Tire Deflated During Storage - Is it Safe?

[BinaryStar]

I generally keep my motorhome at a storage lot, particularly during winter. While I do run the generator for an hour monthly during the winter, I don't generally check the tire pressures as I've never had an issue with tires losing pressure. I filled all of the tires to 110 lbs before winter to allow for temperature induced pressure decreases.

In mid February I was doing a walk around while the generator was running and noticed that my inside rear passenger tire was noticeably low. When I checked the pressure, it was down to 35 lbs whereas all other tires were at about 95 lbs. I inflated the tire back to match the others and have been keeping an eye on it. It seems like it's losing about ten pounds or so every two-three weeks, and I confirmed yesterday that it's leaking at the rim where the valve is.

My question is whether I should be concerned about the condition of the tire and whether it's dangerous? The rig is at its' lightest weight during winter since everything is removed except kitchen ware like dishes, pans, etc. Since I need to get it to the shop next month to get the valve replaced, I'm struggling with whether to replace the tire. The tires are two years old (Toyo M143 16 ply) and have always run properly inflated and monitored with a TPMS. Based on the weight chart for the tires, I don't believe the outside tire was stressed if you consider the pressure in the other three tires on the axle.

 

[Bearcatrp]

Since you’re taking it to the shop, have them inspect it. I would have them take the tire off the rim for a close inspection. Better safe than sorry. Good luck.

 

[Derby6]

Its fine. If it sat flat for months on end, freezing/thawing I may be concerned. But that did not happen and it was never laying flat on bottom (out of round) as the outside dual kept that from happening.

 

[TheBar]

A slow leak can turn into a fast leak driving down the highway. Get it checked.

 

[Derby6]

A slow leak can turn into a fast leak driving down the highway. Get it checked.

Agreed. I wasn’t clear.
Leak needs repaired but tire is fine. And when you have that fixed tire shop will inspect I am sure. Like bearcatrp suggested.

 

[SpencerPJ]

If the tire never went flat, I'd say it's not damaged. Get the valve replaced and I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Domo]

What's the date code on the tire? Is it "close enough" to 5-7 years that you can/should buy a new one rather than have the constant specter of failure?

 

[Babe2201]

As long as the tires are not too old it should be fine. Valve stems get replaced quite often because they leak when the tire is just fine. I see you have a 2011 so one thing that you should have checked is that there are no small pin holes around the valve stem area. If that is the case you would have to replace the wheel. That is rare in cars and trucks but not sure how often it happens with the bigger rigs.

 

[BinaryStar]

Thanks everyone for the replies. My gut feeling is the tire is probably fine because it's only a couple years old and didn't sit deflated for long. I'll definitely have the tire shop inspect it when they replace the valve.

 

[gwinger]

What's the date code on the tire? Is it "close enough" to 5-7 years that you can/should buy a new one rather than have the constant specter of failure?

Problem with replacing only one tire, depending on the miles, the tire is actually smaller now due to wear. May not seem like a lot but the sister tire will be dragging.
Similar to putting the donut spare on a car.

 

[DonTom]

In mid February I was doing a walk around while the generator was running and noticed that my inside rear passenger tire was noticeably low. When I checked the pressure, it was down to 35 lbs whereas all other tires were at about 95 lbs. I

Does it have those cheap rubber valve stems?

If so, wiggle them to check for leaks.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Or, good old soapy water sprayed on and around the valve to see if it bubbles.

 

[gwinger]

Does it have those cheap rubber valve stems?

If so, wiggle them to check for leaks.

-Don- Auburn, CA

I have the stems replaced during every tire change. Not worth the aggravation of having it done later. Even the metal ones can leak.

 

[BinaryStar]

Just a follow-up to close this one out. Having already determined it was leaking at the base of the valve, I ordered a new set of grommets for the metal valve stems I had installed when the tires were new. The tire shop pulled the wheels and took the tire completely off to inspect it, and they determined the tire was fine. The were able to use one of the new grommets and so far there's no evidence of a leak after a couple weeks. I have a TPMS for all tires so I'll be able to keep track of it compared to the tire next to it.

 

[DonTom]

Not worth the aggravation of having it done later.

It certainly is when they are found to be leaking.

. Even the metal ones can leak.

Sure, anything can break. But in my lifetime, I have seen many leaky rubber valve stems, but not even one leaky metal one.

I refuse to have any rubber valve stems on any of my vehicles, they all get changed to metal at the first tire change.

My 30K$ Harley Road Glide Ultra has cheap rubber valve stems since new but still has original tires. I came close to not buying the bike over that little issue. Seems so stupid to save a few cents on a cheaper valve stem on a 30K$ bike.

And every external TPMS sensor. AFAIK, has a warning to NOT use with rubber valve stems. I am surprised the rubber ones are even legal to put on new vehicles.

-Don- Aubirn, CA

 

[TXMOOSE]

Definitely get the tire looked at , there's no doughty about that. If you just did all your tires before parking this year then they should still be the same. I don't know the price or condition but that part is up to you.
My one truck outside I start each time but I don't use it. There's nothing at all wrong with it, it's I guess a back up. Been parked , washed , started a little moving back and forth a couple inches thing. The tires are all fine and it's been way over a year since use.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

My motorhome tires, parked in my driveway all winter, usually lose between 6 and 10 pounds of air each winter. After filling them before Spring trips, I must remember to check the pressure again once it warms up outside. Then, I usually let out about 4-5 lbs of air on each tire.

 

[DonTom]

Then, I usually let out about 4-5 lbs of air on each tire.

AFAIK, you're not ever supposed to let air out just because it gets warmer after once set correctly for cold.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[Lou Schneider]

AFAIK, you're not ever supposed to let air out just because it gets warmer after once set correctly for cold.

-Don- Auburn, CA

Define "cold". The OP is talking about the difference in pressure that occurs between a tire that is set at a winter temperature of 30 degrees versus one that starts at 60 degrees during the summer.

This is different than reducing pressure in a tire where friction has heated it higher than the ambient starting "cold" pressure.

Personally if the rig isn't being used I'd just let the tires stay slightly low during the winter and check the pressure before the first use when the ambient temperature is the same as the last time it was adjusted. This will reveal if you have a slow leak or you're just observing ambient temperature induced pressure changes.

 

[DonTom]

The OP is talking about the difference in pressure that occurs between a tire that is set at a winter temperature of 30 degrees versus one that starts at 60 degrees during the summer.

Yes, I understand that much, but not sure about the rest, and I have wondered if it is an assumption or a fact.

Can you find a link from any time manufacturer that claims we are supposed to let air out for the hotter summer which was set correctly for a much colder winter?

Edit: I just did my own search.

I now see that "cold" tire temp is defined as being at the same temperature as the outside air before being driven for the day. From what it says here. So that does mean the recommend psi is lowered for the warmer season.

Doesn't make any difference here as it never gets that cold.

-Don- Auburn, CA