Fluid changes before storage

At least ethanol free.
My friend swears by aviation fuel for his vehicles that sit for ever.

 

There is an airport near me that sells ethanol free gas. If I were you I’d get as much gas out of the truck, then run the ethanol free stuff in there for a bit before storage, along with additives

 

Huh, I didn’t know
https://www.mcico.com/jet-fuel-vs-gasoline

 

Pressure sealed polyurethane tarp purged in nitrogen in a shipping container out in Victorville/mojave desert.

 

If you are in the military, thanks for your service.

 

https://classicmotorsports.com/articles/fuel-facts-why-not-avgas-your-car/

 

If you have someone periodically drive your truck, make sure it is someone you trust.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvdQKa-xA50&t=166s

 

I would sell it and buy a new one later when you get back

 

Just want the OP to be careful who drives his truck. I am the only one that drives my Tacoma (except a couple of times a Tech drove it into a service bay). Even my Wife won’t drive it because she is short does not like looking over the hood (hood scoop for the win).

I like the idea of selling it and buying a new one upon returning. Get top dollar for it now and the 4th Gens will be out by then.

 

That was a good article. It mentioned gas stored for a year, but not longer. I wonder what is recommended for gas stored in a vehicle over a year? I doubt it would be better to drain it out and store the tank dry.

 

Thanks. Yea 100% prefer this route. Still trying to figure this all out. The OP question is one that crossed my mind though

Funny how the thing I'm worried about the most is my truck lol

 

I have done 2 years no issue with ethanol free premium and stabil.

 

IMO, definitely change the engine oil right before storage. There are acids and other contaminants in used engine oil. The diffs and other fluids can prob wait until returning.
I’ve always been a fill-the-gas-tank-up-before-storage type guy so I’d prob use ethanol free gas for the last two full tanks before storage and then add some stabilizer (2yr storage though? Maybe research which brand is good for that length of time)
Depending on where you’re storing it, I’d either disconnect the battery completely or leave it hooked up on a good trickle charger.
As long as the tires are are in good shape and are radials, I wouldn’t worry about jack stands. They might be rough for the first few miles after storage but they’ll smooth out.
Using some pest deterrents and a good wash/cleaning before storage is a good idea too.

 

If nobody is going to start the truck for 2 years I would just plan on getting a new battery when you return.
Even with a battery tender 2 years is a long time for a battery. Give the current one away I guess.

Run non-ethanol fuel for a few tanks prior to storage along with the Sta-Bil fuel treatment.

Change the engine oil before storage.

 

change the engine oil

put a little oil in the cylinders

fill the tank with non ethanol gas and add your favorite fuel stabilizer/additive

put sticky traps in the cab and under the hood... everywhere (dead mice will stink it up but that's better than mice destroying everything) put a cup of laundry soap in the cup holde.

put a windshield heeat deflector thing

put the truck up on jacks, so when the tires deflate, they don't get crushed.

take the battery out and either sell it, or let a friend keep it inside.

wash and wax the paint. many car covers end up bad after sitting for years in the sun and rain. better to just wash and wax, no matter where you are storing it.

i have done this multiple deployments to different vehicles and it works just fine.

or

just sell the truck. do you have a payment? if so, just get rid of it. save all that payment money and the money from the sale. when you get back, you will be able to buy another truck with cash. fuck interest and fuck the loan companies.

 

I do this with my Hilux that sits for several years at a time.

Over full all the fluids so you don't get condensation in there, Disconnect the battery, buy a new one when you get back. Put it up on blocks so you don't flat spot the tires.

Take out the plugs and add a couple of drops of oil to reach cylinder to prevent the rings from rusting to the cylinder walls.

Draining the tank opens it up for condensation.

When you get back, drain a bit of your fluids back to where they should be if you can't change them where it is stored. Take out the plugs and turn the motor by hand to make sure the rings are free of the cylinder walls.

Take it somewhere to change all your fluids. It is the additives that go bad.

Your interior will be funky stale smelling. Moth balls help with critters.