Tire maintenance

[Bill1446]

I have been following several blogs regarding tire maintenance, It is easy to understand the importance of maintaining proper tire inflation, covering tires to prevent UV damage and making sure the tread depth is adequate. I would appreciate any input regarding the following additional items:

1. If a coach is in storage for several months at a time, can tire life fe extended if the unit is jacked up off the ground to keep the tires from getting flat spots?
2. Will reducing inflation pressure to some low level relieve stress and extend tire life if the tires are off the ground, as in #1 above?
3. Will inflating tires with nitrogen rather than air extend life?
4. Is there a recommended 'sunscreen' for tires to protect them from UV exposure?

Thanks,
AK Bill

[wildtoad]

Using the jacks to raise the MH while is storage takes pressure off the tires and suspension which is good for both. I'm not sure reducing the tire pressure will have any measurable impact.

[Tireman9]

Originally Posted by AK Bill

I have been following several blogs regarding tire maintenance, It is easy to understand the importance of maintaining proper tire inflation, covering tires to prevent UV damage and making sure the tread depth is adequate. I would appreciate any input regarding the following additional items:

1. If a coach is in storage for several months at a time, can tire life fe extended if the unit is jacked up off the ground to keep the tires from getting flat spots? (Yes but I am not sure if it is worthe the effort of jacking up your RV. You need good jack, strong jack stands and an RV with easy to get to places to jsck. I decrease flat spots by inflating tires to the pressure on the the tire)
2. Will reducing inflation pressure to some low level relieve stress and extend tire life if the tires are off the ground, as in #1 above?(Yes IF the tires have been removed from the vehicle)
3. Will inflating tires with nitrogen rather than air extend life?(Maybe but I'm not sure it's worth the cost. You can read this post.)
4. Is there a recommended 'sunscreen' for tires to protect them from UV exposure?( Best sunscreen is a white tire cover. It will stop 100% of UV and also keep the tire cool. Heat can do more damage than UV)

Thanks,
AK Bill

Good questions. I have posted answers above.

[CHCam42]

Tires on most coaches expire on date not wear. Class A coach tires are designed to run 100,000 miles as they are basically truck tires with a softer ride. Wash them with soak and water and keep the proper air pressure they will last until the recommended replacement date arrives.

[clyon51]

I've used Armour-All on my tires and many other things for years for UV protection and shine. My current RV tires are now 10 years old and not 1 sidewall crack on any of them. Many use 303 Protectant which is good stuff. Of course regardless of looks, 10 years is over the recommended replacement time and I'm taking a chance. Some think this is bad for tires, so they use covers.

Nitrogen - to me is a bunch of BS. Air itself is 79% nitrogen. So 21% more is a miracle?

Keeping Jacks down probably helps some. I don't do it in long term outside storage because of jack shafts rusting. Of course treating them with lithium grease would cure that, but then you get dirt stuck to them , so I just don't do it.

I'm sure I will be shot at over my way to do things, but my Jap tires are 10 years old.

[Bill1446]

Thanks to all of you who replied to my original question, your input is greatly appreciated to a newby.
AK Bill