How to Winterize Your ATV

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Like many of our renters, we love getting out and exploring Oregon’s backcountry and its seemingly endless miles of trails. Many of our facilities are within a short drive of some of Oregon’s most popular ATV trails and hunting units in communities like Bend, Hood River and Prineville. Of course, we are always bit wistful when it’s time to put away the summer and fall toys for a long winter’s rest. Our storage units make a great place to stash your ATV until next season. However, before you lock it away in hibernation, it’s important to take a few steps to make sure it’s ready to go when spring arrives. Here’s a quick rundown with some tips on winterizing your ATV.

How to Winterize Your ATV for Storage

Winterizing your ATV is an important step to take before storing it for the winter. By taking the time to winterize your ATV, you can help to ensure that it will be in good condition when you’re ready to use it again in the spring.

Why Winterize Your ATV?

There are several reasons why it’s important to winterize your ATV. First, winterizing can help to prevent damage to your ATV. When an ATV is not used for long periods of time, the fluids in the engine can become stagnant and can cause corrosion. Winterizing helps to prevent this by removing the old fluids and replacing them with fresh ones.

Second, winterizing can help to extend the life of your ATV. By taking care of your ATV during the winter, you can help to prevent problems that could lead to costly repairs.

Finally, winterizing can help to make your ATV easier to start in the spring. When an ATV is not used for long periods of time, the battery can become weak. Winterizing helps to prevent this by disconnecting the battery and storing it in a warm place.

Steps to Winterize Your ATV

Here are the steps involved in winterizing your ATV:

  1. Drain the fuel tank. This will help to prevent the fuel from going bad over the winter.
  2. Add a fuel stabilizer. This will help to protect the fuel system from corrosion.
  3. Change the oil and filter. This will help to remove any contaminants from the engine.
  4. Lubricate the moving parts. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion.
  5. Check the tires. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated and that there is no tread wear.
  6. Clean the ATV. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that could damage the ATV.
  7. Store the ATV in a dry place. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion.
  8. Disconnect the battery. This will help to prevent the battery from draining.

Tips for Winterizing Your ATV

Here are a few tips for winterizing your ATV:

  • Do it early. The sooner you winterize your ATV, the better.
  • Get help if you need it. If you’re not sure how to winterize your ATV, you can always ask a mechanic for help.
  • Use high-quality products. When it comes to winterizing products, it’s important to use high-quality products that are specifically designed for ATVs.
  • Have fun! Winterizing your ATV can be a fun way to spend a few hours.

By following these steps and tips, you can help to ensure that your ATV is in good condition when you’re ready to use it again in the spring.

Additional Tips

In addition to the steps and tips listed above, here are a few other things you can do to winterize your ATV:

  • Check the coolant level. Make sure that the coolant level is full and that there are no leaks in the cooling system.
  • Check the brakes. Make sure that the brakes are working properly and that there is no brake fluid leakage.
  • Check the lights. Make sure that all of the lights are working properly.
  • Check the air filter. Replace the air filter if it is dirty or damaged.
  • Check the spark plugs. Replace the spark plugs if they are worn or fouled.

By taking the time to winterize your ATV, you can help to ensure that it will be in good condition when you’re ready to use it again in the spring.

Secure Storage offers ATV and boat storage at all our Oregon locations. You can store your four-wheeler or side-by-side in any of our units. You can store your ATV and other belongings or select a unit specifically for your vehicle. Either way, you’ll be assured that your ATV is ready to roll when the snow melts and it’s time to get back out on the trails!

Mini Storage for Oregon Students

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Are you a college student in Oregon looking for a hassle-free solution to manage your belongings? Secure Storage has you covered! Our self storage facilities provide the perfect answer to your storage needs, offering a secure and convenient space for your belongings.

Why Choose Secure Storage?

1. Ready Access to Outdoor and Sporting Equipment

Oregon’s stunning landscapes and outdoor opportunities are not to be missed. Secure Storage understands the importance of having easy access to your outdoor and sporting gear. With our storage units, you can keep your equipment organized and ready for your next adventure.

2. Extra Storage Space for Seasonal Clothing

Say goodbye to cramped closets and overflowing drawers. Secure Storage provides the extra space you need for seasonal clothing, ensuring that your wardrobe is always well-organized. Whether it’s winter coats or summer dresses, our storage units can accommodate your changing needs.

3. Simplify Travel and Summer Breaks

Traveling or heading home for the summer? Save yourself the stress of moving items back and forth by storing them with Secure Storage. Our facilities offer a secure environment for your belongings, giving you peace of mind while you’re away.

Why Secure Storage Stands Out:

Security: All of our facilities are staffed by full-time on-site resident managers. All facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art security features, including surveillance cameras, secure access controls, and well-lit areas, ensuring that your belongings are safe and sound.

Flexible Sizing: Choose the storage unit size that fits your needs. Whether you have a few boxes or large furniture items, we have the perfect space for you. Our Storage units in the college towns of Ashland and Bend, include convenient 5X10 units available for short and longer term storage as low as $90 per month. 
Affordable Rates: We understand the budget constraints of students. Our competitive rates make self storage with Secure Storage an economical choice for students in Oregon.

How It Works:

1. Reserve Your Unit: Use our easy online reservation system to secure your storage unit.

2. Pack Your Belongings: Take your time to pack and organize your items. We provide packing supplies for your convenience.

3. Move In: Bring your belongings to our secure facility, and our helpful staff will guide you through the move-in process.

4. Access Anytime: Enjoy 24/7 access to your stored items. Our convenient location ensures you can retrieve your belongings whenever you need them.

Contact Secure Storage Today!

Ready to simplify your college experience? Contact Secure Storage today to reserve your storage unit. Experience the convenience of having a secure and accessible space for your belongings while enjoying all that Oregon has to offer!

Secure Storage – Your Trusted Partner in College Student Storage in Oregon.

Storage Tips

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We want your move to be as effortless as possible. We’ve been around the storage unit business since 1987. In that time, we’ve gained a few storage tips and tricks to help make the process of moving and storage easier.

  • Bubble wrap, packing peanuts and newspaper are great for packing fragile items.
  • Be careful not use newspaper on items that could possibly be stained by the ink.
  • Always use packaging tape to help keep the tops of boxes flattened and items enclosed.
  • When you are stacking boxes, place the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter boxes on top.
  • For fragile items, make sure they are in clearly labeled boxes and stacked on top so they aren’t crushed by heavier objects.
  • Labeling your boxes will help you in the long run if you ever find yourself trying to search for a certain item.
    If you have a lot of small, awkward-shaped items, place them on a shelving unit to maximize your storage unit space.
  • Hollow space is wasteful. When you are moving into your storage unit be sure to fill every nook and cranny. Dresser drawers can be filled with items and boxes can be stacked on top. Brooms, shovels and rakes can be placed in an unused garbage can.
  • For beds and tables, we recommend that you disassemble them before placing them inside your storage unit. Place screws in a sandwich bag and tape to the designated piece of furniture. ​Use blankets or sheets between surfaces to avoid damage.
  • If possible, store sofas upright to conserve space.
  • Create an aisle inside of your storage unit so that you can easily access your belongings.
  • Place sliders underneath of large furniture to make moving large items easier.
  • Group all of your frequently-used items together and store them towards the front of your storage unit to avoid frustration.
  • For safety reasons, light items (such as bedding, linens, lamps) should be kept in larger boxes while heavier items (books, CDs, DVDs, documents) should be kept in smaller boxes.
  • Limit the amount of storage box sizes you use (no more than two) so it’s easier to stack.
  • If you are storing appliances, make sure they are completely drained of water, cleaned, and dried. Keep the doors slightly ajar to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
  • Clear plastic bins work great for storage! They have tight fitting lids and stack evenly on top of each other. If your bins are clear, you can easily see what is stored inside.
  • When stacking your storage boxes, leave a small space between walls to help with the air flow. Pallets are also an excellent way to help with air circulation.
  • Dryer sheets are a great way to keep insects and spiders away. They also keep your items smelling fresh! We recommend that you change the dryer sheets out on a monthly basis to ensure maximum freshness.

Find Self-Storage that’s Right for You

As you’re researching available storage space, consider the following: how often you plan to access the available storage space; whether you will need a traditional moving van to load or unload your self-storage rental; and, does the facility offer you a sense of safety—especially if you’re a female. We’ll explain below why each of these considerations is important.

  • If you need to find self-storage due to an upcoming remodel or move, you will probably come and go from the self-storage rental more often. Keep this in mind and look for a convenient facility that’s close to your current residence or work location. You’ll also benefit from choosing a facility that offers easy street access—so you can get in and out quicker.
  • The vans of traditional moving companies require a wide gate access, driveway and turning radius than smaller U-Haul vans. Be sure to ask if a moving van can get to your self-storage rental, or you’ll be stuck paying for additional time and labor costs from moving company for doing a “work-around.”
  • Before making a decision on available storage space, think about your comfort level going there during the winter months when it’s dark outside. Verify that the facility offers on-site managers, secured access and after hours lighting. All of which can make you feel safer.

Choose Right Size Unit

secure storage choosing the right unit

Realizing that renting a storage unit can be a daunting task, we offer you the following descriptions of what our multiple-sized units can hold. Hopefully, these storage unit tips will help you visualize the best unit for your immediate needs.

But keep this storage unit tip in mind: Each of our units have a tall rafter space, which will give you extra stacking height.

5×10

This unit is perfect for the student. It can hold the contents of a couch and a chair, dresser, mattress set, plus small items and boxes. Bicycles and motorcycles also fit well in this unit, as well as business records.

10×10

This unit can hold furniture from a one-bedroom apartment without appliances. So for those of you who are in transition or need to stock work samples or seasonal items, renting a storage unit this size will be your best option.

10×15

Storage unit tip for empty nesters: If your child has left for college or relocated temporarily for a job, this unit will work for you. This unit will hold furniture and appliances from a one bedroom apartment and large boxes. It’s also great for recreational equipment and office supplies.

10×25

Usability is key when renting a storage unit. This size offers great use. For instance, you can store the contents of a three-bedroom home, plus appliances and other garage items. It can also house a classic car or large furniture items, with room left-over. It’s also perfect for recreational items like a kayak, canoe and snow-mobiles still on their trailer.

10×30

Have room to spare and locate everything easily. This unit gives a small business owner all the convenience they need to store equipment, inventory, records—plus a work van or truck.