Storing Trailer on Gravel Tire Recommendations

[actadh]

I always store the TT with the tires on Lynx Levelers.

[rhamilton]

We live in Southern California, where for a number of years, it has not rained much. We store our RV on dirt and haven't had any problems, as what moisture does exist, doesn't last but for a day or two. We have the recycled tire matts under our horse shelters. That was a good post idea, and I think we will try those just in case we get a rainy year sometime in the next 5-10 years.

[Ky-N]

Originally Posted by mike.t

Everyone reading this that just poured a new concrete pad fell off their chair.

Nah, I always block it up off the tires for winter storage. No flat spots (not that it an issue) on the tires and relaxes the pressure on the springs plus it is ready for me when I get around to checking the brakes and bearings.

[itat]

Gravel is no problem as long as it will drain. Storing directly on moist soil is not desirable. Concrete doesn't hold water. Neither does asphalt as long as it doesn't settle. Wood will become damp in the Spring and I'd personally rather not use PT wood under the tires.

I store mine with the tires resting on concrete patio slabs.

[Witch Doctor]

Still waiting for the data, that concrete emits a chemical that is bad for tires.

[emm-dee]

Originally Posted by Witch Doctor

Still waiting for the data, that concrete emits a chemical that is bad for tires.

Well, I read somewhere on the internet about that problem so it definitely must be true.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Witch Doctor

Still waiting for the data, that concrete emits a chemical that is bad for tires.

Not recommending one way or the other... opinions can be formed on your own.

Here is what Michelin says about long term storage of RV tires.
I've included a link to their web site where this came from **HERE**. Notice they don't call out concrete specifically, just "some surfaces." That's a pretty broad brush stroke.

For those not wanting to follow the link, below is what it says on page 9 of the Michelin RV tire brochure.
I highlighted the topic of question...

"LONG TERM STORAGE OF RV TIRES
Unless the RV owner is a full-time RV-er, the vehicle
probably spends some time in long-term storage. But
what the RV owner probably didn’t know is that rubber
tires age when not being used. So, if the owner must store
the RV, a cool, dry, sealed garage is the best bet. Also,
some storage surfaces can cause tires to age faster. That’s
why Michelin recommends placing a barrier (cardboard,
plastic or plywood) between the tire and the storage
surface.
Here are some other steps the RV owner can take to
help reduce the aging effects from long-term storage:
1) Thoroughly clean tires with soap and water before
placing into storage.
2) Cover tires to block direct sunlight and ultraviolet
rays.
3) Store out of a high ozone area.
Note: When a vehicle is stored, tires should be inflated
to the inflation pressure indicated on the sidewall.
Before removing the vehicle from long-term storage,
thoroughly inspect each tire – this includes sidewalls,
tread area, and pressure. If the tires have lost pressure, be
sure to inflate them to the correct pressure before driving."

[itat]

Neither Michelin's website nor any other website or paper document that I've ever seen has definitive proof that having your tires sitting outside on a concrete pad for the winter can do harm to the rubber in your tires. Until I see that, it's just hearsay. Just try to keep the concrete pad as dry as possible.

[joshuajim]

DANG... I'm never driving on a concrete highway again

[M&K Hoffman]

Originally Posted by joshuajim

DANG... I'm never driving on a concrete highway again

Or parking in my garage, or on my driveway!

[markb422]

EFFLORESCENCE AND LEACHING IN CONCRETE: Not sure what affect it has on rubber tires but if Michelin recommends it, I will gladly spend 3 bucks to have something between the concrete and my 200 dollar Michelin tires. Good job 5picker for digging up that info.
I use 16x16 rubber pavers that are made from shedded tires that I bought at a home improvement store. They do not absord moiture and adds a little cushion. I think they where 3 bucks each.

[MilCop4523]

have always stored our trailer on 2 by 10 planks.
At the lake they sit atop the PT planks with these under them because the trailer moves 4 times a year.

2 trips (to and from) annual inspection
One trip from home in the spring to the lake and one return trip home in the fall.

the shape savers assist in keeping the tires as intended - round at least on teh bottom...


I've talked with several Trailer repair and rental locations in NA and they all have one thought, get the tires up onto wooden planks off gravel, grass, dirt, pavement or concrete.

[Tapex]

Where do you purchase these shape savers at ?

[MilCop4523]

Princess Auto in Canada had them this summer for 17$ Canadian for a 2 pack.
Princess Auto: 2 pc Tire Saver Chocks - RedFlagDeals.com

[Tapex]

Thanks for your informational post, Have a Happy Thanksgiving to your and the family!

[joshuajim]

Gee... I've been parking my car on a concrete floor for the last 50 years. How dumb could I be?

[emm-dee]

We needed more threads. 500 about tires, 700 about ford vs chevy vs dodge, 1200 about weight/payload/gcvr, and finally a start to this arising issue...where to park.

[itat]

Originally Posted by MilCop4523

Princess Auto in Canada had them this summer for 17$ Canadian for a 2 pack.
Princess Auto: 2 pc Tire Saver Chocks - RedFlagDeals.com

Looks like they aren't available at Princess Auto anymore.

If anyone is concerned about getting their tires up off of concrete or asphalt, just make sure you use something that won't trap or absorb water. You need to drain the water away from your tires.

[grumpyoldman]

Originally Posted by joshuajim

Gee... I've been parking my car on a concrete floor for the last 50 years. How dumb could I be?

It's not about parking your car on concrete for a short time it's about not moving your vehicle for 5 or 6 months at a time.

[Tireman9]

OK I know you all want some definitive answer on what to use but the best I can do is offer some guidance on what not to do.

Do not store your RV where the tires would be in long term contact with water. ( dirt or wet sand for example) Moisture can permeate the rubber and attack the steel belts and body cord or the bond between the rubber and brass coating on the steel.

Do not store your RV where the tires would be in long term contact with asphalt as the oils can attack the rubber itself

Do cover your tires so they get no direct Sunlight

Do not store your RV in an enclosed space with large electric motors or even worse where there is an aquarium ozone generator. The Ozone generated can destroy the rubber in just a few months in extreme cases.

If storing your tires under load be sure to inflate the tires to the pressure shown on the sidewall associated with the max load capacity.

I would not store the tires on large coarse gravel larger than pea size as this will give localized tread distortion and possible ynitiate tread cutting or tearing/

If storing on blocks or wood planks be surre 100% of the tread area is on the planks. This included both tires in a dual pair.

Check out my blog post on Winterizing. for pictures on do & don't