ATV Storage Tips: Preparing for Off-Season

How should you store an ATV for the off-season?

Clean your ATV thoroughly, prepare the fuel and fluids, protect the battery and tires, cover the vehicle with a breathable cover, and choose a dry, secure storage location. Proper ATV storage can help protect against rust, battery drain, tire damage, and weather-related wear while keeping your four-wheeler ready for the next riding season.

Whether you’re storing your ATV for a few months or a year or longer, these steps can help protect your investment.

ATV Storage: Key Takeaways

• Clean and dry your ATV before putting it into storage to remove mud, dirt, grass, and moisture.
• Add fuel stabilizer if your ATV will sit for an extended period.
• Disconnect or remove the battery to reduce the risk of battery drain.
• Protect the tires by using blocks or jack stands when appropriate.
• Use a breathable cover instead of plastic, which can trap condensation.
• Store riding gear such as helmets, gloves, and boots in labeled containers.
• Consider indoor storage for greater protection from rain, snow, sunlight, and other outdoor elements.
• Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer-specific recommendations before long-term storage.

Step 1: Clean and Prepare Your ATV

Before storing your ATV, give it a thorough cleaning and complete any routine maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.

Wash and Dry Your ATV

Mud, dirt, grass, and other debris can retain moisture against metal surfaces and contribute to corrosion. Wash the frame, wheels, tires, and undercarriage, then allow the ATV to dry completely before covering it.

Check the Oil and Coolant

Follow your ATV manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for oil and coolant. If an oil change is due, completing it before storage can help ensure the engine is sitting with fresh oil during the off-season.

Fill the Fuel Tank and Add Stabilizer

Gasoline can degrade during extended storage. If your owner’s manual recommends it, fill the tank with fresh fuel and add the appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer according to the product directions. Run the engine as directed so the treated fuel circulates through the fuel system.

Disconnect or Remove the Battery

An ATV battery can lose charge while sitting unused. Disconnecting the battery or removing it for proper maintenance can help prevent a dead battery when riding season returns.

Important: Spare or loose batteries cannot be stored separately in your storage unit. Check your storage facility’s rules before bringing additional batteries.

Step 2: Choose Indoor or Outdoor ATV Storage

The best ATV storage option depends on your budget, accessibility needs, and the level of protection you want.

What Size Storage Unit Do You Need for an ATV?

A 10×15 or 10×20 storage unit may provide enough space for an ATV along with riding gear, tools, and other equipment, depending on the ATV’s dimensions and the amount of additional storage you need.

Always measure your ATV, including any accessories, before renting a storage unit.

Step 3: Protect Your ATV Tires and Gear

ATV tires can develop flat spots when a vehicle remains stationary for an extended period.

• Use manufacturer-approved jack stands or blocks when appropriate to reduce the load on the tires.
• Check tire pressure before storage and again before riding.
• If you cannot elevate the ATV, periodically repositioning it can help avoid keeping the same section of each tire under pressure.
• Store helmets, gloves, boots, tools, and other riding equipment in labeled storage bins.
• Keep gear clean and completely dry before packing it away.

Safety tip: If you elevate your ATV, use equipment rated for the vehicle’s weight and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe support.

Step 4: Cover Your ATV Properly

A cover helps protect your ATV from dust and debris while it is in storage.

Choose a breathable ATV cover or heavy-duty fabric cover that fits properly. Avoid wrapping the vehicle tightly in non-breathable plastic, which can trap moisture and condensation.

Before covering your ATV, make sure it is completely dry.

Step 5: Prepare an ATV for Long-Term Storage

Storing an ATV for a year or longer may require additional preparation. Check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s long-term storage recommendations.

Depending on your ATV, you may want to:

• Lubricate the chain and other manufacturer-recommended moving parts.
• Protect exposed metal surfaces from corrosion using an appropriate lubricant.
• Take steps to prevent insects or rodents from entering the exhaust or air intake.
• Keep a written checklist of anything that needs to be reversed before riding.

Important: If you use plugs or cloth to keep pests out, remove them before starting the ATV.

Indoor vs. Outdoor ATV Storage: Which Is Better?

Indoor ATV storage generally provides more protection from weather and environmental exposure, while outdoor storage can be a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Choose indoor storage if you want greater protection from rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature-related exposure. Outdoor storage may work well when convenience and cost are the priorities, provided the ATV is covered appropriately, and the facility permits the type of vehicle you’re storing.

ATV Storage Checklist

Before closing the door or leaving your ATV in an outdoor storage space, make sure you have:

• Washed and completely dried the ATV
• Checked oil, coolant, and other required fluids
• Added fuel stabilizer if recommended for your storage period
• Prepared and disconnected the battery as recommended
• Checked tire pressure
• Protected the tires as appropriate
• Lubricated applicable moving parts
• Covered the ATV with a breathable cover
• Organized helmets, boots, tools, and accessories
• Removed any exhaust or air-intake plugs before riding

FAQs

Can I store an ATV in a storage unit?

Yes, an ATV may be stored in a storage unit when the facility permits it, and the unit is large enough. Check the facility’s vehicle-storage policies and measure your ATV before selecting a unit.

What size storage unit do I need for an ATV?

A 10×15 or 10×20 unit may accommodate an ATV and additional riding equipment, depending on the ATV’s dimensions and what else you plan to store.

Should I cover my ATV in a storage unit?

Yes. A breathable ATV cover can help protect against dust and debris. Avoid non-breathable plastic coverings that can trap condensation.

Should I drain the gas from my ATV before storage?

Follow your ATV manufacturer’s instructions. Fuel-storage recommendations can vary by model. For extended storage, manufacturers commonly provide specific guidance on fuel stabilization, draining, or both.

How do I prevent ATV tires from getting flat spots?

Follow the manufacturer’s storage recommendations and consider supporting the ATV with properly rated stands or blocks when appropriate. Checking tire pressure before and after storage is also important.

Should I remove the ATV battery for storage?

Disconnecting or removing the battery can help prevent battery drain during extended storage. Follow the battery and ATV manufacturer’s instructions for storage and charging.

How long can an ATV be stored?

An ATV can be stored for months or longer with proper preparation and periodic maintenance. For storage lasting a year or more, follow the manufacturer’s long-term storage procedures.

Get Your ATV Ready for Its Next Adventure

A few simple storage steps can help protect your ATV during the off-season. Clean and dry it, prepare the fuel and battery, protect the tires, and keep it covered in a suitable storage location.

With the right preparation, your ATV can be protected during the off-season and ready for the trails when riding season returns.