So what do you do when you don’t have the space for your toys? ATVs and UTVs tend to take up a lot of storage space, which can interfere with the fun and or ability of having them, and can keep you from owning them at all. The answer often times to this problem is self-storage. Storage units can provide all the space ATVs and UTVs need. Renting storage is also a lot cheaper than buying a new home or building a shop to store your toys.
Regardless of how many vehicles you own, storing them smartly makes for more fun with them…faster. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of different self-storage solutions:
Size & Capacity
- When considering the amount of space you’ll need to store your ATVs be sure to include extra room for all the equipment that comes with it. I store all of my ATV related gear with my ATVs from protective gear, to maintenance stuff to camping gear. in my storage unit.
- Be sure to check the width of the door to a potential storage unit. For me I needed a unit that had a wide enough door for my 10 foot wide ATV trailer. This required a bigger unit. If you have an enclosed trailer for your ATV’s a covered parking spot or a simple outdoor parking spot may be more convenient and cheaper.
Security & Safety
- Protection from the elements is a clear benefit of self storage, whether you choose a covered parking spot, a drive-up unit or an inside unit to store your ATVs.
- Use accessories like vinyl covers, tire locks and tie downs for additional protection. HOW TO: PROTECT YOUR ATV.
- Self-storage come with a variety of security features such as entry keypads and security will give you much more peace of mind than parking your two- or four-wheeled toys in your driveway or yard. Be sure to ask your storage unit provider about their security.
- If you are considering covered parking solution, keep in mind that some facilities may offer a simple aluminum roof while others offer cinder block structures – compare facilities for the solution that suits you best. Compare options and prices.
- In geographic regions where temperatures reach extremes, consider the option of climate-controlled storage. This assures that the temperature in your unit will be kept around 70-80 degrees. The controlled climate prevents damage due to humidity, heat or cold, and provides a comfortable environment in which you can work on organizing or maintaining your vehicles and equipment. My ATVs have been in an unit without climate control and have been fine.
- Always remove as much gasoline as possible from the fuel tank before storing any vehicle, to prevent leaks and fire hazards. Especially when vehicles will be stored over long periods of time, check fuel lines and gaskets, and lay down cardboard or mats to prevent damage to the unit’s floor.
- Any vehicle with wheels (or the trailer on which it arrives or is stored) must be road-worthy. Keep an eye on tires that can dry rot or deflate. Restrictions vary by facility, so check with your facility manager about your role in maintaining stored vehicles.
- I strongly recommend insurance on your ATVs. Most storage places will make you sign contracts that absolve them of any responsibility.
Your storage facility manager is a great resource to help you make smart choices in self-storage.