crumbs etc and drain out any water from tanks. Leave windows ajar. Get it nicely dried out before you put it away and make sure its as clean as possible - give it a polish before you store it.

If its kept outside, then keep it aired and ventilated on nice days, open the doors and dry out the door shuts after rain. If you are tempted to start it up or drive it occasionally make sure you get it up to operating temperature so that condensation doesnt rot out your exhaust system.

 

[curly head]

they are new tyres so I suppose it should be ok

apart from leaving the handbrake off and putting in a absorption tray thingy any other recommendations?

If its indoors then remove the battery, remove any soft furnishings such as bedding that may get damp, take down the curtains in case of mice etc that may eat them! Take out any food or crumbs etc and drain out any water from tanks. Leave windows ajar. Get it nicely dried out before you put it away and make sure its as clean as possible - give it a polish before you store it.

If its kept outside, then keep it aired and ventilated on nice days, open the doors and dry out the door shuts after rain. If you are tempted to start it up or drive it occasionally make sure you get it up to operating temperature so that condensation doesnt rot out your exhaust system.

Cheers Clem, good ideas

 

[Steve B]

Full tank of fuel. Cuts down on the vapour and also lowers potential of condensation build up in tank, leading to rust.

Disconnect battery too - less chance of an electrical fire, and stops your battery going flat too.

 

[sparkywig]

I wouldn't store it with a tank full of modern fuel, E10 will corrode steel and rubber if left for months.

 

[Steve B]

I wouldn't store it with a tank full of modern fuel, E10 will corrode steel and rubber if left for months.

Mmmm, fair point. Not really thought of that

Two good sites for anyone else who'd not thought:

http://ttypes.org/ttt2/ethanol-blended-fuels

and

http://www.groups.tr-register.co.uk/wessex/ethanol-update.html

Looks like some Super Unleaded 98RON may contain less E10 or none, if that's still the case?

Cheers Sparkywig

 

[curly head]

I wouldn't store it with a tank full of modern fuel, E10 will corrode steel and rubber if left for months.

Mmmm, fair point. Not really thought of that

Two good sites for anyone else who'd not thought:

http://ttypes.org/ttt2/ethanol-blended-fuels

and

http://www.groups.tr-register.co.uk/wessex/ethanol-update.html

Looks like some Super Unleaded 98RON may contain less E10 or none, if that's still the case?

Cheers Sparkywig

Ha ha ha poor old Essex, looks like Total doesn't t even want to visit!

Not sure now what's best, to drain or not to drain?

Also from a theft risk point of view I think I will remove the wheels after all, might slow the f*ckers down!

 

[Clem]

With regard to the fuel being in there ... unless you thoroughly drain the system then the risk of ethanol damage will always be there. As long as modern rubber hose is used on the van I wouldnt worry unduely.