Parking A Popup Camper: Dry Rot And Dirt

Parking your popup camper on dirt can cause dry rot in your tires. Dry rot occurs when the rubber in tires loses its moisture and becomes brittle, leading to cracks in the sidewall of the tire. This can be caused by various factors, including UV exposure, improper inflation, and exposure to harmful chemicals. To prevent dry rot, it is recommended to keep tires out of direct sunlight, properly inflated, and away from harmful chemicals. Storing your popup camper on a gravel or plywood surface is an alternative to parking on dirt, as it will not damage your tires.

Parking on dirt vs. gravel

Parking a camper on dirt or gravel for extended periods can cause dry rot in tires. Dry rot occurs when the rubber in tires loses its moisture and becomes brittle, making them prone to blowing out. This can happen when tires are stationary for three months or more, as they are not receiving the downward pressure needed to activate the resins and oils that keep them moist.

When choosing between parking on dirt or gravel, there are several factors to consider. Gravel is more affordable than pavement and can hold up well under heavy vehicle traffic. It is also low maintenance, requiring only occasional sweeping and filling in of depressions. However, gravel may not be aesthetically pleasing and can move around, requiring constant sweeping back into place. It can also be hard on vehicles, causing wear and tear on tires and potential damage from flying gravel.

Dirt, on the other hand, is also affordable and can be suitable for rural residential driveways. However, it may not be ideal for long-term parking as it holds moisture, which can promote corrosion and rust. Additionally, dirt may not provide a stable surface for heavy vehicles and can become muddy and uneven over time.

To minimise the risk of dry rot and maintain your tires' condition, it is recommended to park on a surface that allows for proper drainage. Gravel can provide adequate drainage if properly installed and maintained. Dirt may not drain as well and can become muddy, especially in areas with heavy rainfall.

Overall, if you are looking for a cost-effective option for a short-term parking solution in a rural setting, either gravel or dirt can be suitable. However, for long-term parking, gravel is generally preferred due to its better drainage and lower risk of corrosion. To further protect your tires, ensuring they are clean and dry before parking for extended periods can also help prevent dry rot.

Dry rot prevention

Dry rot in tires occurs when the rubber loses its moisture and becomes tough and brittle. This loss of elasticity can lead to a blowout while driving, which is dangerous. There are several precautions you can take to prevent dry rot, especially when storing your popup camper for extended periods.

Firstly, keep your tires out of direct sunlight. UV rays cause the oils and resins that maintain tire moisture to degrade and eventually leech out. If you're storing your camper, ensure it's under a weatherproof cover that extends to the tires, protecting them from UV rays, dust, and debris. This is crucial if your storage space lets in light.

Before storing your camper, clean the tires with warm water and a small amount of hand soap or kitchen detergent. Avoid using specialist tire cleaning products, as these are often petroleum-based and can accelerate drying. Muddy tires are more prone to dry rot because the moisture in the mud evaporates, taking some of the tire's oils with it.

Try to store your camper in a climate-controlled space with a slightly cooler-than-average room temperature of 55-59°F. Regular temperature swings and temperatures above 68°F or below 45°F can accelerate dry rot. If possible, opt for a storage facility with humidity control, as overly dry environments can also speed up tire degradation.

If you're storing your camper for more than three months, consider removing the tires. Dry rot is more likely to occur when tires are stationary for extended periods because they lack the downward pressure needed to activate the resins and oils that keep them moist. Removing the tires and storing them separately can help prevent dry rot.

Finally, store loose tires in airtight bags to minimize their exposure to oxygen, a contributor to dry rot. You can use specialist tire bags or vacuum-sealed bags, or simply place the tires in large industrial plastic bags and seal the ends with electrical tape.

The impact of sunlight on tires

Sunlight, specifically UV rays, can have a detrimental effect on tires. UV radiation breaks down the chemical compounds in rubber, causing tires to lose elasticity and become brittle. This process is accelerated by high temperatures and is more prevalent in locations with a high UV index. Therefore, tires exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods are at greater risk of UV damage.

UV rays cause a complex chemical breakdown of the rubber compounds, leading to structural damage and tire failure. This breakdown is due to the oxidation of the rubber, which causes the tire to lose its flexibility and become more prone to cracking and hardening. This process is similar to the effect of licking your lips, which dries them out and makes them chapped. As a result, UV-damaged tires are more likely to blow out while being driven and will need to be replaced.

To prevent UV damage, it is recommended to park in shaded areas, use tire protectant sprays, and regularly wax the car exterior. Keeping tires clean and dry before storage and maintaining proper tire pressure are also essential. Additionally, consider using UV-resistant sprays or specially designed tire covers to create a protective barrier against UV rays.

When storing a vehicle for extended periods, it is advisable to keep the tires covered and protected from direct sunlight. Storing the vehicle in a climate-controlled environment with stable temperatures between 55-59°F can also help prevent dry rot caused by excessive heat.

Tire storage

To keep your tires in good condition, it's important to store them properly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do that:

Firstly, if you're storing your vehicle for more than three months, it's recommended to remove the tires. Removing the tires allows you to control their storage conditions and eliminates stress factors like vehicle weight and temperature fluctuations. If you can't remove the tires, you should at least remove the weight from them by using jack stands or similar load-bearing devices.

Before storing your tires, make sure they are clean and dry. Use warm water and a small amount of hand soap or kitchen detergent to remove any dirt, dressings, or brake dust. Avoid using specialist tire cleaning products, as these can be petroleum-based and may cause the tires to dry out faster. Ensure the tires are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

When storing tires, it's best to use airtight bags, such as specialist tire bags or vacuum-sealed bags. Removing as much air as possible helps to prevent the tire compounds from drying out. Sealing the bags with heavy-duty tape will also help keep out the elements. If you're storing tires with rims, you can hang them through the rim using hooks. Alternatively, you can stack them vertically with the sidewall facing down. For unmounted tires, stack them sidewall to sidewall. Avoid hanging unmounted tires as this can cause distortion and damage.

The storage location is crucial. Tires should be stored in a cool, dry, and moderately ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Basements or climate-controlled spaces are ideal. If you must store them outdoors, keep them off the ground and covered with opaque, waterproof bags with ventilation openings. Avoid highly reflective surfaces or heat-absorbent surfaces like sand or black asphalt. Additionally, avoid storing tires near electric motors, battery chargers, generators, or welding equipment, as these can produce small amounts of ozone which is damaging to tires.

By following these instructions, you can help ensure that your tires remain in good condition during storage and extend their lifespan.

Tire maintenance

Tire dry rot, or sidewall cracking, is a common issue for vehicles that are kept in long-term storage, such as pop-up campers. It is caused by the rubber in tires losing its moisture and becoming brittle, often due to exposure to direct sunlight and harmful UV rays. To prevent dry rot, it is recommended to take the following precautions:

Keep Tires Out of Direct Sunlight

UV rays from sunlight can cause the oils and resins that keep tires moist to degrade and eventually leech out, leading to dry rot. When storing your pop-up camper, park it in a shaded area or under a weatherproof cover to protect the tires from direct sunlight.

Maintain Proper Tire Inflation

Under-inflation is one of the leading causes of tire failure. When tires are underinflated, it can result in excessive heat and severe cracking. It is important to check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended inflation levels provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

Regular Cleaning and Inspections

Clean your tires with warm water and a mild soap or detergent to remove any dirt or mud. Avoid using specialist tire cleaning products as they may contain petroleum-based chemicals that can accelerate dry rot. Inspect your tires monthly for any signs of cracking, discoloration, or other unnatural blemishes.

Store Tires Properly

If you plan to store your pop-up camper for extended periods, consider removing the tires and storing them in a cool, dry, and climate-controlled environment. Keep the tires out of direct sunlight and store them in airtight bags to slow down the process of dry rot.

Avoid Harmful Substances and Conditions

Park your vehicle away from sources of ozone, such as electric motors, battery chargers, and welding equipment. Avoid exposing your tires to abrasive or corrosive chemicals, extremely low temperatures, and long periods of disuse, as these can increase the risk of dry rot.

Frequently asked questions