Proper way to stow your tube in the off season

[John McLaughlin]

I ruin one tube cover from dry rot so I would like to know what one does to properly stow their tubes in the off season.
thanks

 

[galonuscct]

I generally leave it inflated in the sun for a while until it is completely dry. I then deflate, fold, and store.

 

[ZippyBoater]

I have a very tall Storage shed in my boat house. I normally hang my tubes from the top so the air can circulate around it. I let some of the air out of the tube and it spends the winter there. If I need to fold them up, I make sure they are good and dry before folding and storing. The tubes should be rolled not folded, the covers can be folded, but I prefer to roll them as the creases can wear under pressure.

 

[bolivas]

I leave mine inflated on top of the T-top, but the boat and tube are in an unheated enclosed shop when not in use.

I figure, every time you inflate/deflate fold/unfold roll/unroll, it causes wear on the tube and cover.

 

[2kwik4u]

I generally leave it inflated in the sun for a while until it is completely dry. I then deflate, fold, and store.

Same here. I let it get good and dry, then deflate and pack it into a storage tote. I toss a few bags of dessicant in there as well.

Pro Tip.....collect dessicant all year long from various purchases and places. Keep them in a small tote in the house until you need them, then toss them in with winter storage items to help keep them dry. Takes just a little bit of time, but you get free water absorption over the off-season.

 

[galonuscct]

Same here. I let it get good and dry, then deflate and pack it into a storage tote. I toss a few bags of dessicant in there as well.

Pro Tip.....collect dessicant all year long from various purchases and places. Keep them in a small tote in the house until you need them, then toss them in with winter storage items to help keep them dry. Takes just a little bit of time, but you get free water absorption over the off-season.

Why not just throw in some rice?!

 

[2kwik4u]

Why not just throw in some rice?!

Mostly because I hadn't thought of that

 

[Scottintexas]

I ruin one tube cover from dry rot so I would like to know what one does to properly stow their tubes in the off season.
thanks

What brand was it ?

I've never had a problem with dry rot but my tube bladders (air head mega slice) usually only last 2-3 years and the flat disk becomes more of a football shape,

I let them dry out good in the sun and then roll them up and put them on a shelf in the garage for 6 months, I've got a donut tube 12 years old that still good,


.

 

[John McLaughlin]

@Scottintexas
What brand was it ? it was an Airhead chariot

 

[Liveto99]

Same here. I let it get good and dry, then deflate and pack it into a storage tote. I toss a few bags of dessicant in there as well.

Pro Tip.....collect dessicant all year long from various purchases and places. Keep them in a small tote in the house until you need them, then toss them in with winter storage items to help keep them dry. Takes just a little bit of time, but you get free water absorption over the off-season.

Super pro tip
If you have a Harley dealer around they ship the bikes with huge ones and they give them away if you ask for it.