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Buying an RV is one of the most expensive items that most people will ever purchase besides their homes. Depending on the type that you purchase, the costs can be well over six-figures. Of course, there are many different options on the path to RV ownership and some can be much more affordable.
One thing is for certain though; whether it’s an expensive one or an affordable one, you still want to take care of it and do all that you can to make it last.
Not only that, but you also want to make sure that it maintains its value and doesn’t depreciate at a more rapid rate than it already will.
Campers depreciate so if you can do all that you can to keep things in tiptop shape, you could end up getting more value out of it in the long run.
There are many simple actions that you can take to ensure the longevity of your RV and some of these actions are very inexpensive and do not take a lot of work.
One of these simple actions that you can take is adding tire covers. Many people add tire covers to their RV if the RV is going to be sitting for a while. Since most people don’t live in their RV and only use it occasionally, an RV can sit for long periods without being used.
What are RV Tire Covers For?
RV tire covers are designed to wrap around your rig’s tires and cover them up while it is not being used. There are a few reasons you might want to do this.
The purpose of RV tire covers is primarily to protect the tires from sun damage which includes harmful UV rays. These damaging UV rays can penetrate the rubber and damage it over time.
Tires sitting out in the hot sun are prone to weathering, dry-rotting and other problems associated with heat and the hot sun beaming down on them.
They are also used to protect the tires from other inclement weather situations. This may include snow, ice, rain and other weather conditions that leave the tires exposed.
If you allow your tires to just sit out in the weather at all times, it’s possible that they can become damaged over time and have a lifespan shorter than they would if you had simply covered them up to begin with.
The third reason you might want to use tire covers is just to keep your tires clean and free from dirt and debris. Not to mention, dogs peeing on them if you have dogs roaming around your neighborhood who like to seek out vehicle tires and hike their legs.
I prefer to keep tire covers on my van most of the time when I’m not using it. If I know it’s going to be sitting still for a few weeks, then I will always cover my tires. It only takes a few minutes to put all four tires covers on so why wouldn’t I?
How Are RV Tire Covers Measured?
When you shop for tire covers, you will see that they come in all kinds of different sizes. This makes sense because RVs are not all the same size. They come in different sizes and the tires attached to them range in width and circumference.
To find the proper size for your specific RV, you will need to measure your tire before you purchase tire covers but don’t worry, it’s very simple to do.
You’ll only need a tape measure or some kind of measuring tool. You will want to measure the diameter of the tire in the center of the tire and its widest point in most cases.
For example, my RV tires measure approximately 29 inches in diameter at the widest point so the right tire cover for me would be one that has a minimum fit of 29 inches.
I ordered the 29 – 32-inch covers and they fit like a glove around my camper van tires which was built using the RAM Promaster.
If you have the Promaster with standard tires, this size will fit perfectly. Most cargo vans will have similar size tires.
However, you must measure your own tires so that you can get the proper size for your vehicle. You may need larger tires if you have a larger RV so the best way to determine this is to take a simple measurement and then purchase the tire covers accordingly.
If your tires measure between sizes, I would suggest going up in size because if you purchase tire covers that are too small, you won’t be able to use them. On the other hand, if the tire covers are just a bit too big, they will most likely still work for you.
Most tire covers have bungee cords that attach in the back making them tight on the tire. This will make up for tire covers that are just a tad bit too big.
Are RV Tire Covers Worth It?
If you are concerned about purchasing tire covers for your RV, then you should consider a few things.
First of all, they are pretty cheap so even if you decide after you’ve purchased them that they aren’t doing the job, you haven’t lost much.
On the other hand, if you never use tire covers, and notice that your tires are aging prematurely, you may wish that you had tried using them.
In my case, it was inexpensive for a set of four tire covers that will help to keep my tires in good shape. I could help to extend the life of my tires by a few years possibly by making sure they are covered and protected when not in use.
If you leave your RV outside in the weather at all times, tire covers are very much worth it. Especially if you want your tires to last longer.
However, if you have a garage that you keep your RV in, then it may not be necessary for you to use them since your whole RV is already protected.
Most people do not have large garages that they can pull a tall RV into so it typically remains in their driveway or at some other location on their property.
Another reason they might not be worth it for you is if you have a cover that fits over your entire RV. RV covers are made to cover the entire RV including the tires so it might not be necessary if you have this.
For the low cost of tire covers, they are worth it. Anything you can do as preventive maintenance to such an expensive item is always worth doing.
I gladly purchased tire covers just for a little more peace of mind and to know that I am doing all that I can to make my tires last longer.
Camping is not cheap so you must try to do all that you can to minimize costs. Replacing tires every few years can be very costly so if you protect them as much as you possibly can and help to extend the life of the tire, you will come out better in the long run.
You will be happy that you spent the minimal amount on tire covers to protect your motorhome or trailer.
Should I Cover My RV Tires?
As mentioned above, if you plan on leaving your RV out in the inclement weather at all times, most experts would agree that your RV tires should be covered and protected.
It’s a minimal action step that you can take so why not?
You spend more money on a nice dinner at a restaurant so why wouldn’t you spend that money to increase the lifespan of your tires. The tires are the part of your RV that touches the road and if your tires become damaged, the walls of the tires could become weaker and possibly be more prone to blowouts while you are on the road.
An RV is heavy so it’s important to have a good set of tires underneath it at all times. Keeping your tires in good working order is very important. The experts say that you should replace your tires every seven years or so.
If you keep your RV sitting outside and your tires exposed to the elements, you may need to do it even sooner to make sure that you are safe out on the road.
I would recommend that anyone who owns an RV of any kind that has tires attached to it that stays outdoors at all times to decide to keep the tires covered and protected.
Best RV Tire Covers
When you set out to purchase tire covers, keep in mind that many of them come as a two-pack set so when you see a lower price, make sure you pay attention to how many you are getting.
If you have a drivable motorhome, you will need a set of four to cover all tires. Small travel trailers often have two tires so you won’t have to spend as much to protect your trailer.
In the end, you can generally expect to pay about the same amount for most high-quality tire covers.
I would suggest purchasing light-colored or silver, reflective tire covers since these will help to reflect the sun rays and keep your tires cooler from the heat.
The ones I use for my camper van are the ELUTO Tire Covers for RVs. These have been excellent and they are waterproof and have bungee cords with hooks on the back so that you can wrap them around your tire and they won’t blow away.
I don’t use the bungee cords normally because they fit nice and snug around my tire and I haven’t had any issues with them blowing off the tire in high winds.
Some of the other models I would suggest would be the following.
If you are looking for a more deluxe tire cover that will withstand more but also cost a little bit more, the Classic Accessories OverDrive Covers are a great option.
Conclusion
Tire covers serve as the first line of defense for protecting your RV tires. It’s a simple thing that you can do but can reap big rewards in the future by allowing your tires to remain in good working order for many years to come.
It’s a cheap solution but it’s one of the easiest actions that you can take to safeguard against tire damage.
If you intend on maintaining a safe vehicle to take you and your family on fun camping trips, then you cannot afford not to include RV tire covers in your repertoire of preventive maintenance items.
At a minimum, you will want to protect the tires because they provide the base on which your RV travels. You always want your tires to be in good condition so that you and your family can enjoy many safe years of camping fun.