Storing wheeler outside?

thinking about getting a new 4wheeler. Storage space is possible at my house but it would be easier to be able to store it outside in the yard with a cover on. My question is does anyone store your quad outside year round? Any downsides to this? I was wondering if would lend to a greater chance that critters would get in there and chew up wiring but mice get into garages too. If I kept a cover on all the time I don’t think the sun would fade the paint too bad. Might be a little harder to start in the winter. Just trying to think of all the downsides. Let me know what I’m missing

Not ATV but snowmobile. Covers are good and bad. Though they protect from the elements, it also provides comfort for critters like mice.

I’ve had mice build nest in my engine compartment in the sleds but that has happened twice in all the years owning them…they never ate through and wires, just the filter, which now gets removed.

Funny thing is I’ve had more mice issues with my ATV in the garage then the sleds outside. I go as far as removing my seat now cause mice like to build nests in there.

Have you checked out one of the pop-up garages? They make a whole world of sizes so you should be able to find one that’s just large enough to get the machine in with some room to navigate around it yourself. Put some dryer sheets in engine compartment if its enclosed, same in any under seat storage. I think is a better solution than covering closely with a tarp or whatever. A couple bicycles could fit inside too along with a lawn mower so your winter garage would have a little more room.

that’s a good thought too Tom. I used to have one of those framed garages made of tarp material at my old place. worked well. My new house doesn’t have as much space in the yard as most of the property butts right up to heavy woods. ill have to check out and see if a smaller sized one would fit

It wouldn’t really have to stay set up all year unless you want the atv out of the rain as much as possible when not in use. Personally I’d seek out a smaller than garage sized unit and leave the wheeler in it all the time when not in use.

Is there a way to put a lean-to off the garage large enough to store it and have something a tad bit more permanent, better all season protection? The floor could be pavers to save on jing.

For the winter, just keep a battery tender jr on it, and you should be good for starting all year long.

I store mine outside with a heavy duty tarp bungeed over it. The tarp was cheaper than a nice ATV cover and has lasted a lot longer than the last cover I had. I haven’t had any mice yet but I’ve only been out in a rural area for the last 2 months so time will tell. Myself and my dog have been doing a decent job eradicating mice from the immediate property (she has 4, I’ve got 5).

Fleet Farm had those 8×8′ wooden garden sheds for sale for ~$700 a week ago. They aren’t built to withstand a hurricane, but most I’ve seen are reliable shelter for toys or miscellaneous garage stuff for a decade or so without issues. Build a nice treated base for it to sit on and you’ve got storage for a wheeler, push mower, and any other gardening junk that takes up garage space. $30 of paint and you can have it match your house’s siding as well.

I’d have a hard time just leaving a wheeler under a tarp through a MN winter. I know it’d likely be fine, but one stray mouse is going to create problems. The extreme changes in temps wreak havoc on the seats as well.

I just bought an 8×10 arrow metal shed at menards for around $300.

I have been storing quads outside at my cabin for 13 years. I have quite a bit of experience with this.

suzuki wrote:

I have been storing quads outside at my cabin for 13 years. I have quite a bit of experience with this.

any problems? you store them exposed or with a cover/canopy?

targaman wrote:

I just bought an 8×10 arrow metal shed at menards for around $300.

I was just going to suggest this exact thing. Cheap, easy to build, and as long as the door is sized right, the perfect solution. It will cost a little more to add treated flooring, but even then IMO you have the best low cost solution available.

Grouse

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>targaman wrote:</div>
I just bought an 8×10 arrow metal shed at menards for around $300.

I was just going to suggest this exact thing. Cheap, easy to build, and as long as the door is sized right, the perfect solution. It will cost a little more to add treated flooring, but even then IMO you have the best low cost solution available.

Grouse

yeah i had one of those at my last place and it worked well. my new place has a much smaller lot so that isn’t an option for me. i do have a small shed that would fit a wheeler but i use it for gardening supplies/lawn mower ect. i may just end up having to repurpose that shed for a quad and or make room in the garage. Sounds like those would be my two best options.

I kept my ATV under a cover outside when I was renting a house with a smaller garage. Never had a problem with critters or people. Granted this was in a town of 2500 people.