There are many ways you can protect your RV tires, including using RV tire covers. However, does your RV really need them? Do they make any difference? Today we want to help you decide if you need to add RV tire covers to your shopping list. Let’s get started!
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What Are RV Tire Covers?
RV tire covers slip over the tires to protect them and extend their life. They protect tires from sun and water damage and prevent premature cracking on the sidewalls.
These covers have varying materials but often use elastic or a buckle to secure them snugly to the tire. Make sure to measure your tires and note the covers’ dimensions to ensure a proper fit.
What are the Benefits of Tire Covers?
There are a few benefits that we think make RV tire covers a worthy investment. Let’s take a look at why you might consider using them.
Protect from Sun Damage
Depending on where your RV will sit, harsh UV light from the sun can cause the materials in the tire to break down. Extended exposure to the intense sun can cause premature wear and tear.
By using RV tire covers, you block the damaging rays. You want to do everything you can to ensure your tires are in the best shape possible to avoid blowouts and keep others and yourself safe on the road.
Protect from Water Damage
RVers often forget about water causing damage to their tires. Extended exposure to water can cause wheels and other vital components to rust. The valve stems on your wheels could develop a leak over time due to corrosion. Keeping your tires covered will minimize the amount of moisture affecting components and extend their life.
Keep in Mind: Water damage doesn’t just impact your tires. Anywhere that it occurs can have a big impact on your RV and budget. Read more to discover The Biggest Downfall to RVs: Water Damage.
Prevent Premature Cracking
When tires dry out due to exposure to the sun and age, they develop small surface cracks. Continual exposure to the sun and other extreme weather conditions will accelerate the growth of this damage.
You don’t want cracks in your tires when you tow your RV down the road at 65 miles per hour. Tire failure can cause a scary and dangerous situation.
Are There Downsides to Using Tire Covers?
Consider both the positive and negative when it comes to making a purchase. Let’s look at a few of the downsides of using RV tire covers.
Difficult to Store
As with any RVing accessory, you’ll need a place to store them when not in use. While tire covers are relatively compact, it’s still another thing you’ll need to worry about fitting someplace.
Depending on the size and type of RV you have, you often have limited storage space. You may have difficulty finding a convenient place to store and easily access them.
“Source: camco.com”
Potential for Mold Growth
While RV tire covers help keep moisture off of your tires and wheels, mold can grow quickly and, if left unattended, can ruin your tire covers. This can cause frustration, especially if you purchased a more expensive set.
Preventing mold can cause difficulty as they sit outside when doing their job, and weather conditions can change quickly and frequently.
There’s a good chance that at some point, you’ll be packing up your campsite in the rain. If this does occur, you’ll need to make sure to dry off your tire covers as much as possible before storing them away for travel. Once you arrive at your destination, make sure to set them out to dry to avoid any issues.
They Can Be Expensive
Very few RVing accessories are cheap, tire covers included. The cost varies depending on the quality of materials and the size of the tires on your RV. Prices range from $20 to $100 for a set of four covers. Don’t forget that if you have a large tri-axle RV, you’ll likely need to order multiple sets to have enough for all your tires.
Can You Protect Your RV Tires Without Covers?
Yes, a quick trip to your local automotive shop or big-box retailer will reveal an abundance of products to help keep your tires in top shape. Regularly cleaning your tires can help keep gunk and grime off of them.
Many RVers will also put pieces of wood under their tires when storing their RV, especially on grass surfaces. This preventative measure keeps moisture and the changing temperatures from causing many issues.
Check your tire pressure regularly. Having tires sit in the same position for months at a time can weaken tires or develop “flat spots”. If you then tow your RV at higher speeds with low pressure, tires will quickly heat up, and this can lead to tire failure while in motion.
Did You Know: Tire covers are just one type of cover to protect a part of your RV. You can also get a cover for your air conditioning unit, generator, windshield and more. These are the 5 Best RV Windshield Covers to Protect You and Your RV From the Sun.
“Source: www.adcoprod.com”
Do You Have to Use RV Tire Covers?
No, you don’t have to use tire covers, but they do extend the life of your tires. Whether or not you need tire covers depends on your situation. If you have indoor storage for your RV, you won’t have much need for them. If your tires are hidden more from the sun under an RV slide-out, you also probably can skip the covers.
However, if you store your RV outdoors or use it in extreme sun climates, they’re worth the investment. You want to keep your tires in optimal condition so they last a long time and keep you safe on the road.
Safe Tires for a Safe Trip
No matter what type of RV you have or how often you use it, you want your tires to do their job and keep you safe on the road. RV tire covers keep your tires in the best condition for as long as possible. They may be an investment and require a plan for storing them when not in use, but we think most RVers would benefit from them.
Do you use tire covers on your RV? Drop a comment below!
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