Community Forums

dwbyrd · 07-30-2013, 07:43 AM

What is the purpose of tire covers? I'm new to owning a motorhome so I don't know. I know nothing about this kind of stuff. What other maintenance important factors should I consider?
Thanks in advance!

Bruce C · 07-30-2013, 07:52 AM

The purpose is to protect the tires from the suns UV rays and therefor prolonging the tire life expectancy.

Doug Sage · 07-30-2013, 07:53 AM

Reportedly the UV rays in sunlight will rot the rubber in the tires over time. Putting on covers will prevent this and allow the tires to last longer.

myredracer · 07-30-2013, 07:56 AM

To keep the damaging UV rays off them and help prolong the life of them. MH tires aren't cheap and you want them last as long as possible (notwithstanding their age and replacement interval). You also want to help avoiding a blowout while driving.

UV rays are bad on rubber tires....

akadeadeye · 07-30-2013, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwbyrd

What is the purpose of tire covers? I'm new to owning a motorhome so I don't know. I know nothing about this kind of stuff. What other maintenance important factors should I consider?
Thanks in advance!

For outside storage or extended exposure to the sun, tire covers protect against UV rays which can damage tires over time. Tires on RV's wear out by time and weather exposure long before they wear out by mileage. You should also have a non-porous barrier between the ground and your tire when storing unless you are on concrete. Something like plastic jack pads, etc. Some people use rubber mats but these are not recommended by tire manufacturers.

Don

dwbyrd · 07-30-2013, 08:01 AM

I have recently inherited the RV from my dad. It has been sitting for 2 years and hasn't moved. It's still in great shape, it's just that it hasn't moved. We are moving it tomorrow. The tires were brand new when he stored it (just parked in his driveway, on concrete) but they haven't been covered up. Any suggestions before we move it tomorrow? Anything we should know? Any projected problems because of sitting for so long?

**TonyDi** · 07-30-2013, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwbyrd

I have recently inherited the RV from my dad. It has been sitting for 2 years and hasn't moved. It's still in great shape, it's just that it hasn't moved. We are moving it tomorrow. The tires were brand new when he stored it (just parked in his driveway, on concrete) but they haven't been covered up. Any suggestions before we move it tomorrow? Anything we should know? Any projected problems because of sitting for so long?

If I were in your situation I would take the MH to a tire dealer and get them to inspect them. If the tires are only 2 years old, most likely, they are fine. Getting them checked is just a good precaution.
A secondary benefit of tire covers is they minimize the dirt that can get on your rims, making them easier to clean.

Arch Hoagland · 07-30-2013, 08:24 AM

I'd check the tire pressure for sure. You might get some thumping for a mile or so if they have flat spotted while sitting.

Another good use of the tire cover is to keep the tires and wheels clean after you have washed the rig.

Rain water running off the roof will splash dirt up on them.

CampDaven · 07-30-2013, 08:24 AM

This active thread is on topic for you.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/tire...ns-170456.html

Also, concrete is an enemy that draws the oils out of tires.

Rockwood27 · 07-30-2013, 09:22 AM

To answer the second part of your question---what other mainentance... you should list the MH's year, make, model, size, and chassis info so we can give you a better answer.

Also, if it hasn't been used in 2 years, you may want to have the batteries checked out. They may be dead or the water depleted.

Fran

Ray,IN · 07-30-2013, 09:40 AM

If I guessed right, your 34' Fleetwood Terra has a gas engine. I would make sure the batteries are fully-charged, pull the coil wire, and crank the engine until oil pressure begins to show on the gauge. This helps prevent ruining/damaging one or more bearings and piston rings from a "dry start". Then re-connect the coil wire and start the engine. (assuming you already checked oil level)
Inspect everything you use prior to starting it up for rodent damage or nests, they might cause it to fail or cause damage.

J79Eng · 07-30-2013, 09:47 AM

I stoer our MH next to the house on concreat but I place wood planks under each tire long enough to start it each month and rotate the tires a smidge foward then next month back a smidge i.e. that is a foot to a foot and a half. I have been known to leave the engine idle for 30 minutes along with the generator. That seems to keep everything working and a tank full of gas lasts the whole winter. Maybe this year I can break away from work and travel to Florida for the beginning of 2014...maybe.

csrrsr · 07-30-2013, 11:45 AM

We always keep the tires covered when stopped for any extended period of time. Sun is the culprit. You don't worry about car tires since mileage usually wears them out long before the sun gets to them.

CampDaven · 07-30-2013, 12:15 PM

I got mine from Sundancer Shades www.sundancershades.com
Queen Creek AZ, 800-547-7791

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They came to my site in Casa Grande, measured and made templates, came back in 4 days and installed them. A mom&pop shop that was very professional, and reasonable. The shades filter 90% of UV. Other makers may only use 70 or 80% UV screens, and then they ship them to you and you get the joy of hoping you can install them correctly.