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Old 02-10-2012, 06:19 PM   #1
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How important are tire covers?

I full-time spending June-Sept in Washington state, Oct and Nov driving south to Texas, where I stay 4 months, and then I meander my way back to WA. I put about 7,000 miles/year on my class C motorhome.

I see many RVs with the tires covered. Are tire covers worth the time and money? If so, any tips for buying and using them?
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Old 02-10-2012, 06:31 PM   #2
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I have my DP sitting half of the time at home... A couple of weeks a month on the road average... I have owned 4 MH's and never once covered a tire... If you think it's the right thing to do, then do it... The longer the MH sits the more important a tire cover would be... But I have read a RV tire should be replaced every 5 to 7 years no matter how it looks. Peace and Safe Travels... D
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Old 02-10-2012, 07:20 PM   #3
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I cover mine during winter storage.
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Old 02-10-2012, 08:02 PM   #4
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Several tires on the market today ( Goodyear for one ) makes a tire that is much more resilient to ultra violet rays. Keeping tires clean, air pressure maintained and protected with a good tire sealer helps as well. We live in Florida and we keep the tires covered when not in use. Good tire covers are available at Camping World at very reasonable prices, as well as at other RV suppliers. Check on line.

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Old 02-10-2012, 08:21 PM   #5
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someone correct me if im wrong.sunlight reflecting off of chrome wheel inserts can cause premature cracks in the sidewall of tires.
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Old 02-10-2012, 08:26 PM   #6
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covers are cheap insurance. A set costs less than $100... a single tire costs $500+++. Simple math.

UV resistant tires?? Ive heard it all now.
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Old 02-10-2012, 08:40 PM   #7
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Why worry about tire covers in Wa State? We only have a couple of weeks of Summer. LOL
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Old 02-10-2012, 08:50 PM   #8
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I've been RV'ing since '57, up until a couple months ago I've never covered my tires. I put them on for a couple months, took them off to have some work done and never put them back. My last set of tires we over 9 years old when I finally replaced them and they still didn't look too bad.
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Old 02-10-2012, 08:51 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WeatherTodd View Post
covers are cheap insurance. A set costs less than $100... a single tire costs $500+++. Simple math.

UV resistant tires?? Ive heard it all now.
Go read the GoodYear ads for the 670's, they were touting that, but Michelin RV tires have had extra polymers in them for years
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Old 02-10-2012, 08:57 PM   #10
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Even if you plan on replacing your tires every 5-7 years, I assume you would replace them if they looked seriously cracked. Tire covers may reduce cracking; they almost assuredly won't make it worse. As a previous post stated, they're cheap insurance.
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Old 02-10-2012, 08:57 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dixieray53 View Post
But I have read a RV tire should be replaced every 5 to 7 years no matter how it looks. Peace and Safe Travels... D
Then you've been reading the wrong info. Here's Michelin's official word on tire life.

Quote:
Service Life for RV/Motorhome Tires
The following recommendation applies to RV/Motorhome tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time.
For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible.
That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have RV/Motorhome tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for continued service. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition and inflation pressure, but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent tire failure.
It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone. However, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.
For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when specified (but not to exceed 10 years).
The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire that begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “0304” indicates a tire made in the 3rd week (Jan) of 2004.
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Old 02-10-2012, 09:12 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr_D View Post
Go read the GoodYear ads for the 670's, they were touting that, but Michelin RV tires have had extra polymers in them for years
Im sure tire marketers will pitch all kinds of claims to make a sale. The bottom line... tire people want to sell tires not extend useful life to end users.
I have done an experiement with 2 tires and 303 protectant. That product does live up to its claim of being uv resistant. If I didnt have covers I would most definitely coat them with 303.
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Old 02-10-2012, 09:23 PM   #13
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I have had excellent use out of my tires, Michelins 235/80 22.5. Ten years then replaced and still looked good inside and out; I expect they had more good years in them. I air them properly, weight them properly, clean them regularly, no shiny stuff and cover them anytime I am sitting still for more than a few days. It all contributes to extending your tire life. I spend four months in the desert sun and covering them shades them and so I use covers. Had them eight years throw them in the washing machine at the end of my winter sojourn and they come out looking new. I summer in Washington.
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Old 02-10-2012, 09:36 PM   #14
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I use covers on mine when at home. Never on the road.

I like the fact that once I wash the rig the covers keep the tires and wheels from getting dirty again with rain water splashing up on them.
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