To cover the spare wheel, or not?

[Witbobbejaan]

I've convinced myself that rotating the tires twice a year means I don't have to worry about UV damage to the spare tire, and thus not spend money on a spare wheel cover (and use the money for half a tank of petrol in Dec ).

Opinions? Do you think a spare wheel cover has noticeable advantages?

[graham1]

I guess it depends how much time the trol spends in the sun?
My poor one lives permanently in direct sun these days. The sun is so hectic its actually making the paint fade on the ‘hip’ of the doors. So ya, I have a cover on my spare wheel, which actually needs to be replaced soon as the sun has hammered that too!

Edit: and my cover has one of those big pockets on it - I use that a lot for rubbish, nice and easy to chuck the empty beer can or baby nappy in there when out in the bush etc

[Peter Connan]

I think it's the best possible place for the rubbish bag...

Spesk to Jorrie here on the forum. He makes a great cover with rubbish bag.

[kyzah]

Applying tyre shine/wax/paste/spray etc to the spare tyre and its cover, might keep the moisture in. Just a thought.

[Spike]

I have mixed feelings about tyre covers. Have you ever sat inside a canvas tent in the sun? It's extremely hot.

As for "tyre shine/wax/paste/spray etc", I've yet to find one that doesn't have chemicals in it that are bad for tyre rubber. If anybody knows of a product that is actually good for tyre rubber, not just cosmetically, I'm keen to hear about it but I have my doubts it exists

So I'm really undecided on the best option for tyre life. Maybe just change them often and sell the old ones on facebook for an inflated price to recoup outlay. It seems to be popular to do that these days

[kyzah]

I have mixed feelings about tyre covers. Have you ever sat inside a canvas tent in the sun? It's extremely hot.

As for "tyre shine/wax/paste/spray etc", I've yet to find one that doesn't have chemicals in it that are bad for tyre rubber. If anybody knows of a product that is actually good for tyre rubber, not just cosmetically, I'm keen to hear about it but I have my doubts it exists

So I'm really undecided on the best option for tyre life

I see what you saying, the spare wheel i had very fine cracks on the sidewall. i believe this was due to sitting in the sun, and it had a cove on. I never gave much thought to its effect until now.

Good post.

[graham1]

I have mixed feelings about tyre covers. Have you ever sat inside a canvas tent in the sun? It's extremely hot.

I seem to recall on the community forum a guy with a prado had his spare tyre explode inside the stock plastic cover. The thoughts there was it just got too hot, or something like that.

Youre right though, I shudder to think the real condition of the top half of my spare, even with the little bit of canvas over it. The baking sun is no joke on a vehicle it seems

[kyzah]

Perforated holes or small slits in the canvas could allow for the heat to escape

[ricster]

The best advantage is ......

Iron Maiden new cover.jpg (608.7 KiB) Viewed 4750 times

it personalizes your Patrol.

Here is Grants one i had made up many years ago...

Papa Smurf & Smurfett !!.jpg (563.47 KiB) Viewed 4750 times

[kyzah]

love it, Papa smurf just too cool
where did you get these made?