Wheel chock locks and wheel covers

[slowmover]

Tireman9 on his blog as a tire engineer gives thumbs up go covers for RVs.

[ROBERT CROSS]

"Even if the covers offered some protection on the outside, the rays bounce against the exposed sidewall. If the cover is anything but black, unless specifically treated to block it, it will allow UV to pass through anyway."

What?

Bounce underneath to the backside, pass thru the cover?

Never heard that before

Bob

[MaineStreamer]

Sounds like sunburn "where the sun don't shine", as the expression goes.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I don't cover my trailer tires and never have. [Marathons too] I have a nice tongue lock and even better insurance.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

"Even if the covers offered some protection on the outside, the rays bounce against the exposed sidewall. If the cover is anything but black, unless specifically treated to block it, it will allow UV to pass through anyway."

What?

Bounce underneath to the backside, pass thru the cover?

Never heard that before

Bob

Well, it's on the Internet so it MUST be true, right?? I have found articles by doctors confirming that they bounce off sand, water, porch decks etc. These are all in relation to sunburn. Other than the ones I've already quoted, I can't find other references to bounced UV rays under an RV.
"The Tire Industry Association's (Marvin ) Bozarth also told us that tires that are not completely covered with some material that resists UV radiation are susceptible to radiation damage wherever they are uncovered. UV radiation doesn't have to fall directly on a tire, it can "bounce" as it were, and cause damage to the back side of the tire if unprotected."
Tire covers and UV radiation

I don't know, every day is something different. Coffee is good, no wait, it's bad, no wait it's good but only if you drink a cup, no wait, it's good again, drink a pot a day or more.

Bouncing UV sounded odd to me too. I have the covers, inherited them, use them. They're gray, so whether or not they protect from UV, I don't know.

I read the articles, discussed with the wife, we already have them, they keep the dirt from bouncing up on the tires when it rains, we're using them.

Would I purchase new ones? Probably but I inspect my tires, monitor the inflation and always check them when I stop. I've had very good luck with all brands of tires I've used. I've had 1 blowout in my lifetime, yes it was a GYM on my boat trailer. It was about 10-12 years old and garage kept, probably not UV rays then.

[MaineStreamer]

I placed an order on Friday night for a California Immobilizer for the Airstream, Airstream Trailer Coupler Locks - California Immobilizer, then on Saturday, Ziggy2 posted the info about the Master Lock version for less than 1/4 of the price. MasterLock 379ATPY Trailer Coupler Lock. The California Immobilizer people are supposed to call me to complete the order, so I'm on the fence about cancelling that order and going the MasterLock coupler lock instead. Any suggestions?

[ghaynes755]

The forum is a pretty large diverse group. Anyone ever had their Airstream stolen or personally, and I stress personally, know someone who has had their Airstream stolen?

[Rocinante]

Here's a standard hitch-hacking video that may be fun to watch before you decide. Each video of this type will have a point of view - for example, this one is from Mega Hitch locks, which look pretty good. We're happy so far with our California Immobilizer - your mileage may vary.

MegaHitch video: http://youtu.be/-G_zz80h_Tc

A good hitch lock combined a heavy padlock thru the safety chains, locking lug nuts on the wheels and either a heavy locked chain/cable between the wheels or the wheel-grabbing chock device posted by the OP should encourage baddies to move on to easier prey.

[MaineStreamer]

Originally Posted by ghaynes755

The forum is a pretty large diverse group. Anyone ever had their Airstream stolen or personally, and I stress personally, know someone who has had their Airstream stolen?

See this discussion thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ion-93523.html.

[MaineStreamer]

Next question: For the chain through wheels and padlock scenario with a single-axle trailer, do you loop through each wheel and lock behind, with just the one run of the chain between the two wheels; or make a large loop through both wheels, so there are two runs of chain between the wheels. This difference will determine how much chain to buy, as well as how many padlocks.

Suggestions on suitably tough padlocks?

[Rocinante]

My suggestion made an erroneous 2-axle assumption. Maybe in the single-axle case a wheel clamp or boot or more insurance would be better.