Since my trailer will only get used once in a while and is stored outside (no cover) I need to be concerned with dry rot of the tires. What is the best way to prevent dry rot? I am assuming putting a cover over the tires, which is something I will look into. Are there any sprays etc. that can be applied to prolong the tire life?

Thanks,
~Rob

 

Get the tires off the ground. Maybe on 1" garden type concrete blocks, covered with a old rug. Also as you've said to cover them. It's said the ground will suck the life right out of tires if left on the ground.

Dave

 

Is gravel bad too or is it as good as the concrete blocks?

I may have answered my own question. LOL

I would think that gravel would actually be better since any moisture would drained away from the tire.

 

As long as it isn't grass/dirt you should be OK there. You could consider getting some of those wheel covers for RVs, and you might want to spray some kind of tire shine that will keep the tires "oily". This will probably help with dry rot. Or you could get yourself some "303 Aerospace Protectant" which will really protect the rubber.

 

Regarding the tires off the ground, as the tires rot and crack this opens small passages to allow moisture to enter the innards of the tire and steel belts. They begin to rust and corrode leading to eventual failure. I definatly would cover them, rV shops sell cheap covers. I have mixed thoughts on spray on goodies. Kinda like licking your chapped lips, its good for a bit ,then as it dries and evaporates they crack even worst.

 

That's the nice thing about the "303" stuff.... it won't dry out. Kind spendy, but worth it if it will protect your $$$ trailer tires.

 

ive herd of guys puttin them on jack stands?? that would keem them from getting a flat spot in them incase air leaks out

 

as mentioned before get tires off ground with jack stands, blocks or ??? cover to protect them from sunlight and most importantly let the air out of them. the pressure in the tires contribute a lot to the weather checking

 

you want them to be covered. Another thing that some people do not think about is when a tire sits for a while with weight on them they will form a flat spot. Put your trailer on jack stands if you wish to avoid this.

 

It's ok to let the tires sit on dirt or gravel, but concrete will leach the oils right out of the tires.
303 is the best stuff I found to prevent tire weathering.

MikeyB

 

Thanks ya'll,
Looks like I'll be ordering some 303 and getting some covers.
The storage yard is gravel.

~Rob

 

The directions on the 303 say if works best if applied every 30 days. I think you could buy some new tires every 5 years for the cost not to mention the hassle of putting it on.

 

I have a 2500lb trailer with a 3000lb car parked on it, axles are rated at 6000lbs each and tires are at 3100lbs each. I probably move the trailer once or maybe twice in a month for 120miles. Parked on gravel should I put it on jack stands aswell?

 

well, when ya move it do the tires have flat spots on them? if they do i would. but if they dont, and your kinda lazy like me, i wouldnt worry about it

 

Lol, Yeah no flat spots on em, no messing around with jackstands