While you are enjoying warm, sunny days at your southern snowbird campsite, that friendly sunshine is doing a number on your RV and tow vehicle tires. UV exposure causes breakdown of rubber compounds, resulting in drying, hardening and brittleness that shows up as sidewall cracks and a weakened tire that can blow out once you hit the road again. The tire may look fine, with plenty of tread, but the damage to the rubber leaves it unable to flex naturally or adjust to heat generated at highway speeds.

Tires are manufactured with built-in protection against both UV and ozone exposure, both contributors to tire degradation and eventual failure. While ozone is a naturally occurring component of the air we breathe and sunlight is inescapable, we can protect tires against at least some UV and ozone exposure.

Tire Covers

An easy way to offer tires some sun protection is with tire covers. Slipped onto tires when the RV is parked, tire covers block direct sunlight and greatly reduce UV exposure. Covers such as ADCO Tyre Gards are easy to slip over single or tandem RV tires and secure with a bungee fastener so they stay in place and are less likely to blow off if the wind kicks up. Made of heavyweight vinyl, Tyre Gards can withstand sun, rain, snow and visits by your canine friends, protecting your tires against dirt and moisture. And don’t forget your spare—choose a securely-fitting vinyl spare tire cover from ADCO to block UV rays from quietly destroying the tire you are counting on when one on the ground fails.

Tire Protectants

 Another way to protect tires from sun and ozone is with protective products you apply directly on the sidewall. The advantage of these products is that your tires are protected even while you are rolling down the highway and not just when parked. Sunblock for Tires is a simple paint-on formula that shields tire sidewalls from UV exposure and lasts several years. For best results, clean tires with mild soap, water and a soft-bristle brush before applying the protectant.

When selecting a tire protectant formula, avoid those containing silicone, alcohol or petroleum-based components, since these can damage the tire’s built-in protection against environmental elements and actually hasten cracking and drying.

Tire Pressure

Along with ozone and UV deterioration, the main contributor to tire failure is over- and under-inflation. Check your tire inflation pressure regularly and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for best performance and maximum tire life. Don’t depend on how a tire looks; an over-inflated tire may look fine and a tire that looks slightly under-inflated may actually be at the proper pressure.

Always check tire pressures when tires are cold; heat generated while in use will temporarily cause tire pressure to rise. Keep a good quality tire gauge handy in all your vehicles. Make sure the gauge is designed to read the pressure level in the tires you are checking; some pressure gauges are designed for use only on passenger cars. Truck and RV tires usually require a truck-type gauge for accurate readings. A gauge with a double chuck lets you check the pressure on inside duals.

An electronic tire pressure monitoring system makes watching tire pressures easier. Systems like the TST Tire Pressure & Temperature Monitor let you monitor tire pressure and tire temperature from the driver’s seat and alert you to pressure and/or temperature deviations that may signal a tire problem or impending failure.

A portable air compressor capable of inflating truck or RV tires is handy to have on board, so you can always top up pressure if needed. AirLift offers a heavy-duty 12-volt air compressor designed to inflate truck and RV tires that draws power directly from the vehicle battery with clamp-on connectors; it includes 33' and 25' hoses so you can reach all the tires on your rig, a handy inline gauge, chucks and a carry case.

Keeping a close eye on your tires ensures you will get all the miles out of them that the manufacturer intended. Plus you’ll be safer once you take flight from your sunny snowbird nest.

Tire Check

Before hitting the road, stop in at Camping World for a ProCare Tire Inspection. This service package includes checks for:

            --Sidewall cracks or separation

            --Tire pressure

            --Tread depth

            --Lug nut tightness

The ProCare Tire Inspection is available for motorhome and towed car or trailer and tow vehicle tires. It’s also a good time to check trailer bearings and seals plus trailer brake magnets and brake shoes. The ProCare Tire Inspection Service is available at all Camping World SuperCenter locations nationwide.

Product Spotlight

ADCO Tyre Gards

Club Price $24.99-$34.99

Reg. $27.77-$38.88

ADCO Spare Tire Covers

Club Price $18.99 - $24.99

Reg. $21.10 $27.77

TST Tire Pressure & Temperature Monitor

(Item #47568)

Club Price $359.99 Reg. $399.99

Heavy-Duty Truck/RV Digital Tire Gauge

(Item #37787)

Club Price $22.99 Reg. $25.55

AirLift Heavy-Duty Air Compressor

(Item #34934)

Club Price $319.99 Reg. $355.55