A new set of RV tires can cost upwards of a couple of thousand dollars. But it’s not just the expense of replacing them that should make you want to protect them. Tire covers can protect your RV tires from UV damage, winter weather, chemicals, and other elements in the environment.
Today, RV tires are heavy-duty and can withstand the harshest road conditions. Most tires can last seven years or longer if owners properly maintain them. There are still many people who assume they don’t need covers for their tires. However, this isn’t necessarily true. If your RV is sitting outside for months at a time, tire rot will begin to set in. Plus, in specific regions, UV rays penetrate the tires, which causes them to expand. And, these are only a couple of reasons why tire covers are beneficial. They’ll protect tires and help extend their useful life. Still not sold? Let’s see what the best covers can do for your RV’s tires.
TIRE COVERS — PROTECTION FROM WEATHER EXTREMES
For RV owners, you know what the tires go through on the roads. Thousands upon thousands of miles, and the tires keep you moving along on those long road trips. Why not protect them the way they’re protecting you on the road? These are some benefits of tire covers, and how they’ll safeguard RV tires.
PROTECTION FROM UV DAMAGE
Dry rot will begin setting in when powerful UV rays are striking the RV’s tires. Weakening and cracking of the tires will minimize their usable life. This increases the likelihood of a blowout, which is extremely dangerous in such a large vehicle. Tire covers help prevent dry rot from setting in. As a rule of thumb, for anything longer than a couple of days, consider using covers for your tires. It might not seem like much time, but some regions of the country can easily exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In such temperatures, the pavement is even hotter, causing excessive damage to the tires. It’s better to be overly cautious than run the risk of prematurely wearing out the tires.
COLD WEATHER PROTECTION
Salt on the road, snow, mud, and wet conditions are things we associate with the winter season. Even if you’re not driving the RV in the winter, it’s essential to use covers to protect your tires. The tire covers will prevent frequent exposure to salt and other winter elements that are damaging to RV tires.
PREVENTING SIDEWALL CRACKING WITH TIRE COVERS
It’s not uncommon for an RV to remain on a lot for days, weeks, or months at a time. When owners aren’t on a road trip, the RV is usually sitting in an RV park or storage area. The longer it’s immobile, the more essential tire covers are to protect the RV’s tires. Prolonged exposure to the elements causes damage to the sidewalls. Dust, allergens, UV rays, wind, sediment, and debris are just a few things that’ll damage tires. Cracking of tires is dangerous because it can lead to a blowout. So, if the RV is sitting for several days at a time, cover the tires.
PROTECTION FROM CHEMICAL EXPOSURE AND SCRATCHES
Scratches aren’t just unsightly, they can also detract from the durability of tires. That’s especially true if they reach an area below the tire’s peripheral surface. An RV tire cover can protect tires from scratches. Twigs or pebbles can scratch those large tires if they hit them at the right angle. Why run the risk of damage if there’s a way to protect the tires?
More important than the aesthetic appearance, tire covers also protect the tires from chemical exposure. Rainwater often carries chemical elements that can lead to corrosion. Although it’s a slow process, over time, it will take a toll on the tires. Tire covers are a protective barrier, that’ll eliminate those dangers and protect the tires from chemical exposure.
A FEW OF THE BEST TIRE COVERS AVAILABLE
Knowing the importance of RV tire covers to protect the tires, it’s important to know which products are superior. They cost $20 to $200 or more in some cases. But, it’s not imperative to spend so much to find decent tire covers. Vinyl and canvas are the most common varieties RV owners invest in to protect their tires. And, they’re available in either two-set or four-set varieties. They are available on multiple websites. Amazon, Walmart, eBay, and others like Auto Zone or Tire Plus also carry them. Additionally, they’re available at local RV supply shops or tire stores in most regions.
What are the best brands available? These are a few of the best options from top manufacturers to consider purchasing today.
LEADER ACCESSORIES 4 PIECE RV TIRE/WHEEL COVERS
SALE
Leader Accessories Tire Covers
(4 Pack) Heavy Duty Waterproof Tire…
- Most Durable Material: Heavy Duty Waterproof Vinyl, bonded with soft, non-scratch backing. Non-fading and aging
- Set of 4 covers: Fits 40″ – 42″ tire diameters. Fit wheels for RV, Travel Trailer, Motorhome, Class A, Class C, 5th…
- Multi-Function: Keep the tires and wheels from sun damage ,rain while your vehicle is parked. And the tire cover is easy…
This set includes 4 tire covers for tires that are 40 inches to 42 inches in diameter. They feature a heavy-duty vinyl finish and protect tires from rain, snow, UV rays, debris, and other elements. Vinyl is one of the thickest materials available, so the covers are durable. They won’t blow off the tires no matter how windy the weather conditions get.
The soft, non-scratch backing ensures no scratch marks will permeate the tires’ exteriors. The cover also has an eyelet with a pull-cord. This design allows owners to tighten the covers around the tires for a secure fit. The slip-on design makes it easy to place the covers on the tires as well. And, it’s just as easy to remove them when the time comes to take the RV on the road.
The product includes four tire covers in the set. However, in this review, the customer indicates that only one cover came in their delivery.
These covers cost $85 to $100. The average rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
ADCO DESIGNER SERIES TYRE GARDS
SALE
ADCO 3961 Designer Series Tan
33″ -35″ Tyre Gard Wheel Cover
- ADCO Designer Series Tyre Gards – Protect your stored vehicle’s tires; Fits 33″ to 35″ Tires
- Heavy duty flannel backed vinyl repels liquid and saves tires from the sun’s damaging UV rays and other environmental…
- Helps prevent premature cracking of sidewalls that can lead to on-road blowouts
The Adco guards fit wheels from 20 inches up to 42 inches in diameter. The manufacturer utilizes heavy-duty flannel lining to protect the tires from scratches. And, the dense material repels liquids and protects tires from harmful UV rays and environmental hazards.
Premature cracking and blowouts aren’t a concern when these tire guards are protecting the RV. Consumers will receive a set of four tire covers with their order.
One reviewer indicates that they aren’t durable enough for hot desert sun/conditions. They didn’t last very long in scorching temperatures.
The price of these covers is $55 to $80, depending on tire size. The rating is 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
CAMCO VINYL WEATHERPROOF WHEEL COVER – PROTECTS TIRES FROM SUN, DIRT,…
SALE
Camco Vinyl Weatherproof Wheel Cover – Protects Tires From Sun, Dirt,…
- Fits tires from 30″-32″
- Protect the tires and wheels from sun, dirt, corrosion and all types of weather while your vehicle is parked
- Durable and compact
This 2-pack of tire covers can fit tires from 30 inches to 32 inches in diameter. They’re durable and compact and feature a buckle and strap design for easy placement and removal. The covers are also weatherproof, so they’ll protect from all elements.
The covers protect tires from sun and harmful UV rays, dirt, corrosion, and rain. They’re lightweight and easy to fold away for storage when not in use.
In one review, the customer indicates that the vinyl cover begins to crack in freezing conditions. This design flaw limits how well the product is capable of protecting the RV tires.
These covers cost $15 to $25 for a set of two. The average rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN QUALITY TIRE COVERS
Okay, so you’re aware of some of the damage the road, weather, and elements can do to RV tires. For those who are ready to invest in RV tire covers, it’s time to choose a set. Why’s it important to invest in quality tire covers? First, they last longer. The better the material finish and quality, the longer they will last.
Additionally, thicker covers are going to protect tires from weather extremes better. If they are too thin, harmful UV sunlight can still reach the peripheral surfaces. The damage won’t act as quickly as if the tires didn’t have covers at all, but it will affect the tires nonetheless.
CHOOSING BETWEEN BLACK OR WHITE
There’s also the question of choosing a black or a white tire cover. In most cases, it really won’t make a huge difference. However, in areas where temperatures become exceedingly hot, and pavement can exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the question becomes important. Black covers absorb heat, while white covers reflect it off the tires. For this reason, it’s more common to see white tire covers than it is to see black ones.
Regardless of color preference, or where RVs sit when they’re not on the road, tire covers are beneficial. They’ll help preserve tires and extend their lifespan. Additionally, they will protect them from the elements that are out of our control.
SALE
Leader Accessories Tire Covers (4 Pack) Heavy
ADCO 3961 Designer Series Tan 33″ -35″ Tyre
SALE
Camco Vinyl Weatherproof Wheel
STILL WONDERING IF YOU NEED TIRE COVERS?
The answer is yes! It might seem like a no-brainer for most RV owners. But, some people are still resistant to the fact that tire covers are beneficial. They help protect tires from harmful UV rays, salt on winter roads, and cracking. If for no other reason, they will help preserve the appearance and utility of those expensive tires. If you’re still on the fence about whether you should buy tire covers, go ahead and make the purchase. Even for those who believe tire covers are pointless, it’s worth your investment. If nothing more, it’ll save you the couple of thousand dollars you’d spend on a new set of RV tires.