Tire covers protect tires from damage from UV rays. I used to do a lot of consulting work on operating rooms and clean rooms and each time you entered you were issued a new ty-vect like disposable monkey suit. Have saved several just in case if have to crawl under anything or do roadside emergency. They are very tough, cheap , and durable. Would seem to me to be an ideal material for tire covers, could be a great cottage industry if not already available.
Sounds like the right type of material. Get yerself a commercial sewing machine, and go into production! Many potential buyers here!
Tyvek® for Cargo Covers | Tyvek® | DuPont USA (http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/fabrics-fibers-nonwovens/covers/articles/air-cargo-covers-tyvek.html)
Tyvek® Cargo Covers | Tyvek® | DuPont USA (http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/fabrics-fibers-nonwovens/covers/products/air-cargo-covers.view-all.hlm-articles-article.html)
I'm wondering if those cargo covers are meant to be a disposable or limited usage product. I'm not sure they would last for long term use because, at least with typical Tyvek housing products, they aren't very UV resistant. I think they can only handle sun exposure for about 6 months or so, then they start to break down. I believe 3M has a more UV resistant version as well but not sure how much better that is. If the UV resistance can be extended, then it could definitely be a low cost, durable option for a tire cover. Or maybe, if they are cheap enough, you just replace them as needed.
From a seamstress point of view it takes the same amount of time/labor (possibly more time with thinner material) to complete any project whether it is a blouse, quilt, or tire covers. We went with a thick vinyl (not like the cheep thin tablecloth material tire covers that is available from various RV outlets) that has held up well for 5 years so far and still going strong. Not saying that this 3M Tyvek isn't a good product but there are better materials on the market for this application at a price point that is very appealing.
After a brief discussion with DH the downfall of the thicker material will be storage space needed compared to the Tyvek. Our 4 folded up tire covers along with the matching mirror covers take up an area that is about 12" square and 16" tall.
Pamela
UV resistant & "breathability" would be a good deal. I don't use the covers, even down here in the deep desert. What I do, often, is add a coating of this fine product, worked great on all my coaches. I wish I'd had my camera when I inspected a coach that had the heavy covers on, the tires had dried up and were shot! If you use the covers, don't use this method! ^.^d