How to preserve your tires when not on the road

[The General]

Originally Posted by Elkhartjim

Goodyear says the same thing. Petroleum distillates (including silicone) will speed up the sidewall deterioration. I'm not familiar with silicone grease so I can't comment on that product but it sure "sounds" like a petroleum product.

Hey Jim,
"Sounds" to me you haven't done any research on silicone grease or even looked at the attachment.
Just throw your uneducated opinion out to the peanut gallery.
Most other silicone spray agents are carried by petroleum solvents which will cause harm to tires.

Steve

[Elkhartjim]

Originally Posted by The General

Hey Jim,
"Sounds" to me you haven't done any research on silicone grease or even looked at the attachment.
Just throw your uneducated opinion out to the peanut gallery.
Most other silicone spray agents are carried by petroleum solvents which will cause harm to tires.

Steve

Like I said, I'm not familiar with silicone grease or as you so succinctly put it, I stated "my uneducated opinion". I just quoted what both Michelin and Goodyear published, silly me for believing anything a tire manufacturer would put in writing about tire care.

If silicone grease works for you, I think thats wonderful; also maybe you're not riding on Michelins or Goodyears and your manufacturer recommends silicone.

[The General]

Jim,

Great indefensible defense.


Michelin Steve

[Elkhartjim]

To the original poster, I apologize that the thread got hijacked from your original question.

Like some have said, most trailers are built with the minimum load bearing tires they can put on and that can certainly cause a premature tire failure.

Again, I'm sorry for this getting so far off topic. When you replace your tires, the tire manufacturer will gladly provide you with documentation for taking care of them.

[Shadowcatche]

For another application (neck seals on a dry suit) I looked through MSDS material safety data sheets for various rubber dressings and the only one that did not have petroleum distillates was Armorall.

"The anti-aging chemicals used in the rubber compounds are more effective when the tire is "exercised" on a frequent basis. The repeated stretching of the rubber compound actually helps resist cracks forming. The tires used on vehicles that are driven infrequently, or accumulate low annual mileage are more likely to experience cracking because long periods of parking or storage interrupt "working" the rubber. In addition to being an annoyance to show car owners, this condition often frustrates motor home and recreational vehicle owners who only take occasional trips and cannot even park their vehicle in a garage or shaded area. Using tire covers at least minimizes direct exposure to sunlight." Tire Tech Information - Rubber Cracking

[first5thwheel]

That is quite ok. I do want to thank you and everyone who had replied to my origianl thread. The information has been very helpful and will save me $$$$ in the long run. I find the forum very helpful and I appreciate all of you trying to help me out seeing I am new the the 5th Wheel arena.

Thanks again to all.

:O)

[JohnRR]

Originally Posted by Shadowcatche

"The anti-aging chemicals used in the rubber compounds are more effective when the tire is "exercised" on a frequent basis. The repeated stretching of the rubber compound actually helps resist cracks forming. The tires used on vehicles that are driven infrequently, or accumulate low annual mileage are more likely to experience cracking because long periods of parking or storage interrupt "working" the rubber.

I like that thought

[partsman01]

Well how about these tires, they look perfect and they are around 8 years old, and not a sign that I can see of failing.

Now to be truthfull these tires are on a used 2004 fifth wheel I bought in November 2010 and has only been driven one way, about 1 1/2 hours from the dealer to my home, so have yet to really take a chance on them.

[The General]

partsman01,

Some tires could last 15 years but are you willing to bet your property or life on it?
Every time you go on the road with these tires you may have a quezzy feeling in the pit of your stomach.
If you decide to keep them:
Check inside and outside of sidewalls for cracking, bulges and cuts and dismount them and check for any rusting of steel belts showing and leading to separation of the belts.
In my humble opinion, tires should be replaced every five to six years. It's not worth losing life, family and friends aboard.


Steve

[kcaravelli]

The lubricating compounds in the tire can only do their work when they are being driven, that is why so many people are telling you to protect the tires from drying out and cracking...which is good advice.
You are asking people here and with all due respect the the expertise here, please stop in at your nearby tire store and get an expert opinion on your tires.

[BHorton2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silico...se_in_industry

[FastEagle]

Chapter #4 page 61 in the following reference.

http://www.mcgeecompany.com/wp-conte...ete-manual.pdf

[Dr4Film]

The best stuff to use on the outside of your tires is 3M 303 Protectant.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[Spk64]

I am a user of 303. I apply before hitting the road or after washing.
New tires last year so going to see how they look in 6-7 years of 303.

Much easier than tire covers if they keep the tires healthy. Which I did buy and used a couple times.