How to Store a Hose Reel Cart Over Winter
Twenty minutes in November saves a cracked hose and a stiff crank in April. Drain the hose, clean and dry the cart, oil the moving parts, and park it out of the weather.
The 6-Step Winter Routine
-
1
Disconnect and drainDisconnect the leader hose from the spigot. Open the nozzle and drain the hose completely, walking it out downhill if you can.
-
2
Wind it evenlyWind the drained hose onto the drum evenly, under light tension, so it doesn't bind or kink over winter.
-
3
Clean the frameBrush off dirt, grass, and leaves, especially around the axle and wheels where moisture collects.
-
4
Dry itLet the cart dry fully before storing. Trapped moisture is what starts rust.
-
5
Oil the moving partsA few drops of light machine oil on the axle and crank pivots keep them smooth.
-
6
Park it insideA garage, shed, or basement keeps it out of snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Why Draining Matters Most
Water expands when it freezes. A hose left full of water can split, and the swivel and fittings on the reel can crack.
If you only do one thing, drain the hose. Everything else on this list helps the cart last longer; draining keeps it from breaking.
Touch Up Chips Before They Rust
Look over the frame for chips and scratches in the coating, especially on the base and handle. Lightly sand any rust spots, wipe them clean, and dab on a rust-inhibiting paint.
Check that bolts are snug and the wheels spin freely. Fix small things now, while you have time.
Caption: a quick once-over in fall catches loose bolts, chipped paint, and worn washers.
2-Wheel Residential Duty Cart
A compact steel cart that holds 175 feet of 5/8-inch hose and rolls easily into a garage corner.
Shop the 175 ft CartFAQ: Winter Hose Reel Storage
Can I leave my hose reel cart outside in winter?
It is better not to. Snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles are hard on the hose and fittings. Store it in a garage or shed if you can.
Should I take the hose off the reel for winter?
You don't have to. Drain it fully and wind it evenly onto the drum.
How do I keep my hose reel from rusting?
Store it dry, touch up chips in the coating, and keep it off wet ground.
Do I need to oil my hose reel?
A few drops of light machine oil on the axle and crank pivots before storage keeps them turning smoothly.
The Bottom Line
Drain, wind, clean, dry, oil, and park it inside. That's the whole routine — and your cart is ready the day you need it in spring.
Questions? Call us at (888) 607-4417 or browse our steel hose storage.
We build hose storage that outlives the hose. All steel, no plastic, made for people tired of replacing things.
