We have a 2009 Montana and went through a series of tires last year while traveling. I know I am not overweight, tire pressures are correct in accordance with the plate on the trailer, I don't go over 60-65 during hauls, and have the wheel bearing repacked and inspected at the beginning of the travel year. I know, or suspect that the tracking is good. That is because I inspect the tires for wear and heat at every stop (fuel or otherwise). Now here is my question. I was told by a camper that parking on concrete for long periods was bad for the tires. I park as much as 6 months on a covered concrete pad during the winter. We live in our trailer full-time. I went back to the tire salesman and asked this question and they said they had never heard of that problem but the tires should be covered to prevent sun damage. The tires are not in sunlight for more than a few minutes a day. We are in a dry climate, the high desert of southern CA.I would appreciate any help. We can't afford another year of lost tires. The cost of the tires and the damage sucks.

FWIW: I park our 5'er on pressure treated 2 X 12's and cover all 4 tires religiously even though where our 5'er is parked at our house it's in very minimal direct sunlight. I'd read years ago about the supposedly damaging properties of concrete on long term stored tires. I've only ever had one blow out and that one was my fault.Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)

You are doing all the right things...What is the loaded weight of your trailer and what tires are you running?

Parking on concrete should not affect your tires any more than parking your automobile (tires) on concrete. The biggest culprit working against RV tires (especially tandem axles) is sunlight (RV rays), and forcing the trailer to turn (usually when backing up) very sharp, which causes a side force on the tires, rather than a rolling forward-backward. Single axle trailers can take a pin-sharp reverse turn, but not tandem. One tire may pivot, but the other 3 are forced to move sideways, which is very hard on the sidewalls of the tires. It might be something just this simple. Although I do not own a 5er, I've seen many people backing their 5ers into campsites and the truck and trailer are at 90 degree angles and the trailer tires and skidding sideways, not really rolling .. well, kind of rolling, but more skidding. That can't be good on tires.Maybe is something just that simple. There again, I don't know your driving habits, I'm just guessing. I'm always aware of how sharp I'm backing my camper. But there again, my dually will not let me make hair pin backward turns with a traditional bumper pull. I need a foot ball field!

Just wondering if you check the inflation of your tires before you roll...

Try www.michelinrvtires.com for their advice.

Parking on Concrete | Good Sam Community

HamsHog
Explorer
May 01, 2013
Hey JJ,

Since your coach is a 2009, I would suspect age could be playing a role in your tire problems along with sidewall damage from the sun. Check the date code on the tires and start using covers on them. If they're China bombs, you may want to replace with some G614 Goodyears, or Michelin LT's.

A fulltime friend of ours in a toyhauler replaces one or two tires a year, but continues to use cheap tires and won't cover them. Unless you're under a bunch of trees in Lancaster, I don't know how you could only have a few minutes of sunlight on them daily????

Regards, Hamshog
jjbrown6818
Explorer
May 18, 2013
To all above that provided information. I have weighed my rig several times and I am always under GVWR by at least 2500 to 3500 pounds. Weight of the rig should not be a problem. Tight turns, well I do a tight turn when putting my rig on parking spot at home. That turn is in gravel and then I always, repeat always, back in a straight line for at least the length of my rig before pulling forward at least the length of my rig. I always take the stress off the tires when parking. I seldom back into spots when going to a campground. The slides on my 2009 Montana come out over the wheels so the sunlight very seldom hits the tires and if so a very short time. I am having the suspension checked for alignment at this time. Thank you for your suggestions and help. If I have overlooked something let me know.
wandering1
Explorer
May 18, 2013
If you want the facts contact the tire manufacturer. Quite easy to do on the internet. I have not had any tire problems from long term storage on concrete pads for the past 15 years.
Jim_and_Barb
Explorer
May 19, 2013
While parked for an extended period. The weight should be relived off the tires. If not this will cause premature cracking and flat spots.It is also important to pay Att. to the Mfgr. date (replace every 5-6 years reguardless of the milage) If not you are setting your rig up for disastorus blow outs.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
May 19, 2013
:B So did that camper say what a trailer tire should be parked on?
DSteiner51
Explorer
May 19, 2013
I always park my 5th wheel on a concrete pad outside and uncovered when not traveling. The first set were factory installed Aug of '98 and replaced June of '10 with approx 40+ miles. Current set have approx 6000 miles. Never a flat yet.
jjj
Explorer
May 19, 2013
I park on concrete on my side yard all the time. The only time it is not on concrete is when we camp. I just put new michelin LTX 2 on yesterday because my old Tacoma tires were 04's and have reached there age. I keep them covered when parked to protect them from the sun and I live in Lancaster Ca. in the desert and they just started to show some cracks. I also use 303 protectant on them all the time. I wish my decals would have lasted as long as my tire did.
jjbrown6818
Explorer
May 29, 2013
Thanks to all. I think that the input received by all is sufficient to support the way I treat my tires and rig. I have not abused my tires or rig. I also live in Lancaster, CA. I am having my rig repaired at Lance Camper and they are checking the suspension alignment and anything they think could cause me problems. We will see.
AlabamaTraveler
Explorer
May 29, 2013
My 5er has been on concrete for 10 years. I have never lost a tire.
kmbelt
Explorer
May 29, 2013
Two big questions i have pertaining to what you are running that you did not specify.

What Brand tires are they and where are they made?
Are your tires balanced?

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