Snowmobile season is coming to an end (sign!). This means it’s time for snowmobile storage. To help keep your snowmobile in tip top shape in the off season, we’ve compiled some core tips for snowmobile storage.
1. Location, Location, Location
Although snowmobiles are meant to be used in the outdoors (and in some pretty chilly winter conditions), it isn’t the best place to store them during the off season. The excess humidity and moisture can damage your snowmobile. A dry place indoors is the best place to keep them over the spring, summer and fall seasons when they are not in use.
If you have a garage or shed at home with room to spare, those are two great places to store these types of recreational toys. If you do not have the space at home, consider using a self-storage unit.
2. Treat the Fuel
Depending on the type of fuel system your snowmobile has, treating the fuel before storage can be vital in protecting against damage. Using a fuel stabilizer in any snowmobile is a good idea, as they are designed to reduce the eventual evaporation of solvents that make gasoline volatile. If you have a fuel injected engine, the risk of damage without fuel stabilizer tends to be lower than those with a carburetor (as they tend to experience the downsides of corrosion more frequently).
To ensure you purchase the right fuel stabilizer, always reference your owner’s manual, or visit the manufacturer’s website. And once you have purchased the right fuel stabilizer, always follow the directions quantity and application, and take the time to run it through the system for a few minutes to cover your bases.
3. Prepare the Metal & Bodywork
As with all vehicle storage, motorcycle storage and recreational equipment storage, it is best to give your snowmobile a good wash before putting it away for the season. Why? Snowmobiles can often have a build-up of grime and salt from trails, roads and from transporting them via trailers. The salt, if not removed, can be corrosive.
To protect the metal, you can spray a lightweight oil like WD-40 to give it a protective barrier and prevent rust too.
4. Remove the Battery
Batteries do not tend to do well with drastic temperature changes, and with the high cost of powersports batteries, it’s common practice to remove your battery and set it up on a trickle charger during the off season. Storing the battery in a garage, or inside your house, will help protect it and prolong its life so it’s ready for next season.
5. Protective Cover
Once you have prepared your snowmobile for storage, a soft cover is the best way to keep it protected over the next 6-8 months. Make sure that the snowmobile is completely dry before covering it, and check that there is still airflow in case there is any lingering moisture in the air - remember from #1 above, moisture and humidity are not kind to a snowmobile during storage friend).
Depending on where you are keeping your snowmobile in the off season, it may also be prudent to protect from rodents by placing mothballs under the cover or putting chicken wire over the exhaust and intake. Better safe than sorry!
Storage Solutions offers drive up self-storage units (and wide aisles) that make storing snowmobiles easy, and convenient. You can pull your trailer right up to the doors or drive your snowmobile directly inside using our ramps.
If you’re interested in storing your snowmobile with us over the spring, summer and fall, we encourage you to take a virtual tour of our Milton self storage and Woodstock self storage facilities and the variety of different sized storage units we have for rent. We’re confident we have a storage rental that fits your snowmobile storage needs!
If you’re not sure what size storage unit you need, we can help you figure that out via phone, text or email. We’re always here to help make storage easy.
If you're ready to rent a storage unit, you can rent 24/7 online right through our website. We make it that fast, easy and convenient.
For self-storage tips, tricks & advice (or a good laugh), make sure you check out our blog regularly and like or follow us on Instagram & Facebook.
Your friend in self-storage,
Storage Solutions