Community Forums

mb2go · 02-02-2014, 10:35 PM

Hi,
I've had some tire issues with our rig and would like to do anything to help extend the life of the tires.
I've read that lifting the tires off the ground is recommended. What is the best way to safely accomplish this.
Thanks,
Ron

r___r · 02-03-2014, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb2go

Hi,
I've had some tire issues with our rig and would like to do anything to help extend the life of the tires.
I've read that lifting the tires off the ground is recommended. What is the best way to safely accomplish this.
Thanks,
Ron

Buy a set of jack stands (rated for the weight of your rig), use a floor jack(rated for the weight of you rig). At each tire lifting point raise with floor jack to set a jack stand for that tire, and continue all the way around until they all off the ground. Then, make sure to block each tire from the sun to keep the tires from rotting (vinyl tire covers, plywood, etc.).

wandering1 · 02-03-2014, 06:50 AM

Never heard that lifting the tires off the ground is recommended. I havent had tire issues due too tires being on the ground in storage since I started RV ing in the 70's

TexasTwoStep · 02-03-2014, 07:55 AM

Waste of my time. I don't do it. There is a tire expert named Roger Marble who has a web site and sometimes posts on rv.net. Go to his web site and see what he has to say.

Larmolljr · 02-03-2014, 08:24 AM

I have used 1X8s under the tires during storage. Tire engineers have stated that the black top and concrete will have an effect on the tires long term. Also the wood will help stop pressure marks between the wheel bearings and the race . But this could be debated. Raising the unit tires off the ground would eliminate the bearing to race issue. I am more concerned about the tires than bearings as the bearings get packed every two years.

jesilvas · 02-03-2014, 09:01 AM

What are the issues you've been having? Because that may not be the cause of your problems at all.
You may have alignment issues, tires that are out of date, inflation issues, and so on.

JIMNLIN · 02-03-2014, 07:10 PM

Raising the trailer for long term storage has been around since we've had trailers.
This from Goodyear. Other tire makers recommendations are similar;

Storing Your Vehicle Without Removing the Tires

Ideally, a vehicle in storage should be placed on blocks to remove all weight from the tires. If the vehicle cannot be put on blocks, follow these steps for tire protection:

-Completely unload the vehicle so that minimum weight will be placed on the tires

-Inflate tires to recommended operating pressure plus 25%. Ensure that the rim - manufacturer’s inflation capacity is not exceeded

-Be sure the storage surface is firm, clean, well drained and reasonably level

-Avoid moving the vehicle during extremely cold weather

-Move the vehicle at least every three months to prevent ozone cracking in the tire bulge area, as well as “flat-spotting” from the prolonged strain of sidewall and tread deflection

-Adjust inflation before putting the vehicle back into service."

Sound like your may be using ST tires on the trailer. If you are I would upgrade to a better tire type.

Other causes is operating at to little tire pressure or jumping curbs on a regular basis getting in or out of a storage or driveway. Or a host of other reasons.

jonbrown · 02-05-2014, 07:51 PM

In my past few 5ers I have randomly jacked the tires off of the ground and blocked the axle . In those times I was parking under my storage shed. So I made blocks that fit tightly under the spring /axle plate near the wheel then released the air from the tire allowing the rv to lower on the block . It really hadnt saved anything in my opinion.
But I felt better .. And when I would tinker on the rv it doesnt move as much or rock inside .

troutslayer · 02-05-2014, 07:55 PM

One thing to remember is that tires on RVs should be replaced approximately every 5 years from the manufacture date, no matter what the tread looks like. You probably already knew that

Batten54 · 02-06-2014, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troutslayer

One thing to remember is that tires on RVs should be replaced approximately every 5 years from the manufacture date, no matter what the tread looks like. You probably already knew that

I thought you get a new RV every 5 years...so you always have newer tires...