Tire pads while in storage?

[Old Dude 66]

We store our MH inside on concrete about 8 months a year. Is there any need to use tire pads?

[macantic]

Why take a chance? I would use them,and I do use them. I'm sure there will be many on here to say that they are not necessary. I have worked in tire shops many years and a tire rep said that prolonged sitting on the ground that moisture will seep into the tire and cause the belts to rust.

[Old Dude 66]

Ours isn't on the ground, it sits on concrete in a totally enclosed building. Also, what are "tire pads"?

[Hikerdogs]

Tire pads are nothing more than a barrier between the tire and the surface it's setting on. They can be made of wood, metal, plastic or any other non porous material. The object is to keep moisture or other contaminants from wicking into the rubber on the tires. They're recommended when parking on dirt, crushed gravel, asphalt or other surfaces that retain moisture, have a petroleum base, or are covered with contaminants like oil.

Asphalt is a petroleum based paving surface. The oils in the asphalt will eventually work into the tires and weaken the rubber compound. Long term parking on a porous surface like dirt or gravel will also allow the tire to be exposed to moisture. The extended exposure to moisture will also degrade the rubber.

Generally pads aren't required when parking on concrete unless there's oil, an oil based product, or standing water on the concrete where the tires make contact. If the concrete is poured and surfaced correctly it should allow moisture to drain off to the sides. If you have contaminants or standing water tire pads are a good choice.

[Cat320]

We just attended a rally and a seminar given by a tire expert. Bottom line, to be safe, always have a barrier of some sort between your tires and the surface. Wood is okay, as long as it does not get wet.

[GaryKD]

Hi Old Dude 66,
I use plastic tire pads (landing strips). Anything that is good for the tires is good for me.

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by Old Dude 66

We store our MH inside on concrete about 8 months a year. Is there any need to use tire pads?

Is the storage time intermittent, or a continuous 8 months? We don't use any tire pads on our RV (parked on concrete), but we try to take it out at least every other month or so.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Probably no need for pads if the concrete is well-cured (more than two years old), but it certainly can't hurt.

[Old Dude 66]

We normally take about 4 short trips during the 8 months and I like to get it out monthly otherwise. The remaining 4 months or so is in Colorado to get out of the Texas heat. The concrete is over two years old.

[TdogKing]

I've parked on Concrete in my Motorhome for years and years with zero of the discussed problems. Where are the test results showing problems of parking on wood, plastic etc....

[MRUSA14]

We don't take any such measures with our cars and they don't suffer from it. Why is an RV tire different?

[DavisK]

If you want to use pads, Tractor Supply sells rubber pads for horse stalls that work well. They are 3/4" thick and can be cut. Here is a link to them, Rubber Horse Stall Mat, 4 ft. x 6 ft. - Tractor Supply Co..

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by TdogKing

I've parked on Concrete in my Motorhome for years and years with zero of the discussed problems. Where are the test results showing problems of parking on wood, plastic etc....

There are hundreds of RVs stored in the storage facility. None of them are parked on anything but the concrete slab.

[RoscoeAndTam]

I use the plastic "Crazy Carpets' that kids use to tobbogan down hills in the winter on.
I'm concerned about the lime and other chemicals in the concrete pulling the oils out of the rubber.