Winter Storage: What Your Tires Wish You Knew

When your trailer goes into storage for winter, the tires take the brunt of it. They sit in one position for months, dealing with cold temperatures, pressure loss, and trapped moisture. A few quick steps now will help prevent dry rot, cracking, and flat spots when spring rolls around.

Here’s the simple, no-overwhelm checklist:

1. Use Wheel Chocks

Chocks do more than keep your trailer from rolling. They reduce sidewall stress by keeping the trailer from shifting or leaning.

Place chocks on both sides of the tire (front and back) so the weight stays distributed properly.

Think of chocks as your tire’s “support system.”

2. Cover the Tires

UV rays and freezing temps break down rubber faster than most people realize.

Use tire covers that are breathable — they allow air flow and keep moisture from getting trapped against the tire. Tarps do not count here. Tarps trap moisture, moisture invites rot, and rot invites regret.

If you only do one thing from this list, cover the tires.

3. Park on Gravel (not grass or dirt)

Grass and dirt hold moisture, and moisture breaks down rubber from underneath.

Gravel allows drainage and keeps the bottom of the tire dry.

This is why we use gravel lots at Red Run — your tires will thank you later.

4. Inflate to the Correct Pressure

Tires lose air over time, especially in cold weather.

Inflate to the recommended PSI before you store the trailer.

If you can, give them a mid-season check.

A properly inflated tire is less likely to develop flat spots.

Quick Summary

Healthy tires in spring come down to four things:

• Chock the wheels

• Cover the tires

• Park on gravel

• Inflate to the right PSI

Protecting your tires now means you can hitch up and go when adventure calls — no surprise tire shopping trip required.

Need a secure gravel storage lot?

We’ve got you covered (literally and figuratively).