Retiring my 2003 F150.

[RoyJackson]

We have an '03 F150 that we use as our "farm truck," too. I try to use it as a weekend vehicle to a) save mileage on my little Kia Soul, and b) keep it running on a regular basis. Very rare that it doesn't get used at least once a week. Honestly, just try to drive it regularly, and you shouldn't need to do anything special to it.

I agree with this...best way to keep it in decent condition.

Along with the other's suggestions, if you must let it set, up the tire pressure to 20% over max while it's setting.

 

[N80]

I agree with this...best way to keep it in decent condition.

Well that's the problem of course. Sometimes we go down to the cabin every week. Sometimes we may not be down there for a month or so. I think keeping the rodents out is going to be the challenge.

 

[RoyJackson]

Well that's the problem of course. Sometimes we go down to the cabin every week. Sometimes we may not be down there for a month or so. I think keeping the rodents out is going to be the challenge.

I had a Ford F-150 Crewcab...2006 model. Traded it off for a smaller truck a few months back.
Now this Ford was a daily driver, except for weekends.
On my way to Connecticut, the truck just stopped on I-91 south. It turned out the mice had made a nest in the air cleaner (which was replaced at least every other year). The nest blocked a sensor...
Now, if this had been the tractor (which is parked right next to where I parked the F-150), I wouldn't have been too surprised as the tractor sets for weeks at a time. The F-150, being driven daily, just doesn't seem like the place mice would want to live...unless they're adventurous mice.
Anyway, being parked or driven...if a critter wants to set up residence, they're going to. I do recommend using moth balls under the hood. That repels rodents (mice, at least) to a degree.

 

[3930dave]

Roy raises a good point.

I have an old Honda that mice loved to fill the air cleaner with tree seeds. Used what I call varmit wire (about 1/4" square galvanized sheets - Lowes or Home Depot) to cover the intake.



Won't win any appearance awards, but worked in my case.

Should be much less of an issue SC way, but up here I really need to service disc brakes twice a year to ensure that I stay ahead of the calipers seizing. If they haven't been done in a while, if I could find a RoundTuIt, I'd service them before parking the truck.

If parked a lot, unless the battery maintainer is default, I'd probably install a battery disconnect switch.

If shed floor is dirt, I'd park on 2x8s.

Rgds, D.

 

[CADplans]

I lost an air filter to chewing mice one time,,,
luckily I checked the air filter on that parked truck before attempting to start.

After that,,, I now add several drops of peppermint oil to EVERY new air filter installed.
I have not lost an air filter since.

The peppermint oil is very effective mouse deterrent,, if you remember to use it,,,
In the fall, I dump a few drops on each of my machines,,
under the hood, around dash compartments,,

Heck, a tiny bottle of the stuff dumped around my 3,000 SQ FT shed,
and the mice do not even eat the Ramik mouse bars,,,

AND,, the peppermint oil is WAY cheaper than the Ramik bars!! :thumbsup: