Tire covers worth it?

[Firebug5]

Here are a few recommendations from the Michelin RV Tires Brochure:

Keep the tires clean.
Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, cold, or moisture.
Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Cover the tires when the vehicle is not in use.

I prefer the white covers over the black ones because it just makes sense the white ones will reflect more heat, not really sure if it makes a big difference. I also use the 303 Protectant towards the UV rays. I DO know that in Colorado the Black Widows like hanging out inside the covers, regardless of the color. . .

Bruce

[tanstaafl]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

However, That said... I'm not convinced they are that good at stopping UV....

I'm curious - how could tire covers not stop UV?

[JFXG]

According to Tireman9 (a knowledgeable source), heat is also a significant factor in combination with UV that wreaks havoc on parked tires. He recommends white covers for that reason.

I suppose, as with so many other RV questions, it depends on circumstances. I have black covers which I apply when we're long-term parked. But in fact when we've been long term (volunteering or work camping) we have almost always been well shaded with no direct sun on the tires. The only exception has been this past summer in Montana.

[okgc]

Originally Posted by mel s

QUOTE=GScherrer;2283701]Wondered what everyone thought about the value of tire covers. Heard from somewhere that new tire sidewalls weren't as affected by the sun as old ones.

GScherrer
IMO and experience "quality tires" need no covers. (but Michelins do).

I "retired" one set of 6 9R 22.5 Goodyear G159 tires at 8 years old and another at 7 years.
Those Goodyears had never been covered, and where in perfect condition.

My current set of Michelin XZEs are only 3 years old and the sidewalls are cracking!......like this:





GO FIGURE!

Needless to say I am more than disappointed with Michelins... (the "best tires in the world"??)

Mel
'96 Safari[/QUOTE]

If those tires are three years old I think you should be showing them to your Michelin dealer. They have a five year warranty.

[Tom-NC]

In one word "Yes"

[CampDaven]

On the sunny side if your rig at the hot time of day, put just one cover on. Wait a while. Measure temps of the outside of the one cover and the sidewalls of both tires with an IR temp gun, and compare that with the ambient air temp.
Here in AZ, I got cover/tire temps of 87/137 at 72F ambient at noon.
Heat is the biggest tire killer, as in sun, or under inflated, or over loaded.
I give my tires every advantage possible.
I do not buy the dodge of too much time and/or money. Got 5 minutes?

[GG1]

I hope they are worth it just bought 4 black to cover new Hancooks. With Camping Worlds special and extra coupons got 4 for $20. Couldn't say no

[mel s]

Originally Posted by okgc

If those tires are three years old I think you should be showing them to your Michelin dealer. They have a five year warranty.

okgc
1.) Two Michelin tire dealers, (so far), say that is "normal for Michelins"... and not to worry about it.
It is imposable for me "not to worry" about the thousands of sidewall cracks in the tires on my coach!

2.) Michelin Customer Care does not care, (4 phone calls and 2 emails have resolved nothing).
Apparently Michelin is hoping my tires will "age out" of warranty , (or "age out" to the point I am forced to replace them, before they have to DO anything!

BTW, under "WHAT IS NOT COVERED" in the Michelin warranty "Ozone or weather cracking" is specifically listed.
See page 4 of this pdf:
http://www.michelintruck.com/assets/...e_Warranty.pdf

Mel
'96 Safari

[golfpgb]

I always cover mine. Tires are not cheap and I want to make them last as long as possible.

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by GScherrer

Wondered what everyone thought about the value of tire covers. Heard from somewhere that new tire sidewalls weren't as affected by the sun as old ones.

I assume that tire technology has progressed, but how far is not known. I advise covering your tires, and hope your thread can come back on topic. Tire maker bashing is not on topic, IMHO.

[cimplexsound]

I do use tires covers. Yes they work. Not had any problems with dry wrought. Only problem is they keep coming off in the wind.


1979 Dodge Tioga Class C 24 foot. 1987 Fleetwood Bounder 34 Foot.

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by cimplexsound

I do use tires covers. Yes they work. Not had any problems with dry wrought. Only problem is they keep coming off in the wind.


1979 Dodge Tioga Class C 24 foot. 1987 Fleetwood Bounder 34 Foot.

Don't ask how I know: bungee cords. 😉👍👏✌️

[cimplexsound]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Don't ask how I know: bungee cords. 😉👍👏✌️

Make sense but these have wire backings that are much stronger than cords and the wind still tries to haul them away.


1979 Dodge Tioga Class C 24 foot. 1987 Fleetwood Bounder 34 Foot.

[Rockbit]

I cover mine when we stop anywhere for even a few days. Tire covers are cheap insurance.