Storage

[jwilliams82]

I recently found out im going to be heading to japan for 3 years mid next year. Conveniently right after buying my nice new truck... So i am posed with a dilemma. Store my brand new cc laramie for 3 years or sell it and get a new one when i get back. If i sell and get a new one it wont be as loaded because we will be buying my wife a new suv at the same time. So what would you guys do? And what kinda things should i look at as possible issues with storing it for 3 years besides fuel stabilizer and a cover?

 

[wermbang]

I would suggest possibly selling it, 3 years is alot of time.

 

[cwakefld]

Three years is a long time. Would it be indoors? I would think it would need to be up on jack stands. Someone else would have to weigh in on the engine and what would need to be done to keep gaskets and seals from drying out. But I do understand not wanting to sell, wanting to know its gonna be there when you get back.

 

[Big Boi]

I'd sell it. When You get back, buy a used on fully loaded. I have an '09 1500 BigHorn CC, that I bought in June of this year. My co-worker for an 2012 SLT Hemi for more than I paid, and it doesnt have half the options that I do.

 

[Sharp Charge]

I would also recommend selling it. You'll probably get a car while you're over there so why keep paying for something you're not driving. Save some extra cash from the OHA and COLA to make a better purchase when you get back.

 

[Rogan68]

Sitting 3 yrs, you have to account for all the condensation subjected to it (i.e. oil, fuel cell, interior, etc.), tires will rot, seals will dry up and/or get hard, high probability for leaks everywhere when you get back, etc.

As it's been said, I'd recommebd selling it and picking up something as nice when you return.

 

[Trupiano]

I would also sell it.

 

[OutlawTrucker]

Or just have someone drive it every now and then to keep it fresh.

Better yet take it with you

 

[suzukiquadrider]

3 years is a long time to sit, i would either sell it or have someone you know and trust use it/ run it every once and a while to keep it going.

 

[quietpeen]

congrats on the opportunity to live in japan for 3 years, but sucks to have it happen right after buying a brand new truck. Like everyone else said its probably best to sell it if you don't lose your ass in doing so.

 

[Sharp Charge]

Better yet take it with you

I was going to suggest that, but I don't think you can take a POV to Japan. Of all my friends who have been stationed there, none have taken a vehicle to or from Japan.

 

[jwilliams82]

Yeah i wish i could take it to japan! We cant take cars over there though because of import laws. It wouldnt fit on the roads anyway they would all be yelling GODZILLA!

 

[5.7HemiSport]

Military? In 2 years you'll want a 14 or 15 Ram Brand new. Better to sell it, bank your "payments" and buy something fresh when you come back. I stored vehicles 3 times for a yr each, Korea/Korea/Iraq and that was not good for them.

 

[mikeb33]

Even with no use, it will decrease in value for 3 years. SELL IT! Maybe by then there will be a 5th gen monster...

 

[B-RadsBadRam]

It sucks to have to give up such a nice truck so soon, but I agree agree with everyone else. I put a new motor/ trans in my old Chevy and then 3 months later moved 700 miles so I left it parked in storage, when I finally got it back almost year and a half later I had to go through the entire motor and fix gaskets and steering pump and had mice build nests everywhere. It was a mess.

 

[EJM05]

Burn it then take the insurance money.

 

[jwilliams82]

Burn it then take the insurance money.

Good idea! Ive always wanted to do a dukes of hazard jump into a river. That should total it!

 

[WarBeagle]

Your vehicle warranty will alos be gone, or mostly gone.

I'd sell it if the vast majority of money could be recovered.

 

[chris h.]

Where in Japan? I was stationed in Okinawa for a couple years. You could go back to the dealer you got it from and tell them you just got military orders. I work with a guy who was in a very similar situation and they gave him what he owed on the truck.

 

[Brrrppp!!!]

I am currently serving in Okinawa Japan. My best advice (opinion only) would be to sell your truck.

I would look at what it is going to cost you over time and make my decision based off of that. How much is your loan/insurance costing a month? I am guessing that it is around $450 or more. That is $16K over 3 years even if you save nothing else. That could instead go towards your new 2015 vehicle.

How much are you upside down, if at all? Are you going to lose your ass? If you can sell for a profit it will be that much more that you can put towards the new Ram.

You will be able to buy a new one through the Exchange New Car Sales program at a decent price. I was able to save enough in 18 months to pay cash. all it takes is a solid plan from the get go.

I haven't stored a vehicle on the government's dime but I believe their program actually has someone start it up and maintain it for you while it is in storage, should you choose to go that route. That would be a question for your base TMO.

Good Luck!