Whenever I find parked motorhomes, I find some of them with tire covers, presumably to protect the tires from the sun.Now, off the top of my head this sounds like one of those "common sense" things. UV degrades rubber, so I'll cover my tires when parked.But in practice, does anyone know of any evidence that these covers actually increase the life of the tires? Does using covers mean we'd only need to replace our tires every 9 years instead of every 7? Or does it just make us feel good that we're doing something? And what about "UV Protectant" sealers that you can apply directly to the rubber? Evidence? Or does it just feel good?Let the debate begin!

My belief is that if you wash tires regularly, and move every now and then, tire covers are a hassle and not worth the cost. But if you stay in one place for a while, in open spaces with plenty of sun, then they are beneficial.

wildtoad wrote:My belief is that if you wash tires regularly, and move every now and then, tire covers are a hassle and not worth the cost. But if you stay in one place for a while, in open spaces with plenty of sun, then they are beneficial.Pretty much sums it up. Also, take a look at your 5-year old tires that have sat out in the sun all that time, then look at your spare that's been under cover for that same amount of time - quite telling!Now, evidence shows that even if a tire "looks" good, the internal degradation occurs, hidden from the naked eye. Time and oxygen are killers (of tires, at least).

Tire covers are good if you stay in on location for weeks and weeks or longer at a time.If you park for a couple of days then move on to another location...they are just another one of those things that make camping more complicated than it needs to be.

downtheroad wrote:Tire covers are good if you stay in on location for weeks and weeks or longer at a time.If you park for a couple of days then move on to another location...they are just another one of those things that make camping more complicated than it needs to be.^^^ so true ^^^ - Otherwise, one would also have to cover the tires on their tow-vehicle and daily driver.

Only an RV thing. I say it is just a feel good routine. I will pass.

Tire Covers - Evidence or just belief? | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2017
I agee with Kep - "Also, take a look at your 5-year old tires that have sat out in the sun all that time, then look at your spare that's been under cover for that same amount of time - quite telling!"

I cover my tires if stationary more than four days.
monkey44
Nomad II
Mar 01, 2017
I remember reading somewhere (here maybe) that tire covers actually decrease tire-life because it keeps in heat, allows no ventilation, and damages the rubber ... not seen any science about it tho' ...

Makes sense - think about putting a tarp over a tire and leaving it in the sun a few days. Then pull off the tarp and feel the tire ? Pretty hot in that pocket.
BB_TX
Nomad
Mar 01, 2017
So far, looks like no one can actually point to any long term tests or studies that verify that covers do extend tire life. Claims by manufacturers is one thing. Proof is something else. After years of reading postings about tires, I have never seen a link any such testing. I am more of the opinion it is a feel good thing. And profit item for manufacturers.
PawPaw_n_Gram
Explorer
Mar 01, 2017
Tires are designed for the oils to migrate toward the surface as the tire rotates.

I always covered my tires when I stored the rig. Because I was never when the rig would go out next.

Now as full timers, I normally never bother unless I plan to not move the trailer for 8 days or longer.

I don't worry about my tires not lasting as long, because we actually have to replace the tires due to wear/ mileage.

What I want if I ever get a class a is the covers that snap/ Velcro to the body. None of the messing with bungee cords. I think they look really good
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 01, 2017
Only an RV thing. I say it is just a feel good routine. I will pass.
AmericalVette
Explorer
Mar 01, 2017
downtheroad wrote:
Tire covers are good if you stay in on location for weeks and weeks or longer at a time.
If you park for a couple of days then move on to another location...they are just another one of those things that make camping more complicated than it needs to be.

^^^ so true ^^^ - Otherwise, one would also have to cover the tires on their tow-vehicle and daily driver.
downtheroad
Explorer
Mar 01, 2017
Tire covers are good if you stay in on location for weeks and weeks or longer at a time.
If you park for a couple of days then move on to another location...they are just another one of those things that make camping more complicated than it needs to be.
kep5niner
Explorer
Mar 01, 2017
wildtoad wrote:
My belief is that if you wash tires regularly, and move every now and then, tire covers are a hassle and not worth the cost. But if you stay in one place for a while, in open spaces with plenty of sun, then they are beneficial.

Pretty much sums it up. Also, take a look at your 5-year old tires that have sat out in the sun all that time, then look at your spare that's been under cover for that same amount of time - quite telling!

Now, evidence shows that even if a tire "looks" good, the internal degradation occurs, hidden from the naked eye. Time and oxygen are killers (of tires, at least).
wildtoad
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2017
My belief is that if you wash tires regularly, and move every now and then, tire covers are a hassle and not worth the cost. But if you stay in one place for a while, in open spaces with plenty of sun, then they are beneficial.

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Tire Covers - Evidence or just belief?

29 Replies

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