How to Store a Truck or Trailer Safely

How to Store a Truck or Trailer Safely

Storing a truck or trailer isn't the same as parking a car and walking away. Size, weight, access and council rules all come into play, and getting it wrong can lead to fines, damage or a very expensive headache when you need the vehicle again.

This guide covers practical, Australian-specific advice on how to store a truck or trailer safely, whether it's a rigid truck, prime mover, box trailer or equipment trailer.

It's written for owners and operators, not fleet managers with depots.

What "safe storage" actually means for trucks and trailers

Safe storage isn't just about security. It's about reducing risk across a few areas at once.

In practice, safe storage means:

• The vehicle isn't breaking council or road rules
• It's protected from theft and vandalism
• It won't deteriorate while sitting unused
• You can access it when needed without drama

Miss one of those and the cost shows up later.

Where people usually store trucks and trailers

Most storage options fall into a few broad categories.

On private property

This includes farms, industrial yards, large driveways and rural land.

Typical cost: $100–$300 per month depending on size and location

Pros:

• Flexible access
• Often cheapest for larger vehicles
• Space for long combinations

Cons:

• Security varies
• Distance can be an issue
• Not always suitable in metro areas

This is common for owner-drivers and regional operators.

Commercial truck storage yards

These are purpose-run yards designed for heavy vehicles.

Typical cost: $200–$500+ per month

Pros:

• Built for trucks and trailers
• Better security
• Clear access rules

Cons:

• Costs add up quickly
• Often located on city fringes
• Availability can be tight

These work well if the truck sits unused for long stretches.

Street or verge parking

This is where many people start, and where problems usually begin.

In most metro areas:

• Long-term street parking of trucks and trailers is restricted
• Enforcement is often complaint-driven
• Fines and tow-aways are common

Even if it works for a while, it's rarely a safe long-term option. Our council caravan parking rules guide covers how council enforcement works — the same principles apply to trucks and trailers.

How to prepare a truck for storage

Before you park the truck and walk away, do a bit of prep.

Clean it properly

Road grime, salt and mud cause corrosion over time.

At a minimum:

• Wash the exterior
• Clean underneath if it's been on coastal roads
• Remove rubbish from the cab

A clean truck is easier to inspect later.

Look after the battery

Batteries die fast when trucks sit.

Options include:

• Disconnecting the battery
• Removing it entirely
• Using a maintenance charger if power is available

Dead batteries are one of the most common storage issues.

Check fluids and tyres

Before storage:

• Check oil and coolant levels
• Inflate tyres to the correct pressure
• Move the truck slightly every few weeks if possible

Flat-spotted tyres are expensive and annoying.

How to prepare a trailer for storage

Trailers get less attention, but they suffer just as much in storage.

Secure it properly

Trailers should be:

• Parked on level ground
• Chocked to prevent movement
• Supported properly if stored long-term

Relying on the handbrake alone isn't ideal.

Protect tyres and bearings

Before storage:

• Inflate tyres correctly
• Grease bearings if due
• Avoid leaving tyres sitting on soft ground

Trailers left sitting for months often fail on the first tow.

Cover or protect exposed components

If stored outdoors:

• Use covers where practical
• Protect wiring plugs
• Keep brake components dry if possible

Sun and moisture do real damage over time. For a deeper dive into protecting stored vehicles, see our safe and sound handbook.

Security basics that actually matter

You don't need fortress-level security, but a few basics help.

Effective measures include:

• Fencing or gated access
• Locking trailer couplings
• Parking out of sight where possible
• Simple GPS trackers for higher-value vehicles

Most theft is opportunistic. Making access slightly harder often moves thieves on.

Council rules and why they catch people out

Truck and trailer parking rules vary by council, not state.

Common restrictions include:

• Limits on parking heavy vehicles in residential areas
• Prohibitions on long-term street parking
• Rules around trailers detached from vehicles

Once a council starts enforcing in an area, relying on "no one's complained yet" stops working quickly.

That's why many owners move to off-street storage after the first warning or fine.

Common mistakes to avoid

These are the issues that trip up truck and trailer owners most frequently.

Leaving vehicles sitting without checks Even a quick monthly walk-around prevents surprises.

Choosing storage that's too far away Long drives to access a truck kill productivity fast.

Ignoring access rules Some yards limit access hours, which doesn't work for everyone.

Underestimating long-term costs Cheap monthly rates add up over years. Distance and damage matter too.

How to choose the right storage option

Ask yourself:

• How often will I need the truck or trailer?
• How big and heavy is it?
• Do I need 24/7 access?
• Is security or price the priority?

There's no universal best answer. The right choice depends on how you actually use the vehicle. Not sure what size space you need? The vehicle sizing guide has dimensions for rigid trucks, prime movers, semi-trailers and box trailers.

Looking for affordable options? Read our guide on finding cheap truck storage near you.

Where to from here

Storing a truck or trailer safely is about planning, not just parking. A bit of preparation and the right location can save thousands in fines, repairs and downtime.

Whether you're storing a single trailer or a working truck, the goal is the same: keep it legal, secure and ready to go when you need it. Search for truck storage near you to compare options by location and price.