Parking on Concrete

[jjbrown6818]

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.

[racer4]

I think the tires load capacity (based on air pressure and a load inflation table) should be 20% more than the actual weight on the tires, if the tires are ST tires (ie not LT).

The rated load capacity of ST tires is greater than comparable sized LT tires.

Just my opinion based on what I have read on the topic and my personal experience.

[Dick_B]

Try www.michelinrvtires.com for their advice.

[Javi1]

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

[DutchmenSport]

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!

[downtheroad]

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

[crickeydog]

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!!!:)