avoiding dry rot on tires

cjd · 06-17-2009, 09:14 AM

Is there anything I can do to prolong the life of the tires on my trailer? Mostly preventing dry rot. I have never worn out a trailer tire, I just rot them out.

never gave it much thought before, but the new double axle with bigger tires makes it a consideration. i will not put many miles on the trailer, and it will have the boat 7-8 months out of the year.

Thanks

bamaboy473 · 06-17-2009, 09:19 AM

Store the trailer with 2x6 boards under the tires to keep them from touching the earth. When the boat isn't on it, jack up the trailer and crib it to take load off the tires and to eliminate flat spots.

Prevent Sun from hitting the rubber. Don't use plastic bags; use canvas or similar.

beers19 · 06-17-2009, 10:29 AM

maintaining max proper inflation will also help with this.

kchace · 06-17-2009, 12:31 PM

Stores that cater to RV'ers usually sell tire covers for just this purpose.

Ken

Bamaskeetshooter · 06-17-2009, 04:27 PM

You can remove and store the tires indoors during the winter or you can keep the rig in a garage. Basically, you have to keep the tires out of the sun and weather to reduce dry rot.

DrJim · 06-17-2009, 07:20 PM

There is a DOT code stamped on the sidewall. Part of it indicates when the tire was made. The easy way to avoid some rot is to not buy tires that have been sitting on some store rack for 4 years.

Brandon1 · 06-17-2009, 09:25 PM

Something that you can do that is really simple. Tire Dressing. Dont matter what it is if you are just using it for keeping UV rays away from your rubber. Just buy the cheapest you can find, and keep it on tires once a few weeks.

Jay A · 06-17-2009, 10:05 PM

Smear Vasoline on the sidewalls! My 1974 Whaler trailer still has the original tires ! My grandfather taught me that trick. He did that during WWII to extend the life of tires while there was a rubber shortage. It works the nuts!

rwidman · 06-19-2009, 05:48 AM

I've heard that Vasoline is not good for rubber. That it can cause certain rubber devices to fail.

cjd · 06-19-2009, 06:23 AM

The one thing we don't need around here is a "tire failure". We are filled to capacity. Thinking about putting a couple on the trading block

Anybody interested in a 4 year old who insists he flys at night while we sleep? i am pretty sure he is lying to me

Jay A · 06-19-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwidman

I've heard that Vasoline is not good for rubber. That it can cause certain rubber devices to fail.

My 1974 trailer tires would argue that! I also had my wipers seeze up on my old 1987 Dodge Dakota. The rubber bushings at the base of the wiper arms dried out. I smeared them with Vasoline only once and they lasted another 4 years that I had that truck!