Tire winterization to avoid flat spots

[fun camper]

I have read that when parking an RV for the winter the weight of the RV should be taken off the tires. If this is correct I have a few questions.
I have a 2019 Vista 29VE on a 2018 Ford F53 chassis.

Is it necessary to lift the tires completely off the ground or is it okay to just relieve some of the weight by partial jacking?

Does anyone know the correct jacking points on an F53 chassis or the proper place to put jack stands?

Any other things I should know?

Thanks

[powercat_ras]

I just take part but not all of the weight off the tires with the leveling jacks. If you do this before it gets cold when the weather gets colder the air pressure in the tires will drop and the tires will be carrying even less weight at that point.

I've never had an issue with flat spots with this method.

[Ray,IN]

All tire mfgrs. state to inflate their tires to sidewall maximum for long-term storage.. If you have leveling jacks deply them, it removes the weight of the coach from the tires, leaving only the weight of the chassis on the tires.

[reeman]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

All tire mfgrs. state to inflate their tires to sidewall maximum for long-term storage.. If you have leveling jacks deply them, it removes the weight of the coach from the tires, leaving only the weight of the chassis on the tires.

I have worked with some pro heavy equipment operators in the bush that roll over half way the tires then warm up the slight flat spots on tires slowly. Too much heat could damage the tire so it was only done just enough to start to warm the rubber not cook the tire. And only when the equipment is parked long enough to flat spot the rubber. Then re inflate to specs after the tire relaxes to minimize the risk of serious chord damage under high inflation with a flat spot. But this was in greater than 30 below weather and usually we had heated tarps to put over the motors to get the oil moving and propane turbo heaters to warm up the metal and especially the hydraulics on loaders and the like. Haul trucks we did the same procedures. Forty below usually meant shutdown till things warmed up a little but then it was time for the heat blankets.

Would be nice if there were simple heat blankets when you want to move an RV during the winter. Can't see any reason using tire warmers might not help somewhat to eliminate the possibility of serious chord separation and dangerous tire damage from running on tires with flat spots.

[fun camper]

Thanks for the feedback. I really don't want to park my RV with its tires off the ground all winter. I am still thinking about using jack stands to partially take the load off without leaving the Leveling Jacks down all winter.

[fun camper]

I did not know that, thanks for the feedback, it' great information.

[Ray,IN]

HWH actually recommends storing a MH long-term with jacks down; just remember to wipe the jack rams with WD40, then with a dry cloth before retracting. BTW, HWH jack shafts are stainless steel.

[Ray,IN]

FWIW, I inflated my tires to sidewall pressure then deployed the leveling system. This removed so much weight from the tires they are not touching the concrete on the outside edges.

[Ray,IN]

Michelin Tire on long-term tire storage: https://www.michelinman.com/auto/aut...e/tire-storage

[marudnick]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

FWIW, I inflated my tires to sidewall pressure then deployed the leveling system. This removed so much weight from the tires they are not touching the concrete on the outside edges.

I wasn’t aware if this. My understanding and what I’ve done the past three years is to move the MH forward or backward monthly, so a different part of the tire carries the weight. Should I switch my approach this year? I believe my tires have a rating of 110 psi. So, I fill them to 110, then put down the leveling jacks? That’s it?

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

HWH actually recommends storing a MH long-term with jacks down; just remember to wipe the jack rams with WD40, then with a dry cloth before retracting. BTW, HWH jack shafts are stainless steel.

Can you unpack this? HWH? Also, “wipe down the jack rams”?

Thanks.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by marudnick

I wasn’t aware if this. My understanding and what I’ve done the past three years is to move the MH forward or backward monthly, so a different part of the tire carries the weight. Should I switch my approach this year? I believe my tires have a rating of 110 psi. So, I fill them to 110, then put down the leveling jacks? That’s it?


Can you unpack this? HWH? Also, “wipe down the jack rams”?

Thanks.

HWH is the company that makes the majority of hydraulic leveling systems. They say to spray the jack shafts/pistons with WD40 then wipe dry to remove dirt. The wipe the shafts with a rag dampened with ATF alter prolonged deployment.
reference: https://www.hwhcorp.com/ml20673aafaq...nanceQuestions

[wahoonc]

Or move to a more temperate climate where you can RV all year round.

We try to utilize our RV at least once a month, even if it is just for a drive up the road to a family reunion.

Aaron