Image courtesy of Hanson Lu @ Unsplash.com
RV Tire Covers - Essential or Overkill?
Tire covers, windshield sun-visors, propane tank covers... These are just a handful of accessories that every RV owner knows they need to keep their rig and their gear mission-ready at all times.
But we often get rig drivers asking us if RV tire covers are necessary, whether they're worth the cost, and what's the worst that will happen if they forgo buying a set.
Well, my rugged friend, we've put together the following guide to help illustrate exactly why covers are a necessity, not an option...
And that brings us to our main topic of discussion...
Do You Really Need RV Tire Covers?
No, you don't NEED RV tire covers. After all, good-quality tire covers can be expensive, and if you're OK with a shorter tire lifespan and an inferior-looking RV setup... Then, there's nothing wrong with skimping out and foregoing a good set of tire covers.
But if you want to:
-
Make your tires last as long as possible
-
Avoid flat tires and blowouts
-
Keep your family safe on road trips
-
Have a stylish, tight, dialed in RV setup when parked...
Then, yes! Absolutely! You DO really need RV tire covers!
And below, we're taking a deep dive into everything you could ever want to know about the importance of RV tire covers!
Image courtesy of Kenny Eliason @ Unsplash.com
What Happens If You Don’t Use RV Tire Covers?
My old man once said: "Son, not covering your RV tires is a lot like leaving a tray full of hamburger meat out in the sun all day before throwing them on the grill. Sure, they'll still be hamburgers... But they'll be sun-dried, cracked, and absolutely not worth eating."
OK, so he never actually said that to me. It's still an extremely good analogy to illustrate the importance of using RV tire covers.
Sun and UV damage are by far the biggest concern about not covering your tires. But there are other problems that go hand-in-hand with exposed tires too, such as:
-
Dry rot from freezing and cracking
-
Tire rubber hardening and becoming brittle
-
Reduced traction and grip on the asphalt
-
Higher risk of blowouts on the road
-
Shorter overall tire lifespan
Plus, when you stack all that up, not covering your tires simply increases the risk of danger on your next road trip.
And the worst part?
It's so easy to cover your tires, to protect them from the elements, and to reduce the risk of roadside danger.
What Are RV Tire Covers And How Do They Work?
RV tire covers are protective covers designed to shield your tires and rims from the elements. They come in a wide range of different materials or builds (which we'll explore more below).
But their primary function is to protect your RV tires from UV exposure, snow, ice, rain, dust, dirt, and any other type of debris the world might throw at them.
Image courtesy of Vladimir Haltakov @ Unsplash.com
7 Benefits of Using RV Tire Covers
You wouldn't march into battle without putting body armor on first, would you?
Well, slapping a set of RV tire covers on your rig is a lot like strapping armor onto your rig before parking it in enemy territory.
Let's take a look at 7 extra benefits of using tire covers on your recreational vehicle. RV tire covers can:
-
Extend tire lifespan
-
Prevent dry rot
-
Deflect UV radiation
-
Maintain tire flexibility
-
Reduce tire pressure fluctuations
-
Prevent surface wear on your rims and tires
-
Reduce the risk of blowouts on your first drive after long-term storage
What Materials Are RV Tire Covers Made From?
Like most things, you'll find RV tire covers made from a wide range of different materials. Some of the best options available are vinyl or multi-layer constructions.
Let's take a look at each side by side:
-
Heavy-duty vinyl covers - Vinyl tire covers are waterproof and will protect your tires from the elements. But vinyl is not the most durable material. Vinyl tire covers are typically made quite thin, leaving them prone to cracking quickly. They also tend to become brittle after repeated exposure to hot or cold temperatures.
-
Multi-layer tire covers - Built with softer cotton interiors and a rugged vinyl exterior, you'll get the best of both worlds when you choose a cover with a multi-layer construction. The soft interior protects your rims and tires from scuffs and scratches. And the exterior layer will be designed with waterproof or UV-resistant vinyl composites that ensure a durable build, no matter what type of weather you throw at them.
Aside from that, you might also find RV tire covers made from cotton, canvas, polyester, or other non-woven fabrics.
But as my old man used to say: "You don't want to use a crescent wrench to turn a screw."
These materials are OK for short-term usage. But they're just not the right tool for the job if you're looking for a long-term, durable solution to keep your RV tires in top shape.
They're generally not waterproof, long-lasting, and may break down quickly when exposed to direct sunlight.
Image courtesy of Harold Wainwright @ Unsplash.com
Are There Different Types of RV Tire Covers?
Yes, there are several different types of RV tire covers that you might need to choose from.
Aside from different materials, RV tire covers might also be designed specifically for single, dual, or tandem wheel sets.
-
Single - These are probably the most common designs you'll see, where they're designed to cover just a single tire.
-
Dual - Some rigs have two tires on the same axle for added traction. Most covers are designed for a single tire, but some might be made specifically for dual tires.
-
Tandem - Refers to RVs or camper trailers where there are two axles, one in front of the other. Some RV tire covers may be designed to cover tandem tire sets with a single cover.
Wondering which type of tire covers are best for your road wagon?
Check out our comprehensive guide on Choosing the Right RV Tire Covers.
How Do Tire Covers Protect Your Tires?
Smart men know the importance of NEVER leaving their campsite unguarded.
Thieves, bears, racoons... These are just some of the pests that can wander in and pillage your supply of steak, beer, and bacon for the morning.
Well, RV tire covers are a lot like setting up a line of defense and guarding your campsite's perimeter before nightfall creeps in.
They keep sunlight, moisture, rust, dust, and other pesky detriments away from your wheels, preventing dry rot and sidewall degradation from setting in.
When Should You Use RV Tire Covers?
If you're only stopped in a Walmart parking lot for the night, there's no real need to pull your covers out and put them on.
But there are many situations when RV tire covers are a MUST, such as:
-
Parked in the elements - Particularly if you're in a location with extreme temperatures. Whether it's direct sunlight or extreme cold, tire covers keep your tires and rims protected from the elements.
-
Off-season or winter storage - Any time you're parking your rig for extended periods of time, it's best to cover your tires and rims to keep them looking their best.
-
Full-time RVers parked long-term - Setting up to spend the winter in Florida? Cover your tires and not only will they be protected from the sun. But your RV setup will also look tighter, and more dialed.
-
Hot, sun-heavy states (Arizona, Florida, etc) - Sun exposure and UV damage really are the number one killers of good tires. If you're parking anywhere with extreme heat or a lot of direct sun, RV tire covers are a must!
-
When traveling with a mounted spare - If your rolling fortress has a mounted spare on the back, it should also be covered to keep protected from direct sun, heat, or cold temperatures.
Are RV Tire Covers Worth It?
YES! RV tires covers are absolutely worth the price.
Think about it this way: You'll spend anywhere between $40 to $100 to buy yourself a sturdy set of tire covers. But replacing a full set of RV tires can cost you anywhere from $800 to $1,200 or more depending on the make and model of your rig.
Now, RV tires last anywhere between 5 to 7 years depending on how well you take care of them. But with the added protection from a set of high-quality tire covers, your tires will last as long as possible, and maybe even longer than 7 years.
So when it all boils down, paying for tire covers is really an investment that decreases the overall cost of tire replacement over the lifetime of your recreational vehicle. Check out the graph below to see just what we mean!
We compare the overall cost difference between protected tires and unprotected tires over a 7 year period!
Price Differences Between Unprotected Tires Vs Protected Tires
Unprotected RV tires can costs up to $3,600 over 7 years, while covered RV tires can costs as little as $1,200 over the same period.
The Smart Next Step: How to Choose the Right RV Tire Covers
By now, you know just how important it is to use a good set of covers to protect your tires and rims from harsh weather conditions. But it's just as important to understand that not all RV tire covers are created the same!
TOOL TROOPERS' TIRESHIELD Pro Edition are some of the most-rugged, durably-built, and best-looking RV tire covers on the market.
But you can check out our guide on Choosing the Right RV Tire Covers to learn more about measuring and choosing the right size, the right material, and the right design for your setup!
Frequently Asked Questions - Are RV Tire Covers Necessary?
Just in case we've missed anything, let's review a few frequently asked questions we've heard from other RV owners, just like you!
Do tire covers help maintain tire pressure?
Yes and no. Tire covers won't directly help maintain tire pressure. But they will keep your tires away from direct sunlight and heat, which can cause pressure to fluctuate. So covering your tires may indirectly help you maintain the right pressure. But tire covers are mostly just designed for protecting your tires and rims from harsh weather, not maintaining tire pressure.
Can I drive with tire covers on?
No, you cannot drive with tire covers on. Tire covers are designed to be used while your RV is parked, not while it's pounding the pavement. So you really DO need to remove them from your tires before you get rolling. Otherwise, they're sure to tear, get stuck wrapped around your axle, and you'll probably wind up leaving them on the side of the interstate somewhere.
Do tire covers work in snowy weather?
Yes, tire covers like Tireshield Pro are designed to protect your tires in all weather situations. So whether your rig is parked in the Battle Born State of Nevada, where temperatures are often above 100°F, or in the frost-bitten forests of Alaska, with bone-chilling sub-zero temperatures, covers keep your tires away from all harsh weather conditions.
How long do RV tire covers last?
A good set of tire covers will last anywhere between 5 to 10 year or longer, depending on the type of weather they see and how they're stored. Choosing high-quality covers, made with a durable construction, reinforced stitching, and all-weather materials will help your make them last longer. But they'll still wear out and look worse for wear after a few years. We recommend replacing your tire covers whenever you replace your tires. (5 to 7 years)