RimGuard Lifespan

[My Hoe]

Beet juice also turns to slush a fair bit before freezing. I believe their listed freeze point is where it turns to slush, not solid. Slush doesn't present near the problems that freezing solid does so its even better than indicated temp wise.

I have had it in my tires about 6 years, so far so good, but I agree, a pain to check tire pressure.

Slush at -35F is definitely even better than frozen solid at -35F--and 6 years, with no freezeups--thanks, gents, for even more good news!

Re: checking the pressure. I haven't yet had the opportunity, but I've read (can't remember where) not to use any liquid ballast higher than about 3/4 up the height of the tire. I'm wondering if some of them have been over-filled, and that's what might be making problems checking pressures?

I dunno.

But I do know these are both cheap and accurate: Sears.com

Now, the one I found was actually smaller, cheaper (only $2.99) and all plastic. I bought a few of them--one didn't work but the others are still going strong. They were even more cheaply made than the one I linked to, had smooth sides, not "fluted," and had a white face with green, red, etc... areas. I thought they'd be a complete piece of crap, but they've actually lasted a couple of years, and seem very accurate.

That may change once they get a slug of Rimguard, but I throw that out there, as I find them easier to read than the "pencil-style" gauges.

Thanks again, everyone.

My Hoe

 

[Turbys_1700]

Ive been thinking about putting RimGuard in my rear tires, but was wondering about longevity. Does that stuff break-down and change over time? Do any precipitates form and fall out of the solution over the years?

The specs on that stuff look very good, but Im wondering how long will it remain in the same state over time.

Living in Texas I would assume your concern with freezing temps are similar to what we experience here in NC. I would utilize water and antifreeze. You will not need much antifreeze to protect you from the few freezing days you may get every year. I put a gallon in my front tires with the rest using water. I don't know what ratio the dealer put in my rears but I know it is antifreeze and water. You can do it yourself with a air/water adapter kit. I think they are around $10 from Tractor Supply. Use environmentally friendly antifreeze to be safe.

 

[oosik]

My current tractor - M6040 - came with the rear tires loaded with rimguard in 2009. I've had no problems with the stuff - you do have to go thru special procedures to effectively check tire pressure. Rotate to 12 'o clock position and blow a small amount of compressed air INTO the tire to clear the stem BEFORE checking the pressure.

However, the advantages over use of a salt solution are really monumental. On my previous tractor the corrosion caused by the salt solution would dissolve the core of my tire valve and require replacement annually. Even the slightest amount of the salt solution would ruin the tire gauge.

For me - rimguard has eliminated a really nasty annual problem. Replacing the valve stem and the mess that would create.

BTW - I've seen -20F and no problems with rimguard.

 

[My Hoe]

My current tractor - M6040 - came with the rear tires loaded with rimguard in 2009. I've had no problems with the stuff - you do have to go thru special procedures to effectively check tire pressure. Rotate to 12 'o clock position and blow a small amount of compressed air INTO the tire to clear the stem BEFORE checking the pressure. *snip*

oosik,

AWESOME suggestion. Simple, but I didn't think of it myself, so it needed to be said.

Thanks again,

My Hoe

 

[TexasBoy]

Its always interesting to watch how threads go in different directions and get off-topic from the OP.

I know RimGuard works. I know RimGuard is better than salt solutions. I know RimGuard requires a few extra steps to add air and check the pressure. I know RimGuard doesnt freeze until -35F. I know I can use standard glycol based anti-freeze solutions (ethylene or propylene) in lieu of RimGuard. I know I can even use some forms of windshield wiper solutions that wont freeze until -20F. I know there are tire foams that will work as well.

My question was regarding the lifespan of RimGuard and how long that product retains its original specs over time. Its been my experience that all liquid solutions eventually break down and lose their original intended characteristics, and at times even become harmful. Without some kind of confirmation from the manufacturer I dont think I could spend the money.

 

[wmonroe]

Have you tried emailing rimguard and asking what timespan their testing covers? I agree that most will begin to break down or separate given enough time, the question is how much time is that.

 

[Parkanzky]

Have you tried emailing rimguard and asking what timespan their testing covers? I agree that most will begin to break down or separate given enough time, the question is how much time is that.

I recommend calling them on the telephone. When I was trying to figure out what I was going to do I got a quote from my dealer. It seemed very high to me, so I called Rimguard directly (they're based out of Grand Rapids, where I live) and ended up having a lengthy conversation with the representative that answered the phone about my tractor uses, which tires to fill, how much to put in them, and other considerations. He then gave me the names of a few local installers. I called two of them and they were both less than half the cost of the same service at the dealership.

This is straight from their website:

Need to find a dealer in your area?

Give us a call at 866-792-3700 and we'll locate a dealer near you. We don't use a dealer locator on the website because we believe a helpful and knowledgable person on the other end of the phone line can better answer all of your questions and direct you to a dealer that meets your needs.

 

[vtsnowedin]

I believe you will find it is quite stable as in twenty years or more. It is mostly sugar molecules and the consistency of syrup. Trapped inside the tire there is nowhere for anything to evaporate to or otherwise get away and every use will thoroughly remix it. Sugar won't expand when it freezes so the little bit of water in the solution freezing would only raise the tire pressure a psi or two until they warm up.
I've been out plowing at -30 F and no problem with the tires.
In three years I've felt the need to check the rear tire pressures zero times but the point about blowing some air in to clear the valve stem is a good one.

 

[Elkins45]

Sugars are fairly stable compounds. My prediction is that longevity will be very good. I have Rim Guard in my tires.

 

[TexasBoy]

Good info and suggestions there, thank you guys ! :thumbsup: