Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

frosteeone

Seaman
Joined
Apr 28, 2003
Messages
60
My trailer has sat motionless pretty much all winter. --I had the tires positioned on boards on the ground (instead of the ground) and was wondering if I could have done anything more to prevent any damage to them? <br /><br />My boat isn't that big/heavy and the weather isn't that harsh in the St. Louis area. --They haven't leaked any air as far as I can tell (haven't put a gauge on them yet).<br /><br />Just wonderin'. Thanks.
 

ED21

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
828
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

I spray armorall or similar product on them just to help block UV light. I've seen covers for trailer tires, but have never used them. I've had trailers sitting in the weather for years & the tires will eventually start to crack if you don't wear them out first.<br />I'd pay more attention to the bearings. They are more likely to cause trouble when neglected. Since you can't see them they are easy to forget. If you ever have one fly apart while on the road you'll know what I mean.
 

Drowned Rat

Captain
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
3,070
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

It's a good idea to block up the trailer when leaving it to sit for a long time. Get the tires off the ground a little.
 

ThomWV

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 19, 2003
Messages
701
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

Mine crack and need to be replaced on about a 3-year cycle. My boat is heavy and I put one side on boards just to level the boat up. Being on the ground isn't going to harm them. Keep in mind that when they rot its not really rot in the common sense (microbiological cause) but really a chemical reaction to crap in the air (SOx and NOx) and UV light. I have been told that most tire dressing, including STP's Son-Of-A-Gun and Armorall, actually makethe process worse. I don't know if they do or don't but I'm not going to be doing any spraying on the new set of tires I put on last year. Just thought I'd pass that nasty rumor on.<br /><br />Thom
 

Seaboo2

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 25, 2003
Messages
158
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

I've seen that too several times myself. I do not use it anymore either.
 

ED21

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 26, 2003
Messages
828
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

I've gotten at least 10 years out of tires treated w/ armorall on a somewhat regular basis.<br />I'll keep an eye out for the reports, but it doesn't seem to have hurt my tires.
 

wayne h

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
Messages
862
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

tire covers is the answer. alot of people use them on motor homes. i use some old school bus seat covers for my tires works great but i am a bus mechanic so come across old covers everyday thanks to little snot nose kids that like to cut them up.
 

jfc092

Seaman
Joined
Jun 3, 2002
Messages
60
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

I've also heard the rumors about using armoral on tires causing more harm than good.<br />I can tell you from experience. I own a 29 year old motorcycle that I bought new way back when. I don't ride it alot but I've always used armoral or simular product on the tires and seat.<br />The original tires and seat are still on the bike and are not dry rotted.<br />That being said, I always coat my boat trailer tires with armoral.
 

lund17

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Oct 22, 2003
Messages
216
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

Maybe it's overkill but I set my trailer on jack stands and removed the tires and brought them in the basement. I believe the sun is their worst enemy and at 60-70 bucks apiece I want them to last a few years.
 

Eubie

Cadet
Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
21
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

I put my trailer on cinder blocks just inside of each tire to get the tires off the ground and then put plywood over each tire to block the sun. I just lean the wood on each tire.
 

jtexas

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Oct 13, 2003
Messages
8,646
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

I put the cinder blocks under a part of the trailer frame with about 1/2 inch of clearance, that way if they loose air they're not left sitting on rims, and if not I don't have to do any jacking. Of course I don't really have an "off-season" - so far this winter haven't gone more than six weeks without hitting the lake.
 

frosteeone

Seaman
Joined
Apr 28, 2003
Messages
60
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

Ahhhh, "cinder blocks" --much like duct tape, they have many uses. Thanks. --That sounds like a winner. --So far, no leakage, but you can't be too careful. Thanks everyone!
 

macojoe

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
146
Re: Trailer Tire question about dry rot....

I Jack up the trailer put on blocks and remove tires and put in my basement with no air in them. I have had my tires for 5 years come this season and not one crack.<br /><br />I use to leave them on and about every 3 years they would rot out. I once use to leave in the drive way and they even lasted pretty good there. But when on the lawn or dirt I think it sucks the moisture out of them??
 
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