More storage questions

I was wondering if the temperature being too cold could be a problem for my tube. It is supposed to be a rough winter here and I can't imagine it wouldn't hurt it to leave it out in the garage in 10 degree weather.

I would not know I imagine it would be ok but I also would not chance it

I would check with the manufacturer of your tube. Good luck

It might blow away

Thanks guys. I would bring it inside, but don't know if I have a place to put it if I keep it partly inflated, which I know I need to do. I guess I should make room for it.

Excessive temperature exposure over time will crack the bladder, not to mention external layer. Keep it in storage area above 60 and below 100. If you're not using it over the freezing months, deflate it, roll it up, and shove it into the closet, or under the bed, away from any sharp edges/points.

Definitely would deflate it. If you have to leave it in the garage. I would recommend to remove the bladders from the tube fold those up nice and neat and wrap it with and extra blanket or sheet and place them in a box for storage. That insulation should help it from getting ruined. Sounds a little extreme but better safe than sorry.

Hey Guys,

I just had this conversation with a friend of mine who keeps his gear in the garage during winter.(He guides) His observation is that the cold and very low humidity (he lives at high altitude, and his winters are snowy and cold), tend to dry out his gear considerably. He worries most about the synthetic thread used for the sewn portions of the bags. (zippers, pouches, and seams) He regularly disassembles his bladder from it's shell to clean and treat the polyurethene bladder with conditioner to keep the plastic hydrated. He is especially careful to clean out the fine sand that gets between the bladder and outer shell as it can cause abrasion spots. He also uses automotive interior/detail products to keep the outer shell in condition.
I have been doing this as well for a number of years, just for GPs.( I also store my gear inflated, in the garage) Whether or not this prolongs the life of the boat I am sure is arguable but he and I feel better doing it.

NOTE: His boats are all at least 4-5 years old and are in superb condition! Even the color panels are still bright. My older toons are almost 20, and aside from the scratches look pretty darn good.

hope this is informative bodfish

Deflate it and lay it flat under your bed! Thank me later!

Thanks guys. I have heard that storing it deflated could make seams in the bladder. That's what I was worried about. So if I cant find a good place to hang it up I will definitely do that.

No one has mentioned, but I suggest hanging the tube....helps prevent critters like mice from chewing holes! I also prefer not to fold my bladders, as repeated creasing in the same location can promote leaks.

I never thought of seams in the tube i am so glad i hang my gear year round i have one stored time to break it out.