How to Store a Vehicle in a Storage Unit | Storage Unit of Dickinson

Published on 5/12/2026
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Storage Tips  ·  Dickinson, ND

How to Store a Vehicle in a Storage Unit

Storage Unit of Dickinson  ·  6 min read

Dickinson, ND winters are among the harshest in the country — temperatures well below zero, heavy snow, ice, and road salt cause serious vehicle damage.

Choose the Right Storage Unit Size

Before anything else, measure your vehicle — length, width, and height — and compare it to available unit sizes. A standard car or motorcycle typically fits in a 10x20 unit. Larger trucks, boats on trailers, and RVs require larger drive-up units. Storage Unit of Dickinson has a range of unit sizes to fit your vehicle properly.

Prepare Your Vehicle Before Storage

How you prepare a vehicle before storing it is just as important as where you store it. Follow these steps before any vehicle goes into storage in Dickinson.

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Clean thoroughly
Wash and dry the exterior completely. Remove all food and organic material from the interior. Dirt and moisture cause corrosion, mold, and paint damage over time.
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Change the oil
Old engine oil contains contaminants that corrode components during storage. Change the oil and top off coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.
Fuel up + stabilizer
A full tank prevents moisture buildup. Add fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from degrading — essential for vehicles stored longer than 30 days.
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Maintain the battery
Batteries drain during storage. Disconnect the negative terminal or use a trickle charger to maintain full charge throughout the storage period.

Protect the Exterior

Even inside a storage unit, covering your vehicle adds an important layer of protection. Use a breathable, fitted vehicle cover — not a tarp — to prevent dust buildup while allowing moisture to escape. For motorcycles, cover the exhaust pipes to keep insects and moisture out. For boats, ensure the hull is clean and dry before covering.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Vehicle Storage

Indoor storage units provide the highest level of protection — shielding vehicles from weather, UV exposure, pests, and North Dakota's brutal sub-zero winters, freeze-thaw cycling, and spring flooding risks. Outdoor covered storage is a good middle-ground for larger vehicles like RVs and boats. Storage Unit of Dickinson offers both options to fit your vehicle and your budget.

Long-Term Storage Checklist
Place vehicle on jack stands to prevent tire flat spots
Release parking brake — use wheel chocks instead
Place moisture absorbers inside the cabin
Visit monthly to start the engine and check fluid levels
Update your vehicle insurance to reflect storage
Ready to Store Your Vehicle?
Storage Unit of Dickinson offers clean, secure, and flexible vehicle storage in Dickinson, ND.
Call (701) 690-5512