Trailer Storage

Wolfeboro Matt · 05-06-2005, 09:50 AM

What is the best method of "storing" a trailer for long periods of time? Specifically, I'm wondering about the tires. Should I raise the trailer up on cinder blocks or something so as to get the pressure off the tires? Or should I go out and rotate/spin the tires on a regular basis?

I've taken to winterizing and storing the boat at the marina, so its likely that the trailer will sit for months and months at a time.

Thanks!

Matt

PROPELLER · 05-06-2005, 12:25 PM

Its avisable to jack up a trailer during winter months with the boat on it to help save the tires. But without the weight of the boat on the trailer I don't think its that critical. Its a good idea to keep the bearings greased. Other than that I think your biggest problem could be the sidewalls cracking & drying out while sitting around. Maybe keeping them conditioned with something like an Armor All product would help.

Cal · 05-06-2005, 05:01 PM

Travel trailer and camping supplys also sell tire covers to protect them from UV ray. I bougth a new trailer and two years later the the sidewalls were cracked. Got new tires and covers and the new tires have lasted for many years.

upthesaukee · 05-07-2005, 09:35 PM

When we lived down in Louisiana, Bubba, B.J., and JimBob all recommended that anytime your trailer was going to sit for a month or so or more, jack that rascal up and move the tires a quarter turn every few days (at least weekly) so the "bearings don't get a flat spot." Even in those days (1981 and prior) they also recognized the effect of direct sunlight on tires, and said to park it under a carport or hang a tarp over the boat to cover the wheels. So, the 300 or more bass fishermen I mentioned above can't be all wrong....right???

05-06-2005, 09:50 AM	#1
Wolfeboro Matt Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: middleton, ma and wolfeboro, nh Posts: 85 Thanks: 6 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Trailer Storage What is the best method of "storing" a trailer for long periods of time? Specifically, I'm wondering about the tires. Should I raise the trailer up on cinder blocks or something so as to get the pressure off the tires? Or should I go out and rotate/spin the tires on a regular basis? I've taken to winterizing and storing the boat at the marina, so its likely that the trailer will sit for months and months at a time. Thanks! Matt

05-06-2005, 05:01 PM	#3
Cal Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pitman , NJ Posts: 627 Thanks: 40 Thanked 21 Times in 12 Posts	Travel trailer and camping supplys also sell tire covers to protect them from UV ray. I bougth a new trailer and two years later the the sidewalls were cracked. Got new tires and covers and the new tires have lasted for many years. __________________ Paddle faster , I think I here banjos

05-07-2005, 09:35 PM	#4
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,596 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,449 Thanked 1,978 Times in 1,079 Posts	When we lived down in Louisiana, Bubba, B.J., and JimBob all recommended that anytime your trailer was going to sit for a month or so or more, jack that rascal up and move the tires a quarter turn every few days (at least weekly) so the "bearings don't get a flat spot." Even in those days (1981 and prior) they also recognized the effect of direct sunlight on tires, and said to park it under a carport or hang a tarp over the boat to cover the wheels. So, the 300 or more bass fishermen I mentioned above can't be all wrong....right??? __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

05-06-2005, 12:25 PM	#2
PROPELLER Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 340 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Its avisable to jack up a trailer during winter months with the boat on it to help save the tires. But without the weight of the boat on the trailer I don't think its that critical. Its a good idea to keep the bearings greased. Other than that I think your biggest problem could be the sidewalls cracking & drying out while sitting around. Maybe keeping them conditioned with something like an Armor All product would help.