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Sitting

Yahoo Message Number: 84205
I'm in Fla for the winter. I don't think it's a good idea to have our coach sit on hard sand for six months. How often should I move it? Take it on the road for a short trip? Thanks, John 03 Allure 30951

Re: Sitting

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84206
John,

We always stay in one place for 4-8 months at a time and have done so for the last 4+ years. Parked on concrete, sand and dirt. Sometimes very level and other times not. I do start the engine and genset once per month, however, and exercise the transmission which I think is a good idea to drive out moisture and get oils circulating. Our bus is being lived in so it's heated and air conditioned too. We've had no problems that I can relate to standing still. Doing routine "warm up" rides isn't practical for us. In the winter when snow and salt are around, it isn't possible or a good idea.
All that said, running the vehicle is always a good idea (in appropriate driving weather) but perhaps not necessary if really inconvenient. I'd also watch out for vermin and insect infestation with vehicles parked and dormant. They can do incredible amounts of damage which can be difficult to find and fix. Those may be very small concerns depending on where you are storing the vehicle. Good luck.

At 06:59 AM 11/30/2012, you wrote:

Re: Sitting

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84208
As Scott mentioned, not always pratical to do. If you don't mind the unhook/rehook, and have good weather, it is good to do so.
Different opinions on timing. But when not traveling, I get our coach out every 4 to 6 weeks. I think every 6 weeks would be OK in your location. The important thing, is to run everything long enough to get to full temperature. I have a regular route, and go for just under an hour. I run the generator under load, I run the front AC, I run the roof AC (usually my generator load), if I can get them to kick in, I also run the heat pumps. I also start the fridge up, and run it on LP during this time, too - but as you will be in yours, not a factor, as you can change it to LP at anytime. I go at highway speeds, to get the tires up to temperature.
Works for me, and was what I picked up from reading many, many threads on this. I can do it, so it is easy. Not everyone can do so...

Best of luck, and enjoy,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Sitting

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84213
Quote from: grandmajackiem"

> I'm in Fla for the winter. I don't think it's a good idea to have our coach sit on hard sand for six months. How often should I move it? Take it on the road for a short trip? Thanks, John 03 Allure 30951 >
Tire manufacturers are very specific about this: read Goodyear's comments here http://www.goodyear.com/truck/pdf/product_brochures/RV_Brochurei_P.pdf
I dumped my Goodyear tires aged 5.5 years (see DOT info on sidewall) specifically because the original owner might have had a similar opinion like this: "We always stay in one place for 4-8 months at a time and have done so for the last 4+ years."
that is very bad advice and invites disaster almost without question. I just spent $7500 on 8 new Michelin XZA-2 Energy tires for my Coach. And I have read almost all available literature on the topic. For example see Michelin's guide:
http://www.michelinrvtires.com/assets/pdf/RVTiresBrochure.pdf
90 days is the absolute outside you want to leave tires stationary and then they should be covered to avoid UV exposure. Once the sidewalls start to go and/or they develop flatspots it is just a question of time before you blow a tire and if you have ever seen a blowout on an RV tire with 100+ PSI, it is an ugly scene... can easily do 10-20 grand in damage to your coach and chassis and leave your stranded for months.
Tires need to be exercised... this is NOT my opinion but a fact confirmed by most knowledgeable tire experts... they exude a a lubricant when driven and the sidewalls flex and this keeps the sidewalls soft and supple. When they sit in one spot they start drying out. If not covered this just hastens the process but covering them is not the whole issue.
So in short, NEVER leave your tires sit for more than 90 days and if you have expensive tires like our michelins, it's a good idea to keep them covered nd then "exercise" them every 4-6 weeks at least.
One other thing to avoid like the plague is using any tire dressings on the sidewalls which contain petroleum distillates or silicones. People *think* they are protecting their tires and make them look shiny and pretty but this is TERRIBLE for the rubber. Best thing is to just keep them clean with mild detergents and water...and cover them when parked for extended periods. I have been experimenting with Aerospace 303 on the sidewalls. It does not leave that shiny "new" finish but it adds a certain luster and protects against UV, reportedly without any deleterious affects on the rubber. I would be hearing from other owners on the topic.
And as a final note on tire care for this post, keep an eye on your tire pressure... underinflation ruins them quickly and they say that 20% deflation or more for very many miles and you need to have your tires removed from the rim and inspected by a professional before driving on them again. Moral: keep an eye on tire pressures. I purchased a TPMS - tire pressure monitoring system - to be SURE my tires never run low. And I bought a spendy little RV tire inflator by Viair specifically for RV's so I can air them up any time anywhere.

Re: Sitting

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84215
Another relevant 'sitting' topic is keeping your diesel fuel in good condition.

  • In a cold location add an anti-gel product
  • In warm humid locations as an anti-bacterial product to prevent mold
  • Be sure to top off your tank before parking to minimize moisture coming in the tank during warming/cooling day/night cycles.
Lee (leozbrowski@...) 2007 Country Coach Intrigue 12153
CAT C-13

Re: Sitting

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84216
Hi,

I'm aware that driving circulates the rubber compounds in solid solution and would love to comply with regularly scheduled tire exercise to knead the rubber. Not going to happen. I do cover the tires to keep them out of the sun and always maintain proper inflation. Many people we come in contact with are on extended stay for 3-4 months and unable to practically joy ride their tires. Personally I think these vehicles, tires and equipment are made to run and would certainly choose that as my first option. I've got Michelin XZA2 skins so I'll monitor the rubber carefully to see what happens. If as a result of our less than optimal tire usage we trash the sidewalls prematurely then it's another set of tires I guess.
I'd encourage everyone to drive if that's possible to promote good tire health. For us sticks in the mud, it just isn't a practical option. That said, we'll keep an extra close eye on the rubber. We're all doing the best we can. Safe travels.

At 10:09 AM 11/30/2012, you wrote:

Re: Sitting

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84219
Scott,

For the 8 years that I owned my 2004 Allure I relied totally on a product called Sun Block for Tires. It is water based latex paint that is painted on the outside facing side walls. It dries with a look of new tires and last up to 5 years. At a little over 5 years I gave them a second coat. Throughout the 8 years we spent most of the time volunteering four to five months at a time.
The paint contains a UV and Ozone protecting formula that has worked very well for me. My original tires looked like new with no evidence of sidewall checking anywhere. I had them checked once a year by an experienced mechanic with a green light to go for their ninth year.
It is not difficult to apply if you can strike a line with a paint brush or with little more effort you can mask the rims off. Then it is forget about it. No covers or many applications of UV protection. Plus it is always there on the road or off.
I have mentioned the product several times on the group but did not see much interest. The company's biggest customer is two branches of the US military. It is sold by Camping World. I have no vested interest in the company.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

Scott wrote:
Hi,

I'm aware that driving circulates the rubber compounds in solid solution and would love to comply with regularly scheduled tire exercise to knead the rubber. Not going to happen. I do cover the tires to keep them out of the sun and always maintain proper inflation. Many people we come in contact with are on extended stay for 3-4 months and unable to practically joy ride their tires. Personally I think these vehicles, tires and equipment are made to run and would certainly choose that as my first option. I've got Michelin XZA2 skins so I'll monitor the rubber carefully to see what happens. If as a result of our less than optimal tire usage we trash the sidewalls prematurely then it's another set of tires I guess.
I'd encourage everyone to drive if that's possible to promote good tire health. For us sticks in the mud, it just isn't a practical option. That said, we'll keep an extra close eye on the rubber. We're all doing the best we can. Safe travels.

At 10:09 AM 11/30/2012, you wrote:

Re: Sitting

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84220
Don - Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with this product but many times there is great value in the paths less traveled. I'm not all that enthusiastic about crawling around installing tire covers and trying to hook that little ball thing in the loop. But I do it because I think it's a good idea. I'm reasonably adept with a paint brush and wouldn't find that painting job a problem. As for the new and shinny tires, bring on the ghetto look!

At 04:01 PM 11/30/2012, you wrote:

Re: Sitting

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84221
Even though my tires were covered; last winter the coach didn't get moved for 5 months and I guess that was the beginning of the end. When I left for our annual trip everything was fine. But after driving 1000 miles over 3 weeks small cracks started to appear under the michelin lettering. By the time we got to bend Oregon after a total of 8 weeks and another 1000 miles the cracks had appeared under the lettering on all the tires. The tires were 44 months old. So when I got to Eugene I had the tires replaced by BOB Dickman tire in Junction City where they were purchased. But while there they showed me tires on coaches and more Michelin tires that had been recently removed that were cracked. Some were less than a year old most less than three years old. Most were 295 in size, some were 12r's and a few 315"s. I understand its a major issue. Ron and Paul looked over the tires and paid me for my unused time as Michelin guarantees 5 years. I have returned to covering the tires even though the coach is covered. And I will faithfully return to driving the coach 100 miles per month to get the tires hot. Why did my 12R's have this problem. when the the Toyo's that had other issues, and Continental's didn't.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: Sitting

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84222
Hey Scott, Don,

Funny, this is on my 'To Do' list for maintenance. Don, I did note it down, and put it on my list to do...
I just had one of those things happen, where you just shrug and move on... I usually wash and wax my rigs, but we were running with a crazy schedule, and had the full family joining us for a tailgating before a Charger's game - so, had a mobile gent come wash the rig.
I walked him thru what I wanted, and what I did not want. It was in front of our home, so I was in working as he washed. I checked on him frequently. Well, I got out just as he was finishing the last tire. He did not like 'the look' of the 303 I gave him to apply, so yep - used his stuff, as it 'looked much better'... He was not pleased when I gave him the bucket and my tire washing brush and soap, and told him to please wash it off ASAP! Said he would need to charge me more... The conversation did not take long, and he did wash it off. Had to wait as it dried off, and then went over it all again with my 303. An extra 70 mins with me... I sat him down as I held his pay in my hand, and explained to him 'why' the 303, and not 'his good looking black stuff'... He had never heard of it. I also talked to him about doing what the customer wants... A nice guy, and he did a good job except for the tires - he got his tip...

Best to all,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Sitting

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84223
Scott,

Just as a point, the finish is not shiny but more like a semi-gloss.
The manufacturer advises to NOT apply a second coat without waiting several months or it may peel. That happened to me and within a few hundred miles it had all flaked off. I then put on a new single coat and had no more problems. I never did add a second coat.
That rather important fact was not explained in the instructions but may be today. Also it is not cheap and I paid $45 for a quart 8 years ago. One quart did my 8 wheel twice.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

Scott wrote:

Don - Thanks for the tip. I'm not familiar with this product but many times there is great value in the paths less traveled. I'm not all that enthusiastic about crawling around installing tire covers and trying to hook that little ball thing in the loop. But I do it because I think it's a good idea. I'm reasonably adept with a paint brush and wouldn't find that painting job a problem. As for the new and shinny tires, bring on the ghetto look!

At 04:01 PM 11/30/2012, you wrote:

Re: Sitting

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84226
Don - I try to follow the recommended instructions if they are clear and complete. Some aren't. People have funny notions about money, price and costs. If you are use to automotive paint, $45/qt isn't expensive at all. Compared to Walmart's eggshell white at $10/gal it's expensive. The application needs to be factored in. If the product works and extends the life of tires that cost between $600 and $800+ then I'd say the overall value is very good. Thanks for the clarification. I'll add this product to my "Resources" section as there is just too much stuff out there to remember all of it.

At 06:53 AM 12/1/2012, you wrote:

Re: Sitting

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84228
My Father-in-law had a 1988 Mallard Class A. We were visiting him in MO just after he purchased new tires. He had a can of Sun Block that he got from Camping World and he asked Rick to apply it to his new tires. I know Rick applied it at least one more time on a subsequent visit.
Now, fast forward 4+ years...we bought this motorhome. It was our first and we had a lot to learn but I wasn't worried about the tires because they were not yet 5 years old. There was no sign of sidewall cracking, the tread was not worn, the tires looked practically new.
Within the next year we had not one but two blowouts on what looked to be perfectly fine tires. The first blowout was a front while I was driving...not fun! The second one was on a rear tire about 600 miles from the first.
Facts: The tires were 19.5" Trailmark brand tires munfactured by Goodyear. They were less than 5 years old. Goodyear gave us a full credit for the remaining tires toward new ones. The tread separated from the steel belt SO just because there is no sidewall cracks doesn't mean a thing!
The only way to keep your tires "lubricated" so they don't separate is to exercise the tires by driving. That motorhome did way more sitting than moving until we bought it.
Needless to say we got new tires but here is what I learned from that experience.
I never want to experience it again! Which means we buy new tires every 5-6 years not because we want to spend money but because we don't want to experience tire failures.
IMHO Just because your tires look good doesn't mean they are road worthy.

Tammy Toalson
5605 Magna

Re: Sitting

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84231
Tammy - My memory might be a bit foggy but I thought Goodyear did have rubber compound issues with some of their RV tires which led to blow outs. And these failures were somewhat spontaneous without warning or external indications of bad rubber. Glad you didn't get hurt.

At 09:13 AM 12/1/2012, you wrote:

Re: Sitting

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84239
DO NOT LET YOUR TIRES GET OLD.........
Within the last month we lost a very good friend when his right front tire blew! He hit a large oak tree off of I75 in Florida. He had planned on replacing his tires on the return trip home. His Goodyear tires were 7 years and 3 months old. He was a very cautious driver, Once his coach left the road there was no traction to stop the coach.

So sad, Dennyzarnt CC # 5972 2001 42"Affinity, B&B

Re: Sitting

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84258
Which VIAIR model did u purchase and is it portable or mounted on your coach? Thanks, Scott. 07 Tribute
 

Re: Sitting

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 84338
Quote from: gustafsons140"

> Which VIAIR model did u purchase and is it portable or mounted on your coach? >

Thanks, Scott. 07 Tribute

Quote from: Dennis Zarnt"

>
>
>

> DO NOT LET YOUR TIRES GET OLD.........
>

> Within the last month we lost a very good friend when his right front tire blew! He hit a large oak tree off of I75 in Florida. He had planned on replacing his tires on the return trip home. His Goodyear tires were 7 years and 3 months old. He was a very cautious driver, Once his coach left the road there was no traction to stop the coach.
>

> So sad,

Hi Scott

I bought the Viair 400P:

http://www.viaircorp.com/Industrial/400PA-RV.html works like a charm... I tried some small portable 110V compressors and they could not handle the pressure above 100 PSI... too much back pressure. The Viair can keep pumping right up past 120 psi... I like the fitting that screws onto the valve stem with the inline air gauge so you can step back and watch as the pressure goes up, but you don't have your face right down there just in case the tire should blow... I have heard that can get very ugly
Very sad to hear about the fellow in Florida... I was just on I-75 this morning in a rental car! I had 5.5 year old Goodyears on my 2008 Country Coach when I bought it this past summer and they looked fine. But the DOT stamp is the all-important issue. We decided since we are setting out on a several year tour, we would spring for new Michellin XZA-2's all the way around at the outset. Expensive but the steering is lightyears ahead of the Goodyears and the ride is really nice. If you refer the the Michellin Tire Guide, it specifically states that 6 years is the max recommended life on their RV tires. And if you look at what a blown tire can do to a motorhome, new tires are pretty cheap by comparison, even if you can manage to retain control and pull over. I often look at DOT stamps on other MH tires in an RV park and when I find a set that are old, I will talk to the owner... it is amazing how many folks are oblivious to this essential part of the MH equation. Michellin brochure by the way says their life expectancy is 10 years if maintained properly... and correct tire pressure is at the top of the list. the Viair is a good investment. You cannot pressure up your RV tires at one of those $1 air pumps at the gas station.

Joseph Burkle

2008 Country Coach Inspire 360 43' Founders Edition http://www. Wind-seeker.com/