What to Consider When Storing Trailer for Long Period of Time

Updated 10/07/2024 | Published 09/28/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(3775)

$94.89

Vehicle Jack Stands - 10-3/4" to 16-3/4" Lift - 2 Tons - Qty 2

(15)

$50.82

Question:

so just car jacks to raise it off the ground?

asked by: David C

Expert Reply:

Typically it's the tires of a utility trailer that get problematic if stored for long periods of times.

Although there are not exact rules for how to store a trailer tire. Our experience shows that the most beneficial way to store a trailer tire over the winter or multiple month periods of non-use involves taking the tires off the trailer and storing them stacked in a cool and dry dark environment. You will also want to let out some of the air using this method. The other option would be to raise the trailer up so the tires are not making contact with the ground. You will want to do this even if the boat is off the trailer. It doesn't matter whether you leave the air in or take it out as long as the tires are not bearing a load.

The reason for this is that the sun's UV ray can create an excessive amount of wear on the rubber sidewall causing them to crack in addition to flat spotting when left inflated with a bearing load.

expert reply by: Jameson C

David C.

9/28/2017

so just car jacks to raise it off the ground?

Jameson C.

9/28/2017

You'd be better off using jack stands like # PTW41021 for long term storage. Jacks aren't designed for supporting a load for an extended period of time. You'd want to jack the trailer up with a jack and then put the stands under the trailer frame and lower the trailer on to them.

Rick H.

10/7/2024

Other than the tires, is there any long term affects of the suspension items (leaf springs mainly) for storage of a heavy load on the trailer? My example, I have a three, 7 thousand pound (straight not curved) axles with a 18,000 lb boat sitting atop. Thanks Rick H.