12' Tacoma TRD Sport sitting for a year!?

So, I recently recieved a short notice assignment to a remote area. I bought a 2012 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport 4X4 a couple months before. I currently only have 8,XXX miles on the truck right now. Problem I have is that I had to leave my truck in the garage. Right before I left I put Fuel Stabilizer in the tank and ran it down to almost empty, I'll be able to come home for a month in April, then leave again until September. I have nobody to crank or do anything with my truck. Just want to know if everything should be ok, I know I will probably have to replace the battery but I shouldn't have any more problems should I? Just wanted to ask and see some opinions. I am new to this Forum world.

 

I agree, disconnecting the battery would probably be better. Either add pressure to tires, or if you have the time and means, jack it up and set it on jack stands or blocks to keep the eight off them. Cover the truck as best you can.

This one is a little more extreme, but not bad.. but I have heard of folks filling the oil up really high and draining it when they get back. I guess the idea is to keep condensation down in the block? I've never had to leave a vehicle sitting this long, but have seen lists in other forums over the years of those who have. You might do a search on the net in general, as you're not the only one who's had to do this. Vehicle are vehicles, so the same ideas apply.

 

All these on this page would be great, but not necessary.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/ge...nventionally-powered-vehicles-1-6-months.html

 

What he said ^. Getting the truck on jack stands will prevent flat spots on the tires. Also, I would fill the tank all the way up and then stabilize the fuel. This prevents moisture from accumulating in the tank and keeps all the rubber seals from drying out and rotting.

 

I would buy a battery tender cheap on Amazon, I wouldn't disconnect the battery, it will mostly likely die and wont be able to take a charge. A battery tender (if you have access to power) is the way to go. keeps everything fresh and I would find someone to come in and start the vehicle for you every 3 months to keep the seals lubed. thats the most important because they dry out and leak.

 

I would not worry too much over it we have pulled things out of barns that have sat for 20 years or more and had them running with in a hour.

 

I would not run your tank down to near empty. It's better to store the truck with a full tank and fuel stabilizer, will prevent rust and condensation in the gas tank.

 

If I were you I would put fuel stabilizer and a battery management system.

 

I had my 2004 sit for two 7 month back to back deployments with no problems when I got back. I am getting ready to leave for another 10 months or maybe more.

1) Disconnect the battery and get a slow trickle charger from Auto Zone. It has a built in sensor that stops charging it when it's full. No need for a new battery.

2) Fuel stabilizer

3) Put it up on blocks. No flat spots on tires that way

4) Oil change on return before driving.

5) After you do the oil change and connect the battery, I would disconnect the coil wire and crank the motor over to pump the new oil through the engine before starting it up just to make sure all of the oil passages have fresh oil in them. Makes for less wear on the crank and internal parts.

Be safe!

 

x2

 

What everyone else is saying: full tank, premium, non-ethanol if you can find it, fuel stabilizer, leave tires at normal running pressure and get that sucker up on jack stands. Unplug the battery I think is the best option for that. You may have to charge it but you shouldn't have to replace it, I'd be surprised if you did.

If you get to come home in April and then back for good in September I think that will be more than enough.

Nice truck BTW. Enjoy it.

 

change the oil before you go as well. if the oil has 8000 on it it will also have contaminants built up. you don't want the sort of corrosive chemicals that build up in there sitting for so long. carbon, unspent fuel, water, etc.. cheap insurance.

I had a custom engine built by a pro for another vehicle type and its imperative that i change the oil before winter storage, or i'd risk warranty coverage. he's adamant the dirty oil shouldn't be left to sit in there.

its also recommended to change that new oil when you get back for 100% fresh before running it...but even i think that overkill...but im no engine builder either!

plan on keeping it forever? then an extra oil change is a minor cost.

 

I would store it with less gas and a fuel stabilizer. A plastic gas tank can't rust. Then when you place it back in service fill the tank with fresh fuel.

 

i wouldnt put the truck on blocks or jack stands. just over inflate the tires a bit.

the suspension is not designed to be 'unloaded' at full extension for such a long time. (shocks, bushings, boots, ect ect) just for the sake of flat spotting tires which usually work themselves out after they heat back up anyways. id be more worried about mice and the risks of keeping the battery connected.

 

If I were to leave my truck that long, I'd do the following:
1. Full tank of fuel with Startron fuel enzyme treatment
2. Disconnect the battery
3. Moth balls around and under the engine compartment of the truck or something to keep mice away
4. Jack stands, not full extension of the front suspension, but enough to unweight it a bit (not really necessary, but could help your tires), the rear I'd put the stands under the axle.
5. Wash/wax and cover

On return, I'd run it, get it to temperature, then drain and refill the oil.

I'm not a mechanic by any means, these are just the steps I'd take if I were to leave my truck for that long.

 

I wish I would have had a garage option when I went on deployment.. I had to put my car in a secure lot on base. I always came back to a running car after deployment. A new Tacoma will surely be OK in a nice garage! My car at the time was an Oldsmobile! If It started right up, then you are golden!!!!

 

I'm in NH and store 2 types of vehicles for 6-8 months at a time- snowmobiles in the summer and street bikes in the winter. Always a full tank of stabilized gas. It's not rusting of the tank that is bad (although it can happen with a metal tank) it's just water in the gas from condensation. Less air= less condensation= less water in your gas. In sleds and bikes it's a concern, but honestly most modern autos can handle a lot of crap gas, so I wouldn't worry.

 

Since the battery appears to be OEM battery over three years old, I would disconnect it and replace it with a fresh, fully charged battery that is the same BCI Type number when I returned. After a year, it will be sulfated and unreliable.

Good luck with your deployment and thanks for your service!

 

There are a few of these threads floating around...I've done two deployments since I've had my tacoma.
Full tank of fuel with stabilizer
Use a battery tender. I disconnected mine and put it on a tender on the work bench b/c my truck lived in a storage unit.
Over inflate tires by ~25% to minimize flat spotting.
Steel wool in the exhaust so no critters can get in
Moth balls/dryer sheets around the truck on the wheel wells etc. Mice don't like the smell.