Winter storage in old barn with tarp?

[ForumJunkie]

Want to cover my ZTM for winter.
It's parked in a barn, but there can be critters.
Parked on a cement slab
Barn is old and not 100% sealed, but is dry, and roof is fine.

I bought 11x17 tarp that I will park on top of
then pull over the tractor like a dumpling.

Does this idea seem ok?

 

[Diggin It]

If it's out of the direct elements, I see no need to cover. That tends to give the critters a roof to build under. Plus, they can hold moisture which is never good.

 

[5030]

I agree. If you cover it, get a mouser as in cat.

 

[Roadworthy]

If critters want in they can chew through your tarp if they happen to want in - which they probably won't. The tarp may retain moisture if closed. Either way sprinkle some "snacks" around. I prefer D-Con but the good stuff has been pulled from the market.

 

[ForumJunkie]

So, the tarp is a bad idea?
It will attract critters even more than if just left open in the barn?

If I seal with a tarp, you're saying moisture can still enter the inside it is condenses from the air inside the tarp?
I paid $15 for the tarp already, is there any benefit in using it? Can I vent it somehow, by cutting a hole or slit across the top?
That way, most of the tractor is covered, but moisture is not trapped?

Also, would a large cloth blanket be better? Or would that attract mice even more?

 

[Zebrafive]

Mice like the dark places to hide/nest. Tarp or blanket will attract them. I even open the hood in my tractor to make one less hiding place.

 

[farmeratheart]

As others have said, if the tractor is inside under a good roof it will stay dry. That is most important. In my Dad’s barn back in the day we used to cover the tractors with sheets of clear plastic to keep the bat s@&t off the seat and hood. Same was done in summer to deflect “deposits” from the barn swallows. By using clear plastic we weren’t creating more hiding places for mice . Of course, the resident may also have helped!

Frank

 

[KennyG]

If the roof is good don't cover it. If you worry about dust (which shouldn't matter on a tractor) use a beathable cover, not plastic or waterproof tarp. Tarping it will encourage condensation and moisture trapping.

 

[ForumJunkie]

OK, I will just lay a small tarp over the tractor, and not seal the bottom.
Circulation is key. I like the clear sheet idea.

 

[Diggin It]

If you just want to keep stuff from the old barn roof off of it, maybe try one of those 10' x 10' pop-up canopies available for $50 or less.