RV Tire Safety: Do black tire covers protect your RV tires?

When discussing whether or not black tire covers protect your RV tires, it might help to first review my original post that included actual data on the subject of RV tire covers. Also, remember that old rubber is more likely to crack and fail than “younger” softer rubber, so keeping your tires as “young” as possible is a good thing to do.

So, if you have a Class A with no covers, as seen here…

No RV tire covers
No RV tire covers

Is the only option to run white vinyl covers, as seen here?

white vinyl RV tire covers
white vinyl RV tire covers

Or could you run the “screens,” as seen here?

screen RV tire covers
screen RV tire covers

Well, I have collected some temperature measurements and I will admit that initially I was surprised to learn that the tires behind the black mesh were about the same temperature as those under the white vinyl. After thinking about the situation, it occurred to me that it was possible for the mesh to shield the tire from direct sunlight, as the angle of sunlight does not always line up with the openings in the mesh, while at the same time allowing airflow.

So, if you have a Class A with the normal flat sides, you do have an option.

The “Tire Shades” made by Shade Pro, and maybe other suppliers, can protect your tires from the sun’s heat.

However, I know of no “spray” or tire “treatment” that can keep a tire as cool as putting the tire in the shade.

 

Read more from Roger Marble on his blog at RVtiresafety.net or on RVtravel.com.

 ##RVT992

Roger Marble
Roger Marblehttp://www.RVTireSafety.net
Retired Tire Design and Forensic Engineer w/50+ years of experience. Currently has Class-C RV. Previous Truck Camper, Winnie Brave, Class-C & 23' TT. Also towed race car w/ 23' open trailer and in 26' Closed trailer. While racing he set lap records at 6 different tracks racing from Lime Rock, CT, to Riverside, CA, and Daytona to Mosport, Canada. Taught vehicle handling to local Police Depts.

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5 Comments

John Massengale
5 years ago

Tire covers. I have used tire covers on all my RV’s over the years and my tires have not shown any signs of cracking like they have on my utility trailer that I never cover. I have used both white and black and used a temp gun to check the temps on both with and without. Would not be without my covers.

Engineer
5 years ago

I prefer to use the MAGNA SHADE tire covers…they collapse into a 12″ round circle and stored in the supplied bag. Great investment….

Peggy Bradley
5 years ago
Reply to  Engineer

Ditto. Love all of Magne Shade products!

Roger Marble
5 years ago
Reply to  Engineer

I just referenced ShadePro because I had seen them on a couple of Class-A RVs. if their shade is an open mesh then I have no reason to think they would not protect tires in a similar fashion.

Rusty Clapp
5 years ago

I use tire covers when the Rv is parked at the sticks and bricks for an extended time. Winter months come to mind. If out in the Rv for a short weekend get away, I don’t cover. Normally, will cover if out for an extended stay somewhere.