Rv Tires: Why Is It That These Tires Suffer From Sidewall Cracking!

It's not the RV tire we ride on... it's the pocket of air inside... it holds us up and gets us down the road.

What is the science behind our RV tires? Why is it that these tires suffer from sidewall cracking, and rot? Is there anything we can do to prevent this premature degrading of our RV tires? Why is it that we do not suffer the same issues with the tires we put on our automobiles… the ones that we drive every day? When we understand the answers to these questions, I believe we will then get better service life out of our RV tires.

I am thinking that the solution to the above questions has to do with two things:

1. Understanding how a tire is made.

Every modern RV tire will contain emollients such as carbon black and specific waxes that are designed to protect their sidewalls against the effects of UV (ultra violet) light, and ozone.

The manufacturers of all modern tires realized as early as 1910 that adding carbon black to the rubber compound that makes up the RV tire will protect this tire from the effects of UV… what may not be known by the general public, is that this carbon black material must be reapplied periodically to prevent UV damage.

Blocking the tire from the sun using a good tire cover is also recommended. It is just like sunscreen for our bodies if you must be in the sun, sunscreen works up to a point. However being in the shade will give a better protection.

RV Tire manufactures also use wax to help keep ozone from drying out and cracking a tire. This wax does not need to be re-applied periodically like carbon black. It will work its way to the surface by the process of using the tire in a normal fashion. This brings us to the 2nd reason for the premature degradation of a tire.

2. Understanding how individual working conditions effect the longevity of a tire.

Our RV tires are designed to roll down the road. If they are used in this manner and kept clean, sidewall deterioration becomes less of a concern. This motion, of rolling down the road, allows the wax to work its way up to the surface of the tire, and offers protection against ozone contamination.

To sum this up, there are three things to do that will prevent early tire damage to your RV.

1. Keep the tire clean.

Heavy buildup of mud and dirt will act as an abrasive that prevents a proper waxing process. Using a mild soap and water solution along with a soft bristle brush will, if applied on a regular bases, remove a fair amount of ozone buildup.

2. Flexing, or using the tire.

It is the flexing of a tire while driving down the road that will work the waxes to the surface of your sidewalls… this flexing results in an expansion and contraction motion of the tire. As long as new wax works its way to the surface, you will have good protection against the effects of ozone oxidation.

3. Apply a carbon black component to your tires.

After you have your RV tires clean, you will want to apply a carbon black product like 303 Aerospace Protectant. As far as I know, this is the only product that will work as advertised in combating UV.

It matters what you put on your tire:

Another thing to consider is the fact that any tire dressing that contains petroleum products, alcohol, and/or silicone materials may further damage the tire due to a possible chemical reaction with the antioxidant material in the tire.

Bottom line, these two additives, carbon black and wax, will protect an RV tire from premature drying and cracking.

However, as I stated above, when a tire is not used, this wax additive will lose its effectiveness. This is why we don’t see the same type of premature weathering on our automobiles. We simply use them enough to keep everything in balance. Unfortunately, RVs can sit for prolonged periods of time. So, we must take the above additional steps to protect our recreational investment.