Do all of you ATV owners store yours in a garage when not in use or would they hold up o.k. if kept outside under a tarp (located in south Florida so no snow but quite a bit of humidity) - I'm asking because I want my garage back!
A garage is better, but I've stored them outside before. The tarp becomes a pain, real soon.
They age quicker and of course the sun dulls the fenders.
:coffee:
Leave it in the garage next to the boat!!!!!
A tarp is fine, but a garage is better. The problem with a tarp is that you tend not to use it all the time. The issue is rain, but more so the UV rays IMHO.
If you are putting it outside, a tarp is better than nothing. With the humidity you should have it on so it can breath. One of those ATV covers are better than a tarp.
We have no garage so mine has to be stored outside.
I bought a tarp that fits perfectly over my 4 wheeler, or our go-kart, from Cabela's, for under $30.
In a post below you can see my snow and ice encrusted ATV. It was left loaded and ready for a project. That happens sometimes and the ATV is weatherproof and can take it.
Usually it is under a shed or on the front porch (12x40)
Many people have an open sided carport for their toys. I have the carport and it is currently full of my sons many projects.........
Park it under the deck and lay a sheet of plywood on the deck over it.
Most tarps can be purchased with UV protection so that nothing under the tarp fades in the sun. The humidity will be the worse problem. I'd make sure you have some sort of fuel additive in the tank to protect the fuel system. I use Staybil but there are others that likely work just as good.
And you can still fire it up with the fuel additive and use it all you want. It's not like a full winterizing but it does help with the moisture under the tarp.
Just for size, the smaller ATV cover sold by Cabela's fits perfectly over the our gokart, which is just like the one in this video.
[flash width=480 height=385] http://www.youtube.com/v/Aw4Hp26p0hg?fs=1&hl=en_US [/flash]
I use STABIL in my motorcycles all year round to counteract the gumming effects of ethanol.
Ditto Merlin and also in any of my small engines. Lawn Mowers, weed eaters and such.
They always start a lot easier and I never have to get the carbs worked on when the season starts again.
18 this morning. Come on mowing season. BRRRRR...
> 18 this morning. Come on mowing season. BRRRRR...
Looking out my window all I see is something that looks like a solid white sheet. The only thing that keeps me going is cruising motorcycle web sites.
I keep them inside in the heated garage; but one used to sit outside in the pickup all year. They are tough and I've never had trouble starting then-even on days like today -13f. Better inside, but not necessary.
Liz: I usually keep mine in an unheated barn, but right now it is under the deck, ready to plow along with a snow blower. I put the plow on the atv on sunday. We got a bunch of snow yesterday. Unfortunately, I am in the south where there is no snow. SO, a lot of plowing (900' driveway plus a governors drive) awaits me tomorrow.
I have left it out in the elements a lot, with no adverse affects. It is made to be outside! If you have room, build a small shed.
Thanks for all of the replies!
Mine stays on the truck 24/7 with few exceptions. I only take it off to work with or to put it in the garage when I go out of town. Mechanically, I've never had a problem (5 years) but I also keep mine serviced pretty regular. The only drawback is the sun bleaching out the fenders.
