best way to store tt outdoors and protect tires

The RVing Tip of the Day for October 8 discusses the topic of UV protection. Some expert stated that it doesn't matter what color the tire cover is and that it is more important of what material the cover was made.
Russ DeMaris quizzed an Adco rep about their covers and the best they could come up with is that there is `some' protection from UV rays. The implication was that they were more to keep the tires clean than protect them from the sun.
A search of this Forum revealed that the best protection `might be' to coat them with 303 Protectant once per month and not to worry about covering them.
And to think I just bought new white dual-tire covers. Now where did I put that can of 303?

If you are not confused,it's because you don't understand the situation.

Hmmm, the clicky I see comes from the Goodyear website and says nothing about a Cooper tire.

Every tire makers recommendation about tire storage I've seen says about the same thing. IMO that info come from the TRA folks.

2012Coleman wrote:

Seattle Lion wrote:
I keep reading about protecting tires. I think a lot of people have a mistaken impression that trailer tires are vulnerable to UV light and moisture. All tires are made with UV-resistant material in the rubber compounds. Do you cover the tires on your family car or TV? I doubt it. Covering TT tires isn't needed to protect them. In terms of moisture the same is true. Tires don't need special care. I do agree that parking them on pavers is far better than grass, but again, do you worry about this for your car?

One thing I don't see mentioned is tire life. Cooper tires and others recommend that tires be replaced after 10 years regardless of mileage. I keep reading about protecting tires. I think a lot of people have a mistaken impression that trailer tires are vulnerable to UV light and moisture. All tires are made with UV-resistant material in the rubber compounds. Do you cover the tires on your family car or TV? I doubt it. Covering TT tires isn't needed to protect them. In terms of moisture the same is true. Tires don't need special care. I do agree that parking them on pavers is far better than grass, but again, do you worry about this for your car? One thing I don't see mentioned is tire life. Cooper tires and others recommend that tires be replaced after 10 years regardless of mileage.

This is some poster's opinion on an RV message board.


This is fact obtained from a tire manufacturer

I'll choose to follow the later.

Actually, if you follow the link in the post, you will see that the information came from an information sheet from Cooper Tires. It is not my opinion at all. The Goodyear information in your link basically agrees with Cooper. The sun protection, etc. is for storing tires not on the vehicle. In the section about mounted tires, there is good advice about overinflating and protecting the tires from wet. I bought some concrete pavers to keep the wheels off the grass.

Carlisle says;

– Keep trailer tires in a cool dry place and out of direct sun light during storage.
– Use tire covers to protect tires from the harsh effects of direct sun light, moisture and temperature extremes.
– During extended storage, use a thin piece of wood or other surface barrier under tires to extend tire life. For seasonal or extreme longterm storage, elevate the trailer on blocks to take the weight off the tires. Reduce the air pressure and cover the tires to protect them from direct sunlight.

Seattle Lion wrote:
I keep reading about protecting tires. I think a lot of people have a mistaken impression that trailer tires are vulnerable to UV light and moisture. All tires are made with UV-resistant material in the rubber compounds. Do you cover the tires on your family car or TV? I doubt it. Covering TT tires isn't needed to protect them. In terms of moisture the same is true. Tires don't need special care. I do agree that parking them on pavers is far better than grass, but again, do you worry about this for your car?

One thing I don't see mentioned is tire life. Cooper tires and others recommend that tires be replaced after 10 years regardless of mileage. I keep reading about protecting tires. I think a lot of people have a mistaken impression that trailer tires are vulnerable to UV light and moisture. All tires are made with UV-resistant material in the rubber compounds. Do you cover the tires on your family car or TV? I doubt it. Covering TT tires isn't needed to protect them. In terms of moisture the same is true. Tires don't need special care. I do agree that parking them on pavers is far better than grass, but again, do you worry about this for your car? One thing I don't see mentioned is tire life. Cooper tires and others recommend that tires be replaced after 10 years regardless of mileage.

This is some poster's opinion on an RV message board.


This is fact obtained from a tire manufacturer

I'll choose to follow the later.

Didn't really read everything in this thread, but I covered my TT tires with these and they work great. Helps to keep them clean while in storage.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-storm-proof-wheel-covers-up-to-24-inch-93715.html

I think where the difference of opinion is coming from is "use". Most people don't use their travel trailer as much as a vehicle. So, that is why vehicle tires don't "sun rot". It is because it is constantly being moved and the tires are in motion and not sitting and rotting from the sun. Even if you cover the tires and then don't use the tires for quite some time you'll still have problems with the tires. They can get warped from lack of movement.

It is true tires will deteriorate over time. However, it is also true that the acid found in most soil and direct exposure to the elements and suns UV will accelerate the deterioration. Just check a TT parked in the same spot over time the tires with the southwest exposure will dry out and crack 1st.

I keep reading about protecting tires. I think a lot of people have a mistaken impression that trailer tires are vulnerable to UV light and moisture. All tires are made with UV-resistant material in the rubber compounds. Do you cover the tires on your family car or TV? I doubt it. Covering TT tires isn't needed to protect them. In terms of moisture the same is true. Tires don't need special care. I do agree that parking them on pavers is far better than grass, but again, do you worry about this for your car?

One thing I don't see mentioned is tire life. Cooper tires and others recommend that tires be replaced after 10 years regardless of mileage. I keep reading about protecting tires. I think a lot of people have a mistaken impression that trailer tires are vulnerable to UV light and moisture. All tires are made with UV-resistant material in the rubber compounds. Do you cover the tires on your family car or TV? I doubt it. Covering TT tires isn't needed to protect them. In terms of moisture the same is true. Tires don't need special care. I do agree that parking them on pavers is far better than grass, but again, do you worry about this for your car? One thing I don't see mentioned is tire life. Cooper tires and others recommend that tires be replaced after 10 years regardless of mileage.

Many people think that tires need replacement only when they "wear out", but rubber deteriorates with age. Don't forget your spares! Many people drive with dangerously old spares. TT tires don't usually get the sort of mileage that TV or car tires do. That makes it much more likely that they can go past the 10 year mark without notice. To read more about tire service life, see this article for more information. By the way, other manufacturers suggest replacement after 6 years of service (meaning time after manufacture regardless of whether or not mounted on a vehicle). Please note that the life may be shorter based on actual service condition (inflation pressure and other factors).