Spare Tire cover

[rwbradley]

I have noticed lately that the replacement spare tire cover I bought seems to stay wet on the inside after a big rain. If I get heavy rain, it seems to get inside it from the back and pool at the bottom leaving the underside of the tire constantly wet. I know the jury is out on the overall effectiveness on Tire Covers, so I am considering just leaving the cover off as I am betting constant dampness is far worse for the rubber than occasional sun.
I am sure this will be just as controversial as WIFI in campgrounds but I am curious about opinions, keep the cover on, stop using it, try to find a better design???
Thanks

[Tin_Pusher]

My cover has a hemmed split at the at the edge. Guess where it gets placed? At the bottom 🙂

[Dakota98]

Never heard of water damaging a tire,

maybe put 2-3 plastic grommets in the bottom of the cover for drainage

[DutchmenSport]

I took my entire tire off my TT bumper and carry it in the back of my pick-up. Reason? 1st, I've NEVER had to use the spare. 2nd, my camper came with a mounted 1 1/2 inch hitch, so purchased a carrier for the back to carry extra hoses (sewer and water). No room for the tire mount now. 3rd, I lost my tire cover on my last trailer, blew off in the wind or stolen. Who knows? But never replaced it. If it caused undue stress on the spare tire, I never knew it, since it never was taken off the bumper in 8 years!

My opinion? Cover the tire. It looks nicer. But get a cover with the open bottom like you use on the tires on the ground, and tie up the two eyelets real snug.

[Sluggo54]

Clip it where the water pools and let it drain.

[Tango__AE7UI]

The tire covers don't seem to last too long in our Utah sun but,
they do keep the rays off the tire.
We have to replace it every 2- 3 years.