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wave man · 08-05-2017, 04:10 PM

How long do you leave your AS stationary before worrying about tire problems caused by the long sit?

If I'm doing this, what solutions are there to alleviate concern of flat spots etc...?

Is it really a concern for the newer ASs and tires?

I'd like to be clear here, I'll be living in it, and still expect to be able to get up and go with a minimum of fuss...employed still full time+...

My search skills are pathetic, or maybe I offended the information spirits long ago I don't know but I waste huge amounts trying to search on forums and the web...Thanks for taking pity on me..

uncle_bob · 08-05-2017, 04:51 PM

Hi

If it worries you, cover the tires when parked. No matter what you do, check the pressures monthly and before you roll out. Don't try to get 10 or 20 years out of a set of tires. Do whatever the recommended process is for your wheel bearings (the old ones and new ones are a bit different).

Bob

wave man · 08-05-2017, 10:08 PM

So the flat spot issue, not really an issue to worry about? Sitting on concrete most likely...

CRH · 08-05-2017, 10:24 PM

Not an issue

PKI · 08-05-2017, 10:24 PM

Wave man - there is a section that discusses tires. Worth a read. Very opinionated subject. The general take away is the trailer tires often time out as opposed to wearing the tread down to the breaker strips. The damage a blow out can do greatly offsets the cost of replacing tires on a regular basis.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f438/

Pat

wave man · 08-05-2017, 10:50 PM

Looking there now.... been looking everywhere and Google is getting surly

OTRA15 · 08-06-2017, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wave man

Looking there now.... been looking everywhere and Google is getting surly

Are you using the new search box above with the blue border? It is powered by Google, but only searches the database here at AirForums. It works great IMO.

Results for "storage flat tire spots" --
https://www.google.com/search?q=stor....0.VNyYF971dYc

When these search results open up, you can modify the search terms in the new box there, but just make sure you leave "site:airforums.com". [BTW with "flat" in the search, of course many threads about flat tires from loss of pressure will also be there.]

In my opinion, the notion that you will get flat spots on tires -- from temporary storing on concrete etc. -- is simply an anecdotal remnant from the days before modern tires had the longevity they do today. Others may disagree, but I have not seen any studies or evidence that it is true in this day and age. For tires that are not out-of-date, and maintained at the correct air pressure, the risk is minimal IMO. [Edit see PS]

Good luck!

Peter

PS -- FYI Tire Rack says permanent "flat-spotting" can occur after many months of storage:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=42

How many months?

CapriRacer · 08-06-2017, 05:53 AM

My experience is that ALL tires flatspot. They have been detected every time tires are tested for flatspots. The question is: In the real world, are they bad enough to take action to prevent it?

I know that tires with nylon cap plies do flatspot - and since nylon cap plies are a recent addition to ST tires, I suspect flatspotting will become a problem if it isn't already.

So I think the best tactic is to get the load off the tires. Even just getting some of the load off would be helpful.

dznf0g · 08-06-2017, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapriRacer

My experience is that ALL tires flatspot. They have been detected every time tires are tested for flatspots. The question is: In the real world, are they bad enough to take action to prevent it?

I know that tires with nylon cap plies do flatspot - and since nylon cap plies are a recent addition to ST tires, I suspect flatspotting will become a problem if it isn't already.

So I think the best tactic is to get the load off the tires. Even just getting some of the load off would be helpful.

Agree, I put mine up on stands at the end of the season every year. I would tell OP, if you aren't using it at least every 3 months (max), put it up. Cover to mitigate UV issues.

davejay · 08-06-2017, 07:41 AM

Hey,
Take the load off the tires. Get some portable crank up jacks. Cover the tires fron UV rays, and you ll be alright. DJ

Mollysdad · 08-06-2017, 08:40 AM

I stored my MH on concrete for 5 years after buying new tires.
I worried about flatspots also. I think they did to some degree.
I can't tell driving it if it's tire balance, road imperfections, or flat spots. Maybe I'm imagining it.
The best solution is to put the trailer on jack stands and take the tires off and store them. Not practical? Jack stands and covers, or don't worry about it.
Another option would be to move it a few inches every couple of months.
In the past, I'd stored mine for up to a year and didn't notice flat spots after driving a bit. I think when the tires build up a bit of heat, they smooth out.

OTRA15 · 08-06-2017, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapriRacer

My experience is that ALL tires flatspot. They have been detected every time tires are tested for flatspots. The question is: In the real world, are they bad enough to take action to prevent it?

I know that tires with nylon cap plies do flatspot - and since nylon cap plies are a recent addition to ST tires, I suspect flatspotting will become a problem if it isn't already.

So I think the best tactic is to get the load off the tires. Even just getting some of the load off would be helpful.

Thanks for the feedback. In your opinion, how long is it OK to leave the AS on concrete/asphalt, with proper inflation, say in the driveway? Are talking 2-3 months is OK, for tires that are no more than 5 years old?

Thanks,

Peter

CRH · 08-06-2017, 09:45 AM

I have 3 trailers. Over the winter, they sit about 6 months. I have never noticed flat spot issues.

uncle_bob · 08-06-2017, 09:45 AM

Hi

A lot of the modern AS trailers come with steel belted LT tires. .... If the ST's go bad after a month or two of sitting, that's just another reason to go for the LT's.

Bob

wave man · 08-06-2017, 10:42 AM

First off thanks for the continued input, I do appreciate it!

I'm new to the forum here so I'm still learning and adjusting to all the issues to deal with, here's the deal...I'm making the move to a 25FC while I'm still working and will be living full time in it... why? Well, wife left me and I decided it's high time to do something that'll make me happy and this is something I have always thought would thrill me to no end...

I'm not naturally a collector of stuff nor do I go stir crazy in small spaces or when things are quiet, or when I'm not talking

Just letting the dust settle from all the changes going on, taking it slow if I can..So, it'll sit for a few months possibly while I suss out the market here for a reliable TV that I can afford more easily. Take delivery in Oct so no rush except to check off another concern/issue to be thorough.

I figure I'll benefit from the safe familiarization of my new home for a bit, when I have the TV and have completed all the little things (acquired all the things you don't know you need) I intend to give her some road time regularly to keep her happy and to keep routines and habits fresh.

Tire covers will be there, maybe quality tire treatment as well for UV issues etc

Is it safe to be in an AS that is on jacks? Full time not just sneaking in for a quick job..

wave man · 08-06-2017, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

A lot of the modern AS trailers come with steel belted LT tires. .... If the ST's go bad after a month or two of sitting, that's just another reason to go for the LT's.

Bob

I am getting the upgraded tires as an option, hopefully will add to my peace of mind

dznf0g · 08-06-2017, 10:50 AM

Sure it's safe. I use 4 stands, just fore of the front tires and aft of the rear, placed on the axle plate. Then deploy the stabilizers and you have 9 points of contact with the ground.

dznf0g · 08-06-2017, 10:52 AM

Btw, each Jack can support 6 tons, not because I needed that, but the base was much more broad on the 6 ton ones.

Kittycatcat · 08-06-2017, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Sure it's safe. I use 4 stands, just fore of the front tires and aft of the rear, placed on the axle plate. ..........

You probably already know this, but figure it can't hurt to mention it:

Notice the above (and other) advice says use jack stands to get the weight off. They mean exactly that. Do NOT use the trailer's stabilizers to take weight off the tires - you will run risk of having 4 pieces of modern art (i.e., bent stabilizers). They're meant only to have enough pressure to stop some of the trailer movement when parked.

thiel · 08-06-2017, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kittycatcat

You probably already know this, but figure it can't hurt to mention it:

Notice the above (and other) advice says use jack stands to get the weight off. They mean exactly that. Do NOT use the trailer's stabilizers to take weight off the tires - you will run risk of having 4 pieces of modern art (i.e., bent stabilizers). They're meant only to have enough pressure to stop some of the trailer movement when parked.

To pile on... make sure you are using the specified jack points ....not the axles :-)