Proper storage between uses

[Tim_S]

Hello All,

Unfortunately we have been too busy to get out much and won't free up until mid-august. Had the unit out in April with brand new tires and love the new ride and feel of safety(had a blow out prior). Wondering what, if anything, folks do when their Airstreams are going to sit in the driveway for months at a time. It's in pretty much shade but I was wondering if the tires get problems if they aren't moved for months. Should I put the stabilizer pads/jacks down to take off a bit of weight, or am I being overly concerned and it's fine to let it just sit for months and then take off, after checking tire pressures, of course?

Thanks, Tim

[AirHeadsRus]

I would not store with stabilizers down. What would happen if the air went out of your tires?
Too many bad things could happen.

[overlander63]

The best answer is to not let it sit that long between uses.
Of course, real life gets in the way of that sometimes, so, if you are letting the trailer sit from April-August, you probably should do some minor things, like disconnect the batteries so they won't go dead, make sure the LP is off, and all the windows are shut tightly to keep dust and pollen out of the interior. Make sure you check the air in the tires before using the trailer again.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Tim,

During the Season we pretty much just wait for the next outing..

At least once a week, ck batteries, turn on water pump, make sure the Fantastic vents are working, thats about it.

Don't put the stab's down,(do NOT use them for weight reduction) not designed to support anything, just to take the wiggle out!

Don't worry, sitting for awhile won't effect the tires much, use covers to keep the Sun off. We do take them off during the Winter months though.

Keep it as clean as possible, bird bombs can hurt the finish.

[Action]

The absolute best is to remove tire and wheel and store inside. Not very practical.

Cover them and take weigjht of of them. Even if it sits in the shade there is still polution in the air and a covered tire is going to fair better. Tire dealers have been known to bagged tires that are in storage for a long time. There is a reason. The stablizers are not built to take weight. However you have the right idea.

The next best thing is to move the trailer even if it is back and forth in the drive. It gets the tire flexing and this is a good thing.

>>>>Action

[Jammer]

I believe that the potential for tire problems during periods of non-use is nearly zero for modern tires, and most of the precautions people recommend date to the era of bias ply tires and 1950s/1960s rubber formulations. My trailer doesn't move November-April and there are no untoward effects on the tires.

The consensus recommendation seems to be to replace the tires after a number of years (6-10 depending on who you ask) regardless of whether they're frequently used or not. If you're going to do that then there's not much point in covering them or taking the weight off as they'll last that long even if exposed to sunlight and weight.

[Action]

I would agree with the above poster for the most part. (and I personally don't unload my trailers)

However in AZ and may be in FLA (for AirHeadsRus) non-covered tires have a much shorter life than covered ones. Modern or not. I have a boat trailer that sits in the evening sun and I discovered cracks in the side wall of 2 tires after one 4 year old tire blew. I replaced all of the tires and they have always been covered when not in use. These replacements are almost 3 years now and no cracks.

The extra effort to cover them may be a waste of time and effort. However I am out about $25 for a set of covers (from ebay) and a little extra effort. Not muched risked for a possible extended tire life.

I don't perceive the need in say Virgina, North Carolina or Minnesota. And then again to cover tires and keep them away from UV or acid rain or other polution isn't much effort.

>>>>>>>>>Action