Monarch SE 2004 - Storage of Tires - Long Term

74 | Section 2 Driving & Safety -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- Monarch SE 2004
Storage of Tires -
Long Term
The motorhome is designed for recreation, not long-term storage. However, unless
you are living in your motorhome full-time you will have a need to store it. Rubber
tires age faster when not being used. A cool, dry, sealed garage is the preferred
method of storage. Many recreational vehicles are stored outside in the elements.
Some storage surfaces may cause tires to age prematurely. Placing a barrier
(i.e. cardboard, plastic or plywood) between the tire and the storage floor/ground
surface will help to protect the tires.
When the tire is anticipated to be out of service for a period of thirty days or
more, the motorhome should be in the long-term storage condition. The ideal
conditions include placing the motorhome on “jack stands” to remove all weight
from the tires. Then the inflation pressure can be reduced by 15 psi. However, this is
not always possible, with a few simple steps the aging effects from long-term storage
or a non-use period can be reduced.
NOTE: If the motorhome is stored with weight on the tires they should
be inflated to the maximum inflation pressure as indicated on the
Federal Identification Tag.
• Thoroughly clean the tires.
• Unload the motorhome so there is minimum weight on the tires.
• Ensure the surface is reasonably level, firm, clean and has good drainage.
• Move the motorhome every three months to prevent cracking in bulge areas
as well as flat spotting from prolonged sidewall strain and tread deflection.
• Cover the tires to block direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays.
• Store the motorhome out of a high ozone area.
Failure to take these steps can cause early deterioration and shorten the life of the
tires. The type of surface the motorhome is parked upon will have an affect on how
much moisture accumulation occurs on the chassis and flooring. Moisture can
eventually seep into the interior. Further, the type of surface can affect the tires.
• Gravel covered parking area still allows moisture to evaporate from the
ground, through the gravel and to the underside of the motorhome.
• Sealed concrete pads allow better ventilation under the motorhome.
• Storage buildings with sealed concrete floors or heated storage facilities
greatly reduce the amount of moisture accumulation and protect the
motorhome from moisture damage.
• Wet, oily, or greasy surfaces should be avoided. Highly reflective
surfaces, such as sand or snow, should be avoided. Heat absorbent
surfaces, such as black asphalt, will cause problems as well.
Before removing the motorhome from long-term storage thoroughly inspect
each of the tires. This means a close examination of each tire’s tread area and air
pressure. If the pressure check indicates the tires have lost air during storage,
inflate them to the correct pressure for the current load before putting the
motorhome into service