Tire Covers

fla-gypsy wrote:
according to the NHTSA the two biggest causes of tire degradation are Ozone and under inflation.

Going 'pop' is catastrophic degradation so I can't disagree. l believe any discussion involving UV is actually talking about passive aging. This is all I will be saying on this.

According to our resident tire engineer tireman9 blog on the subject rvtiresafety.com blog white covers is recommended. http://www.rvtiresafety.com/2012/06/are-black-tire-covers-bad-part-2.html

wmoses wrote:
That may be so but next to ozone is what? I doubt anyone will 'hermetically seal' their tires to prevent the effects of ozone. That is why the worst 'practical' threat - the way I see it - is UV rays. ;)

according to the NHTSA the two biggest causes of tire degradation are Ozone and under inflation.

allimax wrote:
It's a good idea to cover your tires because the sidewalls tend to dry out before the treadwear is an issue. You'll probably get more out of your tires if you cover them when possible. I usually keep mine covered between trips, not necessarily while camping.

Agreed. I do the same.

I bought a set off E-Bay. I ordered them according to my tire size. I do my best to keep them on anytime my TT is sitting for more than 2 days.

kccamping wrote:
We are new to TT and just bought our first one this past august, we are wondering if tire covers is a "must"? or is this just a personal preference thing?

It's a good idea to cover your tires because the sidewalls tend to dry out before the treadwear is an issue. You'll probably get more out of your tires if you cover them when possible. I usually keep mine covered between trips, not necessarily while camping.

That may be so but next to ozone is what? I doubt anyone will 'hermetically seal' their tires to prevent the effects of ozone. That is why the worst 'practical' threat - the way I see it - is UV rays. ;)

According to the NHTSA the greatest affect on tire degradation is ozone not UV. I cover mine and I think it helps, it certainly can't hurt and the color makes no difference. Ambient temperature on tires not in use has not been identified as an issue of any consequence.

nana2callie wrote:
Where is the best place to buy tire covers and is there a certain kind or type that is best? Thanks,

Depending on how often you go camping and where you store the RV you would make your own decision as to what cover solution to adopt and where to buy the covers.

I try to go out every month and my RV is stored at a storage lot 5 miles away. l like opaque covers that will protect the tires from UV rays and that are easy to store, and are built with a heavy enough grade of material so that they would last as long as possible.

l got these Adco covers from Camping World and am very happy with them. They are heavier weight flocked vinyl that is completely opaque to light. You maybe able to get them cheaper elsewhere online. My RV is stored in the shade so direct sunlight reflection is not an issue.

In addition to actual covers you can use a spray on protectant but not instead of the covers. UV rays are the biggest contributor to lowering RV tire useable life.

Hope this answers your question.

Before the new barn came, the best tire cover there is...

I did 303 the tires and I used "white" covers and I 303'ed the cover too.

I say "white" as the dark colors absorb the heat and help cook the tire more than not having a cover on it.

Which color do you think will reflect more heat? White or black?

And yes, covering the tires does help over the long haul. ST trailer tires need all the help they can get.