Tire covers

Topic: Tire covers (Read 3733 times) previous topic - next topic

Tire covers

April 09, 2014, 07:01:46 pm

I treat my tires with the Wash N Wax all rubber cleaner and protectant. I was just curious if using a cover over the tire really makes a difference. My question is do you use tire covers and if so all the time or just under certain conditions. Thanks, David

Re: Tire covers

Reply #1 – April 09, 2014, 07:32:56 pm

First, be very careful what tire treatment/protectant you use. Any petroleum-based products look good, but shorten tire life.

To my knowledge, 303 Aerospace is the only protectant that can be used.

Now, to answer your question: UV light and heat are two of the prime degraders of tires. Covering them with a WHITE tire cover when stored outdoors WILL extend tire life by cutting out UV and reducing tire temperature.

I use tire covers anytime we will be parked more than a day or two.

And, a retired tire engineer on my FMCA Technical Advisory Committee strongly recommends light-colored tire covers as well.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #2 – April 09, 2014, 07:39:19 pm

Some genius should make "roll-up shades" that attach to the coach's wheelwells and can be just pulled down for use.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #3 – April 09, 2014, 07:45:05 pm

Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter – April 09, 2014, 07:39:19 pm

Some genius should make "roll-up shades" that attach to the coach's wheelwells and can be just pulled down for use.

Girard minis.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #4 – April 09, 2014, 08:25:50 pm

I had custom made snap on covers that matched the awnings on my old MCI. They just covered the entire wheel well on the outside. Easy to make & use. I would post a pic but I don't think I have one.

TOM

Re: Tire covers

Reply #5 – April 09, 2014, 08:58:29 pm

Pull down wheel covers..great idea Brad...you should do this. Think of all the money you'd make.

Jm

Re: Tire covers

Reply #6 – April 09, 2014, 09:26:53 pm

MCD had a version (in their black solar fabric, though) which slid into a track just inside the wheel well. I don't see it on their website anymore.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #7 – April 09, 2014, 11:31:19 pm

Magnashade makes a wheel cover that goes on real fast and and only covers the tire side wall.....no I don't have any just throwing this out there. You can check them out at Magnashade.com.
Roland

Re: Tire covers

Reply #8 – April 10, 2014, 01:36:42 am

I use Amazon.com: 128oz. Forever Black Tire Gel Dye: Automotive It's is a dye not a shine. It does a great job of putting the black back on the tire. It's supposed to help with UV protection too. I've heard good things about Wash N Wax all rubber cleaner and use several other of their products.

That said I do use tire covers. Mainly because Camping World had them on sale. Two for $35 and a one day special buy one get one free. Sounded too good to be true and it was they charged me $70 for them. I sent an email to service and they said sorry our mistake and refunded me the $35.

The less exposure to ultra-violet the better for tires.

see ya
ken

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Re: Tire covers

Reply #9 – April 10, 2014, 05:33:46 am

I use the them when we are parked for more than a couple of days figure it can't hurt, and if gets you a another year on the tires it's a deal. Mine are Camco white fit nicely, I don't use the strap on them as they fit snug.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #10 – April 10, 2014, 07:50:48 am

Curious, Brett, about the color of the tire covers and tire heat. I understand that dark colors can increase the heat around the tire but I always was taught that the heat buildup within the tire as it is rolling down the highway is the culprit in shortening tire life. It's how it acts on the tire cords and their relationship to the rubber compound they're covered with that helps cause failure. While I'm sure heat with the tire just sitting can make a difference, I believe it's the heat caused by rolling resistance, ie, inflation, where the trouble is.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #11 – April 10, 2014, 07:58:48 am

OK so if I'm shopping today on Amazon, they have a set of 2 (with hundreds of 5 star reviews) what size would I order? Their choices are a bit overwhelming, from 24"-26" to 40"-42". Can't beleive they are such a good price but seem to have a lot of rave reviews. I think they're Camco.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #12 – April 10, 2014, 10:20:20 am

Tire covers are sized by outside diameter of the tire, not wheel size. I've had two different Michelin engineers tell me cover color makes no difference in the life of tires-just cover them if they're stationary for more than a month.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #13 – April 10, 2014, 11:29:06 am

We got ours at Camping World, and the box is long gone. As I recall, they had different sizes. From Camping World's website, "To determine correct size, measure tire diameter from tread edge to tread edge, across center of wheel cover." I'm thinking that the 36-39" size is what we got. They have an Internet sale going on now, $33 for a pair. You will need two pair to cover all four wheel positions, so $66 plus tax and shipping should do it.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #14 – April 10, 2014, 01:33:05 pm

I've always bought the 40-42" inch size from Camping World for my coach. I have an RV garage but use them when I'm parked at an RV park (or boondocking) for more than a couple days.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #15 – April 10, 2014, 01:46:29 pm

Tire covers made of sun screen material that blocks UV? I suppose they would work well....any opinions on that type? Does anyone know of an alternative to attaching the sun screen type other than snaps installed on the coach? Has anyone had problems with the snap installation...on wheel covers or bra?
I have researched this only a little and came away with:
The ones I really like are the MCD tire covers but they are no longer making them.
I am afraid of snaps coming loose and/or damaging the fiberglass.
The ones at Camping world for a buss size tire come in sets of 4 so would have to buy spares (have tag) which increases cost (~$180 to $200 +) and limited choice.
So all I have at this time are questions. When I spoke to Michelin regarding inflation tables, the woman I was speaking with said they recommended covering the tires.
I would appreciate hearing others experience with different types.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #16 – April 10, 2014, 02:36:43 pm

We did eliminate the hassle of connecting the bottom bungees on our tire covers, by making a long bungee that quickly and easily fits over the tire at midpoint.

We presented our 'idea' to ADCO years ago, who thanked us with a full set of new covers, but we see they never adapted the longer bungee, not even as an option.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #17 – April 10, 2014, 02:37:15 pm

I just went out and measured a tire. It has a diameter of 39" which explains why the 36-39" covers I have are just a bit tight.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #18 – April 10, 2014, 05:17:02 pm

Quote from: lgshoup – April 10, 2014, 07:50:48 am

Curious, Brett, about the color of the tire covers and tire heat. I understand that dark colors can increase the heat around the tire but I always was taught that the heat buildup within the tire as it is rolling down the highway is the culprit in shortening tire life. It's how it acts on the tire cords and their relationship to the rubber compound they're covered with that helps cause failure. While I'm sure heat with the tire just sitting can make a difference, I believe it's the heat caused by rolling resistance, ie, inflation, where the trouble is.

Yes, heat, whether while driving or while parked does contribute to tire degradation. While temperature while driving can be higher, it is for a VERY short time in terms of tire life. Live in the Pacific NW, sun/sun covers are not nearly as important as if you live in Phoenix.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #19 – April 10, 2014, 09:38:49 pm

Quote from: Miz Dani – April 10, 2014, 07:58:48 am

OK so if I'm shopping today on Amazon, they have a set of 2 (with hundreds of 5 star reviews) what size would I order? Their choices are a bit overwhelming, from 24"-26" to 40"-42". Can't beleive they are such a good price but seem to have a lot of rave reviews. I think they're Camco.

Measure the distance across the tire at the center, or said another way how tall they are. I think you will find the 40-42 is what you will need.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #20 – April 10, 2014, 09:51:13 pm

One idea, if you really don't know what size to get, is to go to a Camping World or similar store and look at the boxes. Ours had a chart on them that helped pick the right one.

Another idea is just to order what you think is the right size and when it comes look at the box. If you guessed wrong you can send them back and get the right size.

Re: Tire covers

Reply #21 – April 11, 2014, 09:35:29 am

Thanks to all for the valuable feedback...am still pondering, the 40-42" or even the largest ones (42-45") as I think it might be easier for me (a not-so-strong chick) to get them on. Really don't want to deal with returning items.

Keep them cards & letters comin' in!

Re: Tire covers

Reply #22 – April 11, 2014, 11:25:58 am

I use my awning rod, put it thru the loop on the end of the bungee cord, push the rod around behind the tire (or between the duals) grab the rod, pull it until I can unhook the bungee loop, thread the bungee loop thru the eye on the tire cover, rethread the bungee loop onto the rod, push the rod back around behind the tire, unhook the rod, then place the loop over the ball end of the bungee cord. DONE

Re: Tire covers

Reply #23 – April 11, 2014, 11:29:26 am

Here is the ADCO chart:
Tyre Gards are available in the following tire diameters:

Size 1: 33"-35"
Size 2: 30"-32"
Size 3: 27"-29"
Size 4: 24"-26"
Size 5: 18"-22"
Size XL: 36"-39" (Diesel Chassis)
Size Bus: 40"-42" (Bus 22-1/2" Wheels)
Size OS: 43"-45" (Oversized Bus Tires)

I bought the 40-42" size and they fit well.

Bob

Re: Tire covers

Reply #24 – April 11, 2014, 11:31:03 am

Three years ago I saw a set of tire covers being put on a coach at Potter's Creek in TX. The covers had a spring steel rod sewn into the fabric. Only about 3/4 of a circle. All it took was for the rod to be flexed open far enough to fit over toe tire. It then became self-retaining on the tire. Neat!!

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