As the title says... the ranger will be going into storage for the next 3 years starting in January. It will be parked in my dad's garage while I live in Yokosuka, Japan for the next 3 years for the Navy. I had the option to take it with me, but from my understanding of taxes, inspections, and the extent of damage it would take in shipping and driving those tiny streets, I feel it is best to leave it here in the states where I know it will be safe.

That being said... I have to drive it across the country from California, back to Indiana where I am from. Brakes are good, coolant and tranny fluid have been flushed recently, oil was changed, checked tire pressure, and will be taking some spare tools that I'm not taking to Japan home with me in case of emergency. I have a roadside emergency kit also, and the wife has AAA, so I don't anticipate any problems driving it home.

What do you guys suggest I do for when I store it? Drain fluids? Unhook battery? That sort of thing. It is possible my dad will be able to check on it, start it and drive it occasionally, so that may not be the best option, but I'm not 100% sure how often he will be able to do it. Ideally I'd like it to be driven a little bit every week or so to keep everything fresh and running, but I have no control over that.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Anything you guys have to offer is appreciated.

Thanks :)

 

Wirelessly posted

If he can drive it a few miles a month I'm sure it would be fine. Just don't leave a full tank of gas in it

 

Better yet bring it down to me and I'll keep it in my garage and drive it a few times a week. lol

 

Where you live at in Indiana? I could drive it for ya :)

 

Haha, I'm from Monrovia. Tiny little town.

I thought about selling it *gasp*, but I can't, no way, haha.

 

hell ya japan orders, lucky you, never met anyone in my 7 yrs in that hasnt loved it there, on the side note, one of my best friends is there now and wishes he had my ranger for over there lol, it would fit but ya a pain in the *** none the less, leave it and dont sell it..........i imagine having someone drive it every now and then will be fine.....

 

Your only like 20 minutes west of me then. Bought a few tractors from that big auction place over there. I live in the little town of Banta if you have heard of it.

 

Ted Everett's auction, haha. Banta sounds familiar... I know I've driven through Bargersville hundreds of times. My grandma used to live in Franklin.

I'm not gonna sell it, but I did see an awesome 2011 F150 Fx4 that made me drool... too much tho. But yea, my dad said he would start it up, but it's his second house (re-married, getting another divorce, long story, lol), so he might not get down there too much. If not, I've got a neighbor that I trust with my life to keep an eye on it too.

Japan should be fun... I keep hearing good things about it.

 

Atleast you got someone to trust as a backup.

Everett's is right, its been awhile since I have been there. If your on 144 coming from Mooresville and then turn south on 37, take the first left off of 37. Go about 2 miles and your in the big town of Banta. We have a stop sign, a general store that sells coke in the glass bottles and honey, a small church, and a community hall.