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Topic: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT (Read 1216 times) previous topic - next topic

TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

All this tire talk has me nervous. I fear I have done them wrong and they are going to leave me.
After shelling a bunch a few years back for new Michelin tires I'm uneasy that I have done them wrong and they won't last.
I have NOT covered them when the RV sits, and it sits way more than driven.
What is the verdict on covers? Good or bad, or just not needed (in the midwest)
Protectant, does the AeroSpace brand actually protect, or is it cosmetic only?

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #1 –
There is no question that two things speed the degradation of tires:

HEAT
UV LIGHT

So, the less heat and UV light they are exposed to the better.

One the committee members on the FMCA Technical Advisory Committee is a retired tire engineer and does many of the tire seminars at FMCA Conventions.  His STRONG recommendation is to cover tires when they will be parked for more than a couple of days and cover them.  White covers are best because they keep the tires not only out of UV light, but also keep them cooler than black covers.

I always keep my tires covered if parked for more than a couple of days.

Just wash with mild soap and use no tire dressing.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #2 –
Lon I got 7 years out of my last set of tires no covers. With the new set I got a set of white Camco covers that I use when we are parked for more than a couple of days. Don't know if it will make any difference or not, but with the cost of tires if it gets another year or so it's deal. As far as rubber treatments, I dont know of any tire company that officially recommends them, but to each his own.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #3 –
Not only should they be covered with white ones but while sitting they should be seperated from any concrete/gravel/asphalt by placing some wood/plastic whatever under the tires. If we had hydraulic jacks I would also take a lot of the weight off the sidewalls too.
JohnH

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #4 –
I think the white tire covers are a good idea. I got mine recently and wish I had done sooner (as it sits and gets uv damage without).  I got mine off eBay. I think the brand is Camco, and they fit just fine. 

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #5 –
Thanks for the advice.
I will begin a online search for some white tire covers.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #6 –
My first coach was owned by a gent that always used tire white tire covers. Due to a combination of my frugality, initial ignorance and then probably bad judgement the tires on the coach were 13 years old before I noticed the first signs of cracking and were replaced. I know I took a lot of chances but it worked out for me. I still keep my tires covered but probably won't risk riding on them that long again. Oh, and I have always run high tire pressure, 105 to 110 psi.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #7 –
Quote from: drcscruggs –
I think the white tire covers are a good idea. I got mine recently and wish I had done sooner (as it sits and gets uv damage without).  I got mine off eBay. I think the brand is Camco, and they fit just fine.

I  have not located the Camco covers in a 41"+ diameter.
Any other suggestions?
I found some on Ebay that were inexpensive (for 4), but were canvas NOT vinyl. Does that make a difference?
I would think that the canvas might let a bit of UV through but they would also allow some air circulation, and might keep the heat down.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #9 –
So far I have seen three different types of covers: bungee or shock cord that you have to reach around the tire and pull the plastic ball thru a loop, spring loaded hoop type covers that you just fit over the tire, and covers that snap onto the wheel well and hang down to cover the wheel. Oops, just saw the Camco covers with straps.
I know the type that has the cord around behind the tire has its drawback---you have to lay down and thread the cord behind the tire and thru the loop.
The type that has the sewn in spring wire I haven't found yet, but seems like the easiest o use.
The snap mounted type mandates holes (drilling in fiberglass) and snaps all over.
How the strap type (Camco) fastens I couldn't tell from the pics.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #10 –
We have Camco tire covers that have bottom corner grommets & bungees, but I got tired laying on ground and using awning pull stick to connect the corners.

So for many years, we have a long bungie that we drape over the top of each tire cover and hook together at about the horizontal center of the outside of the tire cover.  Holds tight, works great and fast on & off.

We submitted our improvement to Camco and they showed appreciation by sending us complete set of new tire covers, but they never adopted the idea.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #11 –
Thanks I have not been caring to lay on the ground either.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #12 –
I've found that my Camco tire covers fit tight enough without securing the latch that its not worth bothering with.  I've had them in use for over a year now and not had a single issue of them trying to come loose or trying to blow away. 

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #13 –
I've used my CAMCO covers for over 2 years and have not used any type of strap to secure them and haven't had any issues, so far.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #14 –
Quote
I've found that my Camco tire covers fit tight enough without securing the latch that its not worth bothering with.  I've had them in use for over a year now and not had a single issue of them trying to come loose or trying to blow away. 

Then you haven't been to Colorado yet. I've lost 2 tire covers and a hat to the Chinooks in the Denver foothills. The hat just flew off my head before I had a chance to grab it and disappeared into the sky. :(  Even after that I rarely bungee my covers unless I'm in CO. :)

see ya
ken

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #15 –
Ken,

While in CO you might want to look into a Tilley hat. They say they will replace for life, even if lost :-X

Larry

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #16 –
Quote from: ohsonew –
Ken,

While in CO you might want to look into a Tilley hat. They say they will replace for life, even if lost :-X

Larry
I have a Tilly hat mighty fine. I have never used the strap to secure my Camco covers and not had any problems, other than my wife thought one of the straps was a snake.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Karl Shurtleff –
Is this what you are looking for?

Amazon.com: Camco 45336 Vinyl Wheel & Tire Protector, 2 pack (40"-42"...

THANKS for that link. I found everything BUT the large 40+" covers, I think I was looking at trailer tire covers.
 I will order 4 now.
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #18 –
I use SnapRing tire covers.  Easy to put on, work well.

Snap Ring TireSavers


Roy

Re: TIRE COVERS /PROTECTANT

Reply #19 –
Thanks, Roy. Those are the type I meant.