Long-term parking effects on tires

[Rmack1]

A friend advised me that I shouldn't leave my new TT parked for long periods right on the ground. He recommended pieces of plywood cut to insulate the tires from the ground. His understanding is that some types of soil can leach moisture from the tires, causing them to crack and wear.

Anyone confirm this? Does this include concrete or asphalt? How about gravel? I noticed some of the small rocks stuck to my tire for a few revs after it was parked a couple of months, which was disconcerting, but didn't seem to do any damage.

How long is long term?

I have my two-axle trailer parked on gravel. No one else in the storage facility seems to have their tires on anything but the asphalt or gravel. Many are much longer term than my two or three months between trips.

BTW, I know about solar damage. Tire covers of one sort or the other when the rubber is exposed to the sun seems universally agreed upon as being a good idea.

[gat75]

If I am planning on leaving my 5W parked for longer term (+2-weeks), I jack up each wheel & place axle on adjustable jack stand. This keeps the weight off of the tires. I personally feel that this is more of an issue than any chemical issues with ground touching tires. Doing this also makes living in the RV much more stable; (mine stays parked at the lake 80% pf the time). If you decide to do this, I can send you more info if you like. I also use wheel covers to keep the elements off of tires.

[LynnandCarol]

Yes, I would take them off and put them inside! Just kidding!!! 2-3 months is short term and the lack of use (not heating them up) may cause you to loose air pressure, but thats it. The UV can be more damaging.

[2oldman]

Google: long term park tires

[old_guy]

I have read on here that parking on the ground or concrete is bad for tires. I have mine parked on concrete blocks that are 16 by 16 and 4 inches thick. I have not seen any thing that makes my tires go bad yet, but then I replace my tires every 5 or 6 years any way.