Buying guide for best rv wheel covers
If you’re an RV owner, you know how important it is to take care of your home away from home. Regular maintenance keeps your motorhome running like a well-oiled machine so you can enjoy putting plenty of miles on it. When it comes to the off-season, though, it’s a priority to prepare your RV for storage until its next use. If you have an RV cover, you already know it doesn’t reach the wheels — which is exactly why you need to invest in RV wheel covers.
Wheels sustain a considerable amount of wear, especially with tires in constant contact with the road for thousands of miles. When they have the chance to take a break and park for a while, RV wheel covers protect the tire and rim from exposure. They’re made from vinyl to repel water and are lined with soft, scratch-free materials. You could even maximize your protection with models that include enhanced UV protection to prevent tires from drying out and cracking.
If you’re ready to top off your off-season RV protection, it’s time to invest in RV wheel covers. We examine the top-performing models so you can enjoy the best in off-season protection.
Key considerations
Wheel size
When you’re ready to choose RV wheel covers, the first thing you should do is measure your wheels. The sizes are based on diameters and typically come in three or four sizes. If you happen to have multiple axles on your RV and want a single oblong cover, you’ll need to measure the diameter across the wheels.
Weather
When purchasing RV wheel covers for protection during the off-season, take weather conditions into consideration. If you live in a dry, sunny climate, you could opt for covers that focus on UV protection. For climates that experience rain or snow, you’ll need covers that hold up against moisture and wind.
Basic protection
RV wheel covers are often made of vinyl, making them waterproof and easy to clean. As far as the interior goes, because it comes into direct contact with the tire and rim, it’s lined with soft, scratch-free materials. Many models also focus on UV protection, which makes sense: without proper coverage, wheels left in direct sunlight could dry out and crack.
Expert Tip
RV wheel covers usually come in a carrying bag or case, which flattens them out for easy storage. These fit right behind doors, between the seats, or tucked in a small closet in your RV.
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Features
Colors
When it comes to RV wheel covers, the color assortment is relatively limited. Generally, they come in black, gray, white, and beige to match the RV or RV cover. Some RV owners prefer to match their RV covers, in which case the choice is simple. Other owners focus on getting the most protective covers available, citing that certain colors ward off excess heat and UV rays better than others.
Fastening
To achieve the most effective coverage, fastening the wheel cover once it’s on is required. Fastening mechanisms vary quite a bit, though most wheel covers have in common some type of elastic for a snug fit over the top of the wheel. As for the bottom and back of the cover, the most popular fastening styles are grommet and hook, tie back, clips, and Velcro. Some styles are harder than others to secure by yourself, so the process could require an extra set of hands.
Materials
As mentioned, RV wheel covers are usually made of vinyl, although there are some models that are made of canvas. Vinyl repels water, so if you’re storing your RV off-season, it’s an ideal material. Since vinyl is known for being sturdy, the inside lining that has contact with the wheel is made of softer materials, such as felt, flannel, or microfiber — all of which have reputations for being non-scratching to both tires and rims.
Extra layers
Basic RV wheel covers are comprised of vinyl and the softer inside material, though some covers have additional layers of protection. There are some models that have extra padding and could be quilted or insulated. Although it’s not a material layer, mildew- and mold-resistance treatments provide an additional form of protection.
Expert Tip
When you remove your RV wheel covers, inspect them for any rips or tears from animals who could nest or burrow inside them during the colder months.
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RV wheel cover prices
Inexpensive: For $15 to $25, you can expect a couple layers of protection, though the fit is likely universal and, as a result, might not be very snug.
Mid-range: For $25 to $40, RV wheel covers feature significantly better fits with at least three layers of protection.
Expensive: High-end wheel covers, between $40 and $80, provide maximum protection through several layers as well as weather-proofing technology. These tend to last the longest and come with longer manufacturer warranties.
Expert Tip
If you’re sitting on the ground, avoid leaning on the RV wheel covers. Even though the tire is soft enough, you could accidentally shift or pull the wheel cover in a way that causes enough stress to unfasten its straps.
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Tips
- Install your RV wheel covers on clean wheels and tires. Excess dirt and grime will not only transfer onto the soft fabric interior of the wheel covers, it will increase the odds of scratching the rims. Likewise, when you remove the wheel covers after use, vacuum away any dirt and dust that may have accumulated over time.
- Store your wheel covers in a cool, dry place. You can extend the life of your RV wheel covers by doing so. You’ll save them from unnecessary sun exposure and ensure they won’t attract moisture that fosters mold and mildew.
- Match your RV cover. To achieve a uniform look, match your RV wheel covers to your motorhome cover. Even if they’re not from the same manufacturer, you can keep them in the same color palette.
- Spray covers with a mint solution. To repel animals in a natural, non-harmful way, spray your RV wheel covers with a diluted mint water solution.
- Give RV wheel covers as an RV-warming gift. Know a new RV owner? Wheel covers are an affordable and practical item they can enjoy for years.
- Enlist your child’s help. If you want to teach your child how to properly care for an RV in the off-season, enlist their help to put on the wheel covers. It could be easier for them to maneuver around the wheels and fasten straps.
Other products we considered
We were impressed with the Adco Deluxe RV Wheel Covers 4-Pack. These wheel covers are well-designed with panels that come together with double needle stitching for a tear-free design. Their snug fit is emphasized by a vinyl strap and Velcro system that withstands wind whipping and prevents shifting. There’s a carrying case in which to store the covers when they’re not in use. While it’s not a design element, the tri-tone color scheme with beige, off-white, and black piping gives the wheel covers a modern and sleek look.
For multilayered protection, the RVMasking Tire Covers for RV Wheels Set of 4 Extra Thick 5-ply Covers are a decent mid-range pick. With three layers of ripstop non-woven fabric, one layer of anti-UV coating, and one water-resistant membrane, you can expect all-weather coverage year-round. These are easy to fit over the wheels in minutes thanks to an elastic strap on top and a grommet and hook detail at the bottom. You’ll also have a three-year warranty, and there are several reports of good customer service experiences with the company.
FAQ
Q. If the elastic breaks in my RV wheel covers, can it be repaired?
A. Unless you’re willing to pay steep prices and find a tailor comfortable working with the material, it’s more cost-effective to simply purchase new ones. If you attempt to use the wheel covers with broken or stretched elastic, there’s a good chance they will fall off or be blown away.
Q. Can I use my RV wheel covers for my regular vehicle?
A. It depends whether the wheels of your car or SUV are the same size as those on your RV, as well as how adjustable the wheel covers are. If you plan on using one RV wheel cover for an exterior spare on a truck, the downside is that it will sustain a lot of wear compared to the other wheel covers in the set.
Q. One of our RV wheel covers was damaged. Do I need to buy a whole new set, or can I buy just the replacement?
A. Single wheel covers are available for purchase, but a singleton might not match your existing brand or style. If you want the same wheel cover, you’ll have to reach out to the manufacturer. They could sell you one individually, or your damaged wheel cover may be covered under a warranty.
