Keep your tires in road-ready shape during storage with these simple RV tire tips from an expert RVer.

Different storage surface areas can cause your RV tires to age prematurely. For instance, it is critical that tires are not left in contact with any heat-producing material or with petroleum-based material like asphalt. Damage can also occur if they are exposed or in contact with constant cold or moisture, like sitting on frozen ground.

The perfect scenario would allow all of us to store our RV’s in a cool, dry and covered area. Unfortunately, however, this is not always possible. That’s why following these three steps to protect your tires should always be followed any time you’re preparing your RV for storage:

Step One:
Make sure the RV is as level as possible so more weight isn’t on one tire than the others. Clean and inflate the tires to the pressure indicated on the sidewall.

Step Two:
Properly block the tires. The blocking that you use must be wider than the tire’s tread and longer than its footprint to prevent damage to the sidewall and potential premature tire failure. Even using something as simple as a piece of treated lumber acts as a barrier between the tires and the ground surface they are stored on.

Step Three:
Keep tires safe with covers that block out the sunlight to protect them from the harmful UV rays.

About the Expert

KOA’s resident RV expert, Mark Polk, and his wife Dawn started RV Education 101 in 1999. Since that time RV Education 101 has helped educate millions of RV owners and RV enthusiasts on how to properly and safely use and maintain their RV. Mark’s favorite past times are RVing in their 35-foot Type A motorhome, and restoring vintage RVs, classic cars and trucks. For more information on using, enjoying and maintaining your RV visit RV Education 101.