Tire Covers - Yes or No

[AquaMan]

I always thought it was the general consensus to change your tires every 5-6yrs regardless of mileage. Doing that, I don't see the need for tire covers. Like others have said, I've never covered a car tire in my life, nor have I ever covered a trailer tire. I wear them out before they get a chance to dry rot. I suppose if your rig sits more than you go, it might help.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by 325BH

I'm with you.

I doubt all of these folks put covers over their car/truck tires.

LOL.


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You're right, but car/truck tires are usually only on a vehicle for 3-4 yrs, maybe 5. For most of us, we don't put a lot of miles on our TTs, so the tires could be on quite a bit longer. That makes UV protection more important. Especially if the tire isn't high quality to begin with.

[Drrayrn]

how about pulling up on those plastic lynx levelers? Will that do the same trick as the 3?4 inch Plywood?

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

I always thought it was the general consensus to change your tires every 5-6yrs regardless of mileage. Doing that, I don't see the need for tire covers. Like others have said, I've never covered a car tire in my life, nor have I ever covered a trailer tire. I wear them out before they get a chance to dry rot. I suppose if your rig sits more than you go, it might help.

I agree, but really it is recommended by tireman9 every 4 years. I have no use for them being my slides go over the tires when extended, the only time there not extended is during travel. So It depends how you use your trailer and keep it. It's a PITA for me and for what reason, the way I use my trailer and how it works...

[Grampa Jim]

Sharon,,,,5 years ain't too bad being as you live in southern Arizona....hot and dry down there as you know.

[Grampa Jim]

Drrayrn,,,,,I would think that the "Lego's" would be good too since they will keep the tires off the ground. Whether it's dirt, grass, concrete, tarmac, etc. the ground has some uncanny ability to draw the stuff out of the rubber that hurts the tires. Also,,,,,,leaving your rv sitting for extended periods in storage can sometimes be more damaging than being on the road regularly.

[325BH]

Originally Posted by Grampa Jim

Drrayrn,,,,,I would think that the "Lego's" would be good too since they will keep the tires off the ground. Whether it's dirt, grass, concrete, tarmac, etc. the ground has some uncanny ability to draw the stuff out of the rubber that hurts the tires. Also,,,,,,leaving your rv sitting for extended periods in storage can sometimes be more damaging than being on the road regularly.

I would recommend getting (and using) the "toppers" (my word; don't know their name) for the plastic levelers... so your tire sits on a flat surface. Without them, your tire is sitting on a small number of jagged high spots. Although I use them anytime I use the levelers, it is probably most important when sitting for extended periods.


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[Grampa Jim]

Regardless of what anybody decides to do in this discussion......the most important thing I can say is to watch them,,,,,make sure the pressure is good, watch for cracking, bubbles, etc. If you can't or don't want to buy a TMPS system, at least,,,,when you're at a rest-stop,,,,walk around,,,,feel the temperature of the tires AND wheels to make sure they aren't running hot. After I saw cars in my rear view mirror pulling back and over because of all the rubber and wood exploding all over the highway behind me from my tire separation,,,,I've hightened my concerns and consciousness of what can happen......when it happens to you,,,,,you'll be more conscious about them also,,,,and strive to make them safer in anyway possible. It really all depends on how far you want to push the envelope,,,,but I assure you,,,,if you don't keep your eye on them,,,,,it'll happen in due time.

[Grampa Jim]

325BH,,,,I also have wondered about the "jagged edges" on the "Legos" too. I myself don't entertain the thought of putting my tires on them. I ALWAYS put mine on plywood.

[DDC]

Originally Posted by BendOrLarry

Well then that makes you an expert on the subject! Yes you need wheel covers to keep UV off the tires. Do any internet search on the subject and you will see it's a no brainer.

Never been an expert on anything and would hate to to be considered one because I have never had any use for any so called experts, only passed on my personal experience with this subject. I do agree with Bama Bob on the concrete issue though.

[edcronin01]

Watch this 3 minute video from the tire guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxCCUvG_nR0

[oldsmasma]

Got some nifty white ones from our son for Christmas after we bought our motorhome. Use them whenever we have it parked here at home. Never used them before but figure they can't hurt.

[SailorSam20500]

Tires contain anti-oxidant compounds. These compounds migrate in the tire as they roll down the road moving to the exterior surfaces. It takes a period of time for the compounds to be "used up" which is environmentally dependent - high ozone areas, direct sunlight, high ultra violet light, high temperatures, etc, are bad. Dirty tires will accelerate the process. So most tire manufacturers recommend first cleaning your tires with a mild soap and soft brush before storage and then covering them. If you are parked in a spot for a couple of days up to a couple of weeks, the covers will probably have little impact. the longer you intend to keep your tires, the more value you will get from the covers - when stored for extended periods of time or under harsh conditions.

FWIW, Ford is now recommending replacement of tires on their vehicles when the tire is 6 years old (from my current owners manual):
"In general, tires should be replaced after six years regardless of tread wear."
From Michelin:
"That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have RV/Motorhome tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for continued service. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually."


I would not be surprised to see other vehicle manufacturers and probably tire manufacturers adopting the 6 year recommendation over the next few years.


Many people will respond that they have run the same tires for over 10 years with no problem. I look at that as validating the old statistics bell curve. My take on this is that about 5-6 years of age is the near the beginning of the steep rise in the curve, for every tire that makes it to 10 years - the far end of the curve, another one dies violently in much less.

You need to decided where your cost/risk balance is.

[Grampa Jim]

After trying something stupid like trying to get to Chaco Canyon, New Mexico from the south end in Grants, I got my new Toyo tires put on in Kingman, Arizona on our trip from Austin Texas to Gold Beach, Oregon in the spring of 2012. I look at them once in a while,,,,but they don't show any cracking,,,,,just tread wear,,,,and it's not an unusual amount. BTW.....don't try to get to Chaco from the south....5 miles down the road,,,,,and I use that term, "road", very loosely,,,,with 15 more to go before we got there,,,my wife said,,,,,,"I'm going to end your life if you don't turn around right NOW!!!". I did,,,but the belts on the tires were already damaged. Go into Chaco from the north end near Farmington if you want to see the Anasazi hub.

[DJP6371]

Motorhome tires are $750 each (give or take).

I cover mine if I'm stopping for even 24 hours. It is cheap insurance and extends the tire's life.

[MacDR]

x2 on covers but only if your going to sit for more than a couple of weeks.. inexpensive and easy to put on.

[twoclaws]

Yes to tire covers and mirror covers and wiper blade covers

[DonF]

Our TT sits next to a garage with the curb side on the eastern, open side. The garage (west) side is always shaded. After a couple of years of sitting in the Nevada sun every day, the sun side tires were totally cracked and trashed, the shaded side looked like new. (Likewise the graphics on the TT.)

After buying new tires to replace perfectly good, low mileage ones, I'm convinced - I'll be putting on tire covers.

[dmchapman]

I have a couple of questions regarding wheel covers. Why does it make any difference if they are driven occasionally or parked for a long time? If continual exposure is a problem why don't we have a problem with our tires on our tow vehicles and daily drivers? Just asking.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by dmchapman

I have a couple of questions regarding wheel covers. Why does it make any difference if they are driven occasionally or parked for a long time? If continual exposure is a problem why don't we have a problem with our tires on our tow vehicles and daily drivers? Just asking.

I think one reason is your daily drivers are better tires.