Tire Care When Parked Long Term

[Airboutique]

I live in my Airstream full time and it remains stationary. Is there some type of tire "pads" I should be parking my tires onto instead of the graveled ground to preserve my tires?

[Mollysdad]

I'd consider putting it on Jack stands and getting the wheels off.
There should be a barrier between the ground and the rubber.
I left a motorhome sit stored on concrete for five years after putting new tires on it, and regret not moving it even a foot. The tires were flat spotted, and maybe they came out after a while, but it was a long while.

[GinaParmesan]

I’m on the road full time, and I use 303 UV protectant on the tires.

[Tireman9]

Not sure what you mean by "long time" but IMO if you are parking for longer than a few weeks you need to inflate your tires to the sidewall max pressure.

If parking for more than a few months then get the tires off the vehicle (or get the tires up off the ground) or you may get a flat spot. You can also over stretch the sidewall where the tire is on the ground. Store them indoors away from electric motors.

[Hiwheel Joe]

I store my trailer indoors on concrete. I purchased a recycled rubber (tires) horse stall mat from Tractor Supply and cut into 4 pieces. Each tire sits on one while stored. Does this help? I don't know, but it works for me.

[RxGuy]

If staying at one site for an extended period, I would suggest you at least cover the tires for UV protection. These covers are more than reasonable.

harborfreight.com/4-pc-storm-proof-wheel-covers-61841.html

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by Airboutique

I live in my Airstream full time and it remains stationary. Is there some type of tire "pads" I should be parking my tires onto instead of the graveled ground to preserve my tires?

How long will it remain stationary?

If the tires are over 5 years old when the trailer is moved next time it will not matter, new tires will be needed anyway.

Protecting the axles is important, even if just parked for a few months. Jack the trailer up and use cribbing to support the trailer at the axle mounting plate (where the axles attach to the trailer frame) so that the tires are just barely touching the ground and the axles' torsion arms are in a downward angle. This will provide some protection to the suspension and also keep the tires from developing permanent flat spots.

I used a cover over my tires while in storage. I use 303 protectant on the rubber, applied every 3 to 4 months. This keeps the rubber looking relatively new.

[Airboutique]

I just purchased a 2006 safari to replace my 72 Tradewind that I have lived in for the past 8 years. It will be stationary so l want to protect my investment. Do I jack the trailer up so wheels are off the ground then put some sort of blocks under the axle? Forgive my ignorance but I didn't do this to my '72 and I know after 8 years of sitting, the tires will need to be replaced. Thanks for helping me.

[Airboutique]

What is cribbing?

[John Geisen]

Great topic. Thanks.

[lyleapgmc]

Originally Posted by Airboutique

What is cribbing?

Cribbing is what horses do. They chew on wood.

In this context it is blocking built up to support the trailer or motorhome. The handiest and safest is wood blocking. Concrete or cinder blocks have been known to fail with disastrous results.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by Airboutique

What is cribbing?

In the construction trade, cribbing is a term used for describing stacking of wood or other materials so that something can be supported.

I've used this method to support mobile cranes when lifting many tons and supported building when needed.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box_crib

Stacking solid wood material is acceptable for the OP's purpose. Usually 4 places beneath the axle mount/frame and one beneath the tongue jack will do. Still using the stabilizers is a good idea, in addition to the cribbing. For long term or semi-permanent cribbing a solid concrete block base then wood on top will keep rot from setting in too quickly.

[A W Warn]

A similar discussion here, with a more detailed explanation:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...ml#post2047106

[tjdonahoe]

My trailer always sits from November thru February or March under a lean to off my shop....never had any problems, I am not going to take the tires off, and block the trailer up...even my enclosed car trailer sits in one spot for years at a time..