Clean Messy Tree Sap Off Your RV

If you’ve ever stored your RV in your yard without a cover, or have stayed in a campground, immediately underneath or touching a tree, then your RV may have stops from tree sap that a regular car wash will not get off.

So we came across a quick and inexpensive way to clean off those troublesome spots with rubbing alcohol.  Here is a video by YouTube user Trevor Hunt, demonstrating how to easily clean off tree sap from vehicles and RVs.

Prevent the sap spots on your RV by using an RV cover when not in use, or store your RV in Colorado Secured Storage‘s clean, affordable outdoor storage facility, clear of any trees.

10 Reminders for De-winterizing Your RV

Memorial weekend is just a couple weeks away to ring in summer fun and adventures.  If summer means a week on the open road with your family in an RV, then it’s time to start de-winterizing your RV in preparation.

Save time and frustration while on your summer vacation by following steps for de-winterizing your RV

  1. Remove furnace and refrigerator vent covers
  2. Fully charge batteries if you removed them when winterizing
  3. Flush out the plumbing with fresh water to remove antifreeze
  4. Test brake lights and turn signals
  5. Check that the tires are at their proper inflation
  6. Use soapy water to check that propane tank connections are tight
  7. Clean off and re-lubricate the hitch on camper trailers and 5th wheel trailers
  8. Give a thorough inspection that there are no leaks that could allow bugs, mice, or water through.
  9. Test furnace and hot water heater that they are functioning normally
  10. Inspect the chassis, use grease as needed. Repack wheel bearings as needed

Have other tips for de-winterizing your RV? Please share in the comments below.

6 Tips for Truck Drivers in Colorado

Road Curves
Image courtesy of Pixomar / freedigitalphotos.net

1.  Check driving conditions on the traveler information phoneline from CDOT.  Know about closures, restrictions and adverse weather conditions: 303-639-1111 from within Colorado, 1-877-315-7623 from outside of Colorado

2.  Carry adequate chains if driving through the Western I-70 corridor during months that may bring winter storms:  “Starting September 1st, all commercial vehicles traveling on I-70 between milepost 133 (Dotsero exit) and milepost 259 (Morrison exit) must carry sufficient chains to be in compliance with the Colorado chain law. The law requires commercial vehicles to carry chains on this segment of I-70 from September 1st to May 31st.”

And if storms aren’t incentive enough, so are the fines: “The fine for not carrying chains between mileposts 133 and 259 on the I-70 corridor during the specified time season is $50 plus a surcharge.  The fine for not chaining up when the chain law is in effect is $500 with a surcharge.  The fine for not chaining up and subsequently blocking the highway is $1,000 plus a surcharge.”

3. Know which highways there are limitations for commercial vehicles, oversize vehicle and overweight vehicles on this detailed list.

4. No Oversize Movement is EVER allowed where the Chain Law is in Effect. – CDOT

5. Pilot cars in Colorado need to be certified by passing the pilot escort course in Colorado or states that Colorado recognizes, have the correct insurance coverage, and driving record must pass.  Details for each are on the website

6. Find rules for transporting hazardous materials on the Colorado State Patrol website

7. Watch for rocks. Colorado Geological Survey says  “Be extra alert during three particular times on Colorado’s highways: spring thaw, after heavy rains, and at night”

The Mystery Solved of the Dead Car Battery

There are fewer things more frustrating than to find you have a dead battery.  As a vehicle storage facility, commercial, personal, or recreational vehicles may have a couple week stay or a seasonal stay.  No matter how long you store your vehicle, you expect it to start up again on your return.  Depending on the length of storage, you may want to take additional efforts to make sure that the battery is in top condition, and ready to start.

This helpful infographic, we found, will give you some ideas on how to maintain your battery for many clean starts in your vehicle’s future…
Car Battery Maintenance Infographic

Car Battery Maintenance – An infographic by the RAC Breakdown Team’s Car Battery specialists.

 

City Municipal Codes Pertaining to Vehicle Parking

If you have commercial vehicles, recreation vehicles, a boat, or other trailer, you may have found that you’re unable to keep your vehicle stored in your driveway or on your property due to municipal codes or homeowner association rules, where you live.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the laws, nor is it legal advice to all the laws pertaining to parking or vehicle storage, but should be resourceful for you, if you’re trying to figure out what parking restrictions you might have for storing vehicles on your property by the city you are located in.

In addition, you will want to check in with your landlord for permission if you are renting.  And you should check if there is a homeowners association for the community that you live in, if they have any restrictions or rules about stored vehicles.

Aurora

Link to Aurora Neighborhood Zoning Codes

“Any vehicle including trailers, recreational vehicles, boats, etc., that is apparently inoperable, partially or totally dismantled, or is wrecked or damaged to the extent that it would be unlawful to operate on public streets may not be stored outside on any public or private property. Motor vehicles must be currently registered and display a valid license plate.”

Brighton

Link to Brighton Municipal Code

From Article 10-5:

“It shall be unlawful to park any vehicle, boat, detached camper, cart, wagon, off-highway vehicle, snowmobile, farm tractor or implement of husbandry on private property…

  • in any front yard or side yard on street unless such vehicles are parked on a driveway paved with concrete, asphalt, rock or gravel or in a side yard behind a lawfully constructed six-foot privacy fence
  • so that the public sidewalk is obstructed”

Dacono

Link to Dacono Municipal Code

From Chapter 8, Article 2, section 8-35:

“On a residential lot or parcel of real property, a maximum of one vehicle per lot or parcel, in addition to any vehicle meeting the requirements of paragraph of this section, shall be permitted if said vehicle is entirely covered with a one piece opaque heavy tarp or commercial car cover, securely fastened at all times, or is screened by a concealing fence not less than six feet  in height which renders the vehicle not visible to persons on adjacent private or public property. Such a fence shall comply with all applicable city ordinances”

Firestone

Link to Firestone Municipal Code

From Chapter 10.04.050:

“[subsection 2]

A motor home or trailer coach may be parked within a residential area for a period of time not to exceed forty-eight hours within any seven-day period provided the home or coach is being parked for the purpose of loading or unloading during such period, and not for storage.

[subsection 3]

Whenever a motor home or trailer coach is parked as permitted under subsection (2) of this section, the owner thereof shall post or place a conspicuous notice on the home or coach to advise third parties of the approximate time when the home or coach will be moved.”

Frederick

Link to Frederick Municipal Code

From Chapter 8, Article 2-24, 25:

“A maximum of one (1) vehicle per lot or parcel of real property shall be permitted provided that:   a.    The vehicle is covered with a one-piece opaque heavy tarp or commercial car cover that covers the entire vehicle and is securely fastened at all times; and   b.    The vehicle is parked in the rear yard or in the driveway of said property.”

Fort Lupton

Link to Fort Lupton Municipal Code

From Chapter 8 Article III Section 8-52:

“Parking on public or private property in residential areas is reserved for customary and ordinary residential uses as defined in the zoning part of this code. While commercial or large trucks are allowed to stop for deliveries and services in residential areas to be of use to residents and businesses there, these vehicles, due to size, weight, noise and visual differences, cannot be parked unattended or stored there. It is the intent of this Section to prevent the use of residential areas as substitute or auxiliary commercial parking areas. Because of their common and mixed uses, the parking of pickup trucks is allowed, even though they may be marked with business signs and carry business equipment.”

Greeley

Link to Greeley Municipal Code

From Chapter 11 Part 12:

“A vehicle owner of any six thousand pound or greater weight vehicle shall not park said vehicle on the street in front of the owner’s residence or within one hundred (100) feet of his or her residence, if the vehicle can legally be parked on the owner’s property instead.”

Should you find that you need to store a vehicle, trailer, or recreational vehicle, you may request a bid for your storage needs.  Being as we’re located in Fort Lupton, we are convenient to the cities previously listed.

Long Term Vehicle Storage Checklist [Infographic]

Planning on backpacking or jet-setting sometime soon? When you make plans to sub-let your condo, drop off pets with a relative, and thin out belongings at a garage sale… don’t forget about your car. Take the proper steps to store your car so you’re sure it’s in excellent operating condition when you get back.

Car Storage Tips

The Nearest Truck Stops in Northeast Colorado

Many of our frequent renters at Colorado Secured Storage are truckers needing to store trucks or trailers between trips.  Nobody knows the highway systems in Colorado as well as the truck drivers that traverse the state.  But are you sure you know of all the truck stops in Northeast Colorado, within the communities surrounding Colorado Secured Storage?  We have compiled a list of truck stops in Northeast Colorado from FindFuelStops.com – some including weigh stations, gas, or overnight parking.

Firestone

Firestone Convenience

I-25 Ex 240

Firestone, CO

Brighton

Tomahawk Truck Stop

I-76 Ex 16

Brighton, CO

Hudson

Love’s Travel Stop

I-76 Ex 31 (Hwy52)

Hudson, CO

Johnstown

Johnson’s Corner Truckstop

I-25 Ex 254 (SE Frontage Rd)

Johnstown, CO

Platteville

Weigh Station

US85

Platteville, CO

Evans

Sunmart #507

US85 & US34

Evans, CO

Greeley

Agland Inc

US85

Greeley, CO

Wal-Mart Supercenter

US34

Greeley, CO

Commerce City

Diamond Shamrock #4074

I-270 Ex 4

Commerce City, CO

Pacific Pride

I-270 Ex 2b

Commerce City, CO

Sapp Bros

I-70 Ex 278 Or I-270 Ex 4

Commerce City, CO

Commerce City Travel Center #148

I-70W/I-70E Ex 278/277 Or I-270 Ex 4

Commerce City, CO

Have one for the list? Please comment with any in the area that we might have missed.

Five Tips for Storing Your Vehicle for a Long Term

When storing a passenger vehicle for 3 months, 6 months or longer, these tips will help you maintain the condition of your vehicle for when you take it out of storage.

IMG_0239

1. Top off the gas tank – this will prevent water condensation in the gas tank

2. Prevent flat spots on the tires – either slightly deflate the tires and raise the vehicle off the ground with two sets of jacks, or overinflate the tires by 10 psi

3. Prevent battery from draining – either remove the battery or attach a trickle charger

4. Have your vehicle serviced – changing the oil and topping off fluids

5. Prevent exterior wear when storing outdoors – give your car a wash, consider having it waxed, and cover your vehicle with a thick car cover or tarp to protect your vehicle from the elements

Do you need to store a vehicle, and are located in Colorado?  Our outdoor storage facility, located in Fort Lupton Colorado, accommodates personal and commercial storage needs.  Give us a call for a customized bid for the amount of space and duration you need to store your vehicle.

Commercial Vehicle Storage Near Major Truck Routes

mirror by dizfunkshinalMany of our storage customers are companies looking for storage space for their commercial vehicles, including semis trucks, box trailers, lowboys and machinery between scheduled jobs. As any truck driver knows, convenience to major routes is essential to save time and efficiency when heading out onto the road.

Our facility’s location makes it easy to hit essentially every major front range highway in less than 30 minutes, no matter which direction you are heading in Colorado – north, south, east or west!  The times are estimated by Google maps considering normal driving time, traffic and conditions.

Interstate 25 in Frederick/Dacono, 11 miles and 16 minutes
Highway 34 in Greeley, 21 miles and 25 minutes
Interstate 76 in Commerce City, 12 miles and 16 minutes
E470 in Henderson, 13 miles and 14 minutes
I25 and I70 in Central Denver Metro area, 27 miles and 28 minutes
I70 and E470 between Aurora and Watkins, 32 miles and 29 minutes

Plan your route from Colorado Secured Storage on Google maps, to learn how convenient all the major highways are from us!

Photo Above, “Mirror” is copyright (c) 2005 Cliff Cooper and made available under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License

Introducing Colorado Secured Storage

Welcome to the new website for our storage facility, ColoradoSecuredStorage.com.

Our storage facility was opened in late 2012, serving various storage needs for individuals and businesses. Our outdoor storage facility is easily accessed and room is available to back up, move around, and store commercial vehicles and RVs alike.

We can accommodate non-toxic bulk storage. If you are outgrowing your facility and need to store a container, but still need to have the ease to access your product or equipment, we can help you with that.

Our facility can be accessed with the keypad entry 24/7, and is under video surveillance. As we go into fall and winter, with shorter days, the well lit lot is convenient for you to drop off or pick up your equipment regardless of the time of day.

Whether you are looking for long term, or short term outdoor storage solutions, we can help. Request a storage bid or call us at 303-219-4787.