Community Forums

**CountryFit** · 10-01-2018, 07:21 PM

There is another thread on cracked tire walls (but not inside and inner dually)

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/sidew...es-389695.html

I cover my tires almost all the time - upon arrival in an RV park, covering tires is a routine right after the slide out. On the road, I don't cover them in rest areas, not in Walmart lots, and not in a casino where free parking is allowed for 3 days - just don't want to make it look like I am camping there

.

Two of my six Bridgestone tires are 5 years old now, no cracks, soft and smooth like new. I haven't tried 303 yet. I believe covering tires is essential to keep them healthy.

I like VanDiemen23's idea about the election sign material

. My current vinyl covers are partially torn and become yellowish, about to the end of life after 6 years. I'll get two sheets of corrugated pvc board and tuck away

.

Dutch Star Don · 10-01-2018, 08:32 PM

I don't cover mine on trips, but part of my process when we get home is to cover the tires, air down the coach, plug into power, cover the chrome power mirrors and slide a length of pipe insulation under/over each wiper blade. All this takes about 15 minutes.

Keep in mind, the covers not only protect the tires, but they also keep the rims looking nice, even if they're coated.

**NLOVNIT** · 10-01-2018, 09:21 PM

The MagneShade covers are open in the center - like a donut - to show off the shiny Alcoa's.

Lori-

PanJH · 10-02-2018, 05:15 AM

I have them but don't bother, we use the coach all year long and are rarely in a spot for more than a few days. Just not worth the bother of putting them on for short term stops. When we do get home for a few weeks or more, I have covered storage so they are out of the sun then.

deandec · 10-02-2018, 05:43 PM

16 years parked primarily in the California sunshine with temps to 115 degrees in July and August.

No covers used. No cracked sidewalls on our Toyo or Bridgestone tires.

I aim to change out the tires at the 8 yr mark, but did the first set at 5 years due to an over-abundance of caution.

We move the rig frequently and use Formula 303 on the sidewalls.

I certainly wish my 23 year old paint job faired as well in the sunshine....

Cat320 · 10-03-2018, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj

Our 7+ year old Michelins have been covered during every "extended stay" and the sidewalls I can see are free of any cracks. I can't prove that covering them helps, but I sure don't feel it hurts.

FWIW, I just ordered a set of tire covers from Magnashade. I saw them on a neighbor's coach last month and thought they were an aesthetic improvement over the kind I usually have purchased. Furthermore, there's a decent chance they will last longer than the couple of years I have usually experienced before the plastic in the traditional covers gets brittle and cracks. They are a bit more expensive, but if they last longer it will be worth it.

Same here re using them for extended stays....baking in the sun is certainly not good for tires.

I've had a set of the new Magna Shade tire covers for several years. They work fine and look great. The only problem with them is they are hard to put on once the coach has been leveled and lowered. It is difficult to fit a hand between the frame and the tire. Also, they fit well since they are made for the size tire upon which they are being used.

Hikerdogs · 10-03-2018, 02:30 PM

I would say it all depends on where you live, where you store the motorhome, and how many miles you put on it on an annual basis.

We do not now and never have used tire covers. We live in Wisconsin where the high temperatures rarely reach the high 90's and the low temperatures rarely go to -20. We average about 10,000 miles a year which helps bring the emollients to the surface, and we store it indoors away from any ozone sources. We've never had a sidewall crack regardless of the brand. They all seem to wear out long before they crack.

SarahW · 10-04-2018, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hikerdogs

I would say it all depends on where you live, where you store the motorhome, and how many miles you put on it on an annual basis.

^^ This. We have covered storage and have never covered the tires. No sidewall cracking; tires look great at nearly 7 years old.

grindstone01 · 10-04-2018, 10:39 PM

We cover our fifth wheel tires mostly just for appearance. The black tire covers look much better than looking at tires and rims.

lwmcguire · 10-06-2018, 11:31 AM

Not a lot of products out there that are worth what they cost, however Aerospace 303 is one you can use all around your MH and is worth using

Buy it by the gallon and save $

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Clean the sidewall, spray with 303 and cover with the Magneshade covers.
303 is a UV protectant.

Teamfoxy · 10-09-2018, 07:47 AM

I can tell you that when we bought our coach, the tires were 13 years old and all were cracked, even the spare and inside tires. All were about equal in appearance. We factored the cost of new tires into our offering price and the first stop we made on the way home from picking it up was the tire store.
We have had uncovered boat trailer tires for years and I replace them every four years, just like we did on our RV trailer. On the motor home, I would go to 6 because it spends more time moving and less time sitting.