RVs offer a great way to see the world by facilitating living quarters while on the road. While they are a practical choice to take on a trip, they require being properly stored when not in use.
There are several options to put under tires when storing or parking your RV. Wood blocks or rubber mats are the most common choices. Jack stands are recommended for long-term storage.
If you have an RV and are interested in how to best store it, check out these ideas for what to put under the tires.
What to Put Under Tires When Storing or Parking Your RV
When you own an RV, you should take into account how to store it when you aren’t using it. Improper storage can put too much strain on RV tires, so certain surfaces need to be avoided. Asphalt, in particular, can cause damage to RV tires, while concrete is far more forgiving.
Most RV owners use wood blocks or rubber mats under tires when storing or parking. The longer the duration of the parking or storage, the more you should take care of your RV’s tires and make sure they are properly stored through whichever method is most comfortable and suitable to you.
Best Choices to Put Under Tires
There are several options for what to put under tires when storing or parking your RV. The right one will depend on your circumstances and on what you have available. As long as you make sure to keep your tires protected while parking or storing, your RV will be kept in optimal shape.
Wood Blocks
Wood blocks or sheets are ideal when storing or parking an RV on concrete for more than a few days. Plywood is a convenient choice that can work for all RV tires.
For an extended duration, you can keep even more strain off your tires by running the tires on plywood and then jack them up slightly off the ground.
Rubber Mats
Another useful choice to put under tires when storing or parking your RV can be a rubber mat. These provide sufficient grip to keep strain off your RV tires, especially for a short-term parking or storing that’s under three months.
Plastic Mats
Plastic mats are an affordable and practical solution to place under tires. When storing or parking your RV, using a plastic mat under each tire will help keep the strain off them while the RV is not in use.
Should RV Tires Be Off Ground?
Usually, most manufacturers recommend not having RV tires fully off the ground because it can cause damage to the frame or the tires themselves. However, instructions can differ. In most cases, it is alright to have RV tires off the ground as long as it’s only between one to three months.
The best solution for long-term storing or parking RVs is to not fully lift the tires off the ground and to place something under them. Apart from what we’ve already suggested to place under tires, you can also try Teflon sheets or concrete pavers.
How Do I Protect My RV Tires?
There are several things you can do to protect your RV tires and extend their lifespan. Beyond making sure to put items under tires, here are a few more options to try:
- Keep your RV level by ensuring that weight is properly distributed and that one tire isn’t taking more of the strain.
- Use tire covers. These will block out exposure to the elements, like UV rays that can damage the material.
- Consider covering the RV if you are in a location with cold winters or hot summers. This will keep your RV tires in better condition for longer.
- Use the RV whenever you can. This will keep the tires primed for the road and will extend their lifespan.
Long-Term Parking Tips
Keeping an RV parked for under three months doesn’t require as much care, but there are more things to take into consideration for long-term parking.
Proper blocking is required when you need to park your RV for an extended period. The most accurate blocking is wider than the tire tread and longer than the footprint. You should also thoroughly clean the tires and fully inflate them to the maximum amount of pressure indicated on the sidewall.
Conclusion
You should put wood blocks, rubber mats, or plastic mats under RV tires when storing or parking it. Teflon sheets and concrete pavers are also good options. This is especially necessary the longer the duration.