Storage Locations & Solutions to Keep Your ATV Safe, Functional & Appealing

Automotive Articles

Off-roading on an ATV, such as a 3-wheeler or 4-wheeler, has become a popular hobby for many who crave fun and excitement. Of course, your ATV will not be used as a main source of transportation, so you will need to park or store it periodically. While this is common knowledge for most off-road enthusiasts, understanding where and how to store their ATV is a challenge. Using this guide, you will have a better understanding of where to park and store your ATV, keeping keep your investment safe and reliable.

Using Storage Units

If you have a garage, storing your ATV will be simple. Unfortunately, many neighborhoods and subdivisions with HOAs, or Homeowner's Associations, do not allow the parking of lawn care, utility, and recreational vehicles on driveways or streets. Without following your specific HOA's guidelines, you will not only upset your neighbors, but your ATV will be at a higher risk of being towed.

Thankfully, alternative parking and storing options are available. Consider renting a nearby storage unit to specifically park your ATV when it is not in use. Although you will need to pay a monthly or yearly fee, keeping your ATV safe ensures the rental fee is a worthwhile investment.

Loading your ATV onto a utility trailer is key to efficiently moving it to and from various locations and the storage facility. When selecting your unit, make sure to choose a space that not only offers room for both the utility trailer and the ATV.

Most utility trailers are longer and wider than the actual ATV, so measure the trailer properly to ensure you choose a spacious storage unit.

Utilize a facility that offers 24-hour security, but allows you to access your storage using a code or key. This reduces the risk of theft without inhibiting the use of your personal ATV.

ATV Storage Prep

Many owners park their ATVs in storage during long periods of time. If you do not plan on riding your ATV in the winter season, for instance, you may want to consider long term-storage solutions to maintain your off-road vehicle's value, appeal, and function.

Here are a few areas to focus on while prepping your ATV for long term storage:

• Oil—Oil should never sit and become old in your ATV, so make sure to change the oil and filter before parking it in storage.
• Fuel—The gas inside your ATV will also go bad over time, clogging your fuel system and creating serious issues with your ATV's operation. To prevent this, run a fuel stabilizer through the lines before parking the ATV in storage. 
• Battery—Focus some time and energy on your ATV's battery, as well. If possible, rent a climate controlled storage unit to prevent corrosion of the battery and cables. If you are unable to store your ATV in a climate controlled unit, remove the battery from the ATV and store at home.
• Tires—Parking your ATV in storage for a long period will cause your tires to deflate. While there is no way to prevent this from occurring, you should make sure to keep a digital tire gauge and battery-powered inflator on the trailer with your ATV. These items will allow you to quickly and effortlessly inflate your tires to a safe, reliable air pressure before removing from storage.

When storing your ATV, you should also spend some time inspecting and maintaining the utility trailer. Make sure the foundation of the trailer is not damaged, since broken or loose boards may not offer enough support for your ATV.

Inspect the electrical wiring on your trailer to ensure your trailer lights are in proper working condition. If the bulbs are old or broken, make sure to replace them, as well.

Off-roading on an ATV is a fun hobby for many, but parking and storing this vehicle can become challenging for some people. Using these tips to park and store your ATV, you can protect your investment's function and appeal. For more information or assistance, contact companies like Colorado Trailers Inc. 

6 April 2016