Troubleshooting Tire Pressure Leakage on Yakima Rack and Roll Trailer Stored for 18-Months

Question:

I checked the air on my 2011 Yakima rack and roll tires today. The trailer has not been used for about 18 months. It is used for 2 hobie outback kayaks. There are probably less than 300 miles on the trailer and tires. The spare and one tire showed no pressure and one had 20 lbs. I am planning to take the trailer from Florida to Michigan which is a 2400 mile trip. I pumped all tires up to day to 40 lbs. is this pressure loss normal? I am concerned and dont know how to proceed. I would appreciate your input.

asked by: Herb K

Expert Reply:

The tires on the Yakima Rack and Roll trailers # Y08106 and # Y08107 are indeed specified for inflation pressure of 40-psi. To lose about half that pressure after a year-and-a-half of storage is not at all surprising, but for the two tires that lost all of their pressure I suggest some further testing before you embark on your 2400-mile trip.

You did the right thing by inflating all three tires to the specified 40-psi pressure so you can keep an eye on them for a few days. If they hold that 40-psi for two or three days they should be fine. If they lose any pressure in that brief period of time (and with no load on the trailer) then I suggest you replace the inner tubes with part # Y8880283 and test again. This is the lowest-cost remedy.

We also have a replacement tire only # Y8880282 as well as a complete wheel/tire assembly # Y08121.

If you can spot any fine cracks on the tire sidewalls you might want to consider replacing them. If the trailer were stored where the sun could hit the tires every day then they may have some UV or dry rot damage. But if the pressure is retained and there is no visible cracking on the tire sidewalls then they should be fine for your trip.