One of the most overlooked parts of any RV is the tires. Since tires are made of rubber, common sense tells us that rubber will degrade over time. When the chemicals and oils in the rubber begin to evaporate, the rubber loses its flexibility and becomes brittle. When the chemical bonds are broken, the result is a dry tire. This is when the tire’s rubber fades from black to dull gray and small cracks begin to show on the surface of the tire’s sidewalls and tread. In most cases, it is not safe to drive on dry rot tires. The heat from long-distance driving will cause the rubber to expand and the tires to break while riding. That’s one way to ruin a well-planned vacation!

For that reason, the tire industry has set the standard for tire replacement in up to 10 years. Some tire companies even suggest a change in the six-year period because rubber degradation can cause a serious accident and compromise your personal safety.

The most common causes of dry rot are lack of use, low tire inflation, and storage near excessive heat. Does dry rot occur more frequently in the tires of motorhomes, vintage and classic cars, trucks and Jeeps due to infrequent use of the vehicle? An independent survey estimates that vintage and classic car owners rarely drive their prized possessions more than once a month. It is no wonder that this phenomenon also exists in the tires of all types of trailers, be it a caravan travel trailer, a fifth wheel trailer, a boat trailer or even horse trailers. In addition to your commuter vehicle, there are thousands of recreational vehicles with tires that also have dry rot problems that seem to occur more frequently than in everyday vehicles. Many trailer owners are alarmed when the tires on their caravan, boat, or horse trailer show signs of dry rot after just two years of ownership.

Of course, inactivity is not the only cause of dry tire rot. Low tire pressure and exposure to excessive UV rays also add to the problem. Improperly inflated tires can wear out prematurely and become a safety concern. It is very important that vehicle owners trust the tire manufacturer to specify the proper inflation pressure for their tires. Although tire pressure appears on the tires, it is important to remember that the pressure stamped on the tire is a maximum rating. Once a month, vehicle owners should check tire pressure with an inexpensive tire gauge, and the vehicle should be driven frequently.

In addition to tire pressure, there is a great deal of information that can be found on the exterior of a tire. The tire identification number is a Department of Transportation code that identifies the week and year the tire was manufactured. The first two digits tell you the week of manufacture and the last two digits are the year. For example, if the last four digits are 1213, that means the tire was manufactured during the twelfth week of 2013. Even if you have had the tires on your vehicle for a short period of time, if the manufacture date was several ago years, there could be some degradation or unwrapping on the tire. Most tire manufacturer warranties cover your tires for four years from the date of purchase or five years from the week they were manufactured.

Probably the biggest threat to tire sidewall cracking (dry rot) is constant exposure to the sun. The process of tire degradation is called thermo-oxidative degradation and it accelerates in warmer climates. If your vehicle is stored on black asphalt or any petroleum based product or other heat absorbing surface that naturally attracts UV rays, these tires will wear out quickly. Constant sun exposure can accelerate the effects of dry rot on tires.

So the question is, how can I prevent dry tire rot? The easiest way to protect against dry rot is to check at least once a month that your tires are inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The ideal way to store any vehicle with tires for an extended period is in a climate controlled garage. Since that’s expensive and often unavailable to most car, truck, RV, and trailer owners, the next best option is to protect the tire rubber. Some trailer tire owners suggest that trailer tires have a board under the tire while in storage to keep them away from asphalt that attracts UV rays. Others suggest that the trailer be lifted off the ground and that the trailer tires be removed and stored indoors if it is going to be in storage for 60 days or more.

Dry rot can be fixed only in the early stages. Many people put a UV blocker on their tires three or four times a year. The best recommended UV blocker is the one from 3M called 303 Protectant. The label says it is good for UV protection of tires. There are many tire owners who suggest the use of ArmourAll, but my research indicates that ArmourAll has been shown to damage tires more than help.

The easiest and possibly least economical way to protect your tires is with a tire and wheel cover. These vinyl covers block the sun’s rays and wrap the tire in darkness. Without sun exposure, ozone will not be produced and your tires should easily last the recommended 6-7 years before they need to be replaced.

Tire and wheel covers come in a variety of sizes including single, dual, and even triple axle sizes for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, and motorhomes. They are also available in white, gray, or black to match or coordinate with other protective covers used on RV trailers, RVs, vintage and classic cars, trucks, and Jeeps.