Storing trailer on radial tires-flat spot?

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BK
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Storing trailer on radial tires-flat spot?

Post by BK »

I just bought new radial tires for my X trailer which replaced my old orginal bias tires and was wondering if a flat spot will appear on the radial tires after storing for 6 months?
I was thinking I could put the old bias tires on again for storage if it is a problem.
I am still looking for galvanized rims for the new radials.
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Hamin' X
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Post by Hamin' X »

Flat spotting should not be a problem, except with Nylon tires. However, you should be sure that the tires are shielded from long exposure to sunlight, or an ozone source. The ozone is not usually a problem, but the sunlight can cause cracking of the sidewalls.

Rich---Hamin' X---N7ZH
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David Clarke
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Location: Stafford, Virginia "Freedom" 2003 26M Hull #033 Honda BF50

Post by David Clarke »

My trailer gets placed on 2 jack stands during the off season. This removes any chance for flat spots. I couldn't tell you if it was a needless effort or not. Covering the tires is something I will consider now too, it sounds like good prevention.
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Catigale
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Post by Catigale »

For those of you in 'boat theft areas' putting your boat on jackstands has the added benefit of reducing the chance of 'driveaway theft' to near nil....

:P
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Night Sailor
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ST rating

Post by Night Sailor »

I hope those tires are Trailer or ST rated tires. If they are truck or automotive radials, you definetly should not store them on the ground exposed to sunlight. Trailer tires are specially made to not lose the elasticizers in the rubber sidewall compounds while sitting for long periods of time. Auto and truck tires are designed to be driven frequently and worn out every few years.

It should be worth it to you in longevity and saftey to remove them and store them indoors if not using the trailer every month at least.
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K9Kampers
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Post by K9Kampers »

This weekend I removed the boat / trailer from it's winter blocking. The tires are less than one year old & were totally off the ground, but not covered, and now show sidewall cracking! Good grief!! :( (Transmaster Radials)
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Newell
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Location: Layton, Utah, 96X Fast Sunday, 89D Windancer

tires

Post by Newell »

Another question I have along this thread is about reducing pressure in the tires while sitting for long periods. I have gone to 15" 8 ply bias and they carry 65º of pressure. One tire is showing tiny cracks between the tread, could this result from holding this pressure all the time? Tire is 3 years old and has @6000 miles on.

Newell
Fast Sunday 96X
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