Tires Fluid in tires - Question

[tillboy2001]

I've heard of people putting something like RV anti-freeze in their tires instead of buying wheel weights. I have a zero turn mower that I'd like to try this on...but I'm curious to find out what works best for the life of the tires and rim. Does the anti-freeze harm the rubber in the tire or cause any rust on the steel rim/wheel? I'm looking for something that is cost effective and something I can leave in and not worry about replacing it...or not for a long time anyway. The wheel I'm looking at putting it in is size 24 x 12.00-12 just so you know.

Thanks!

 

[JIGBUILDER]

Rim Guard. This will give you more approx 11 lbs per gallon for ballest.

I've use windshield washer fluid for the last 25 years in my tractors/loader tires. The rears on my current tractor take a barrel each and my tractor tire dealer always has it in stock for area ranchers/farmers/construction folks.

RV anti freeze is expensive per barrel and about the same weight as windshield fluid. I use RV antifreeze in the RV but have never tried it for ballest. It may need a rust inhibiter.

Do a google on the subject along with other opinions to your question.

 

[Couple of Achers]

I've heard of people putting something like RV anti-freeze in their tires instead of buying wheel weights. I have a zero turn mower that I'd like to try this on...but I'm curious to find out what works best for the life of the tires and rim. Does the anti-freeze harm the rubber in the tire or cause any rust on the steel rim/wheel? I'm looking for something that is cost effective and something I can leave in and not worry about replacing it...or not for a long time anyway. The wheel I'm looking at putting it in is size 24 x 12.00-12 just so you know.

Thanks!

My brother-in-law and his Dad have a mowing business and they too wanted to add some weight to their tires. The most cost effective solution they found was windshield washer fluid. It was less then 1/2 the price of the RV anti-freeze. It many not weigh quite as much as the anti-freeze, but was a good solution for them. It takes more than you think to fill a tire of that size so cost was an issue for them. It obviously will not freeze, and as far as I know, they still have it in their tires with not adverse affects.

 

[John_in_TN]

I have windshield washer fluid (WINTER TYPE) in my lawn tractor tires which are 24 x 12.00-12 ags. I put ten gallons in each tire, which added between 75 & 80 pounds to each. I have seen charts that claim this size tire can hold up to 12 gallons. Mine has been in for about 3 1/2 years now with no problem. It sure has made the machine much more stable on slopes (my main purpose) and has also improved pulling traction.

 

[Couple of Achers]

I have windshield washer fluid (WINTER TYPE) in my lawn tractor tires which are 24 x 12.00-12 ags. I put ten gallons in each tire, which added between 75 & 80 pounds to each. I have seen charts that claim this size tire can hold up to 12 gallons. Mine has been in for about 3 1/2 years now with no problem. It sure has made the machine much more stable on slopes (my main purpose) and has also improved pulling traction.

Up until now, I never knew there was summer or winter washer fluid. And I am old. Up here, it is just washer fluid. "I learn more on this site by accident, then elsewhere by design!"

 

[tillboy2001]

Thanks everyone. Looks like I have my answer

 

[Soundguy]

Rim Guard. This will give you more approx 11 lbs per gallon for ballest.

I've use windshield washer fluid for the last 25 years in my tractors/loader tires. The rears on my current tractor take a barrel each and my tractor tire dealer always has it in stock for area ranchers/farmers/construction folks.

RV anti freeze is expensive per barrel and about the same weight as windshield fluid. I use RV antifreeze in the RV but have never tried it for ballest. It may need a rust inhibiter.

Do a google on the subject along with other opinions to your question.

RV antifreeze should be fine.. it's commonly used and non toxic if spilt. Usually uoi can find it on sale at napa as an after-season special for anywhere from 2.99 - 4.99 per gallon. just mix it with water to get a lil mor ethan 8# per gallon ( depending on mix ), plus freeze protection... next to cacl.. it's probably the cheapest non toxic, freeze-protected ballast mix you can get.. plus won't kill grass like cacl will.. and contrary to popular belief.. rimguard WILL kill plants in the area of the spill unless you completely wash it away.. btdt...

soundguy

 

[John_in_TN]

Jerry,
In Minnesota there may only be one type, but here in Tennessee a Summer grade without anti-freeze properties is commonly available. I never noticed it here until a few years ago. You really have to be careful here this time of year when stores are trying to get rid of any remaining summer stock.

 

[Soundguy]

ditto that.. got to be carefull with WW fluid..

soundguy

 

[sparker133]

I have my tires loaded with beat juice. The dealer did it he says it does not freeze and is non corrosive and is eco-safe of it leaked. I don't know the weight per gallon though.

It wasn't very costly either about 18o bucks.

I also have a buddy the filled his with Washer fluid. Seems like a good ideal easy to find and cheap.