Importance of Hard Case Spare Tire Covers

If your vehicle carries the spare on the outside of the vehicle, then a spare tire cover is more important than ever. It is exposed to different obstacles that can cause eventual harm to your tire. For example: having a spare tire attached to the back of your vehicle leaves it exposed to sunlight. The rays from the sun can do a lot of damage. And most damage like this is not discovered until the driver gets a flat tire.  Taking precaution now can save you a lot of trouble later.

Cost of Tire Covers

The cost of a tire cover is an important thing to consider. Depending on the company that makes the tire cover, it can range drastically in price. Honda spare tire covers are known for costing anywhere from $34.99-$54.99. The make and model of the tire also affect how much you pay as a consumer. Also, the size of your spare tire can affect the price as well. Standard spare tire covers range from 25 to 33 inches in width.

Designs of Spare Tire Cases

A fun aspect of finding a hard case or metal cover for a tire is that you can buy something creative. Car owners can choose a cover that displays their personality. A lot of companies produce designs for these spare tire covers that allow the consumer to add a little flair to the cover. The high resolution images are durable and the design lasts for many years.

Different Hard Case Covers Available

The spare tire cover market is plentiful, which means there are ample styles and designs to choose from. Once you understand how important it is to protect your spare tires, you'll easily see why this is an expense worth making. Choose from metal or hard case spare tire covers, keeping in mind the price and style.

My Hitch and Bike Rack Setup

SportyRack - What I own and Love it!

Before we get into some general speak and talk about bike racks and hitch types, let me just share with you the bike rack, hitch setup I have and what I think of it. Firstly, I own a Kia Forte Koup and had a trailer hitch installed professionally through U-haul. I did have some trouble with the install though as after installed the muffler of my car was constantly banging on the hitch support bar as it run right next to the muffler. U-haul suggested the isolator was old or worn (the car is was only a year old) and Kia suggested it was U-Haul’s fault. One Kia deal was great and just suggested I take it up to a local muffler shop and they “re-adjusted” the muffler (heated it up and move it a little) and the problem was fixed.

So now that I got my hitch installed I was ready to get my bike rack. I had already searched online and at my local bike shop where I purchased my road bike. I have a Specialized Roubaix Elite SL2 Apex Compact so I wanted to be sure my bike is protected while in transit plus can be locked up safe. The bike racks at my local bike shop were pretty darn expensive, over $250 so I ended up going with one that got great reviews on Amazon. The SportRack Hitch Platform 2 Bike Rack. So far I love it. I ended up getting a long cable and Master Lock 5 ft cable lock to attach my bike to the hitch itself. It works great and I can put the bike rack on in no time.

General Tips on Bike Racks for Hitches

There are several types of these bicycle racks to choose from. They range in price from about  $200 to $500, which makes them affordable for almost everyone. There is no reason not to take your bike with you when you travel, whether it's cross-country or across town, and a bike rack makes it traveling more practical.

Hitch racks typically accommodate anywhere from two to five bikes. They are suitable for most vehicles including SUVs and RVs.  As a rule, SUV models are made to tilt away from the vehicle so that the rear cargo area is much easier to access.

This style of bike carrier is said to be the easiest to install.  Some racks don't even require tools to install it. Bike removal is also very simple. Popular brands of bike hitch racks include Saris and Thule. Saris manufacturers universal hitches that work with several vehicles as well as model specific options. Some racks have adapters that fit both 1 ¼ and 2 inch hitches.

Many of the more expensive models include added safety features such as anti-sway cradles that prevent bikes from bumping into one another and extra locks that keep the bikes more secure. These carriers take up little space and typically fold up when not in use. They are so much more convenient than transporting bikes on a trailer or in the back of a pickup truck.

When purchasing a rack that is meant to accommodate three or more bicycles, it is important to choose one that is made out of steel or heavy aluminum. This will help to ensure that the rack is strong enough to hold the weight of more than one bike. The weight limitations on most racks are 35 pounds per bike. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.  Never try to put more bikes on a carrier than it is made for. Family bike racks are a popular choice, as more and more families ride together. These particular racks accommodate both adult and juvenile size bicycles.

It is important to shop around when you are looking for a hitch bike rack. Don't buy the first one you see. Choose one that will transport your bikes safely and last for several years. The initial investment may be a little more, but like everything else in life, you get what you pay for.

Hitch cargo racks are a pretty awesome piece of equipment for those of us who don’t have trucks or fancy trailers to hall stuff around in. However, if we have a trailer hitch, then we can have something to add storage capacity to our already used car. There are different types of trailer hitch cargo racks on the market. If you are looking for suitable hitches to use, first, you need to know the total gross weight of the trailer. You also need to know the total tongue weight that you have to attach to your vehicle (hitch rating). The main concept here is to know the right amount of weight distribution that you need to apply on your vehicle to ensure the smooth drive while towing your cargo. Safety must be considered as well as good driving techniques. It is important that your hitch/trailer is not heavier than your vehicle to avoid accidents on the road.

If you are looking for hitch cargo racks or trailer hitch cargo racks, HitchCorner.com can help you look for the perfect hitch. Just mention the type of vehicle you have, and HitchCorner.com’s excellent staff can choose the right hitch that is suitable for your vehicle. They are ready to provide you with the necessary information you need to know about hitches. Their friendly employees will guide you in installing the hitches and they will specifically tell you the proper ways of taking good care of the accessories. Putting a little bit of your trademark to your vehicle is one good way to customize it. Why not install your trucks with a hitch cover for as low as $10 dollars to $100 dollars, you can add your signature touch on your vehicles.

Hitch cargo racks are great for hauling things back from your local home store. Surely you’ve seen those in your area or neighborhood hauling some bags of mulch or dirt with their hitch racks. What a pleasant way to drive with your Hitch cargo trailer carrying everything you need to get that yard ready for fall or spring.

If you’re like me and a cyclist (I compete in short course triathlons) then you may want to get a hitch installed on your car. I don’t know about you, but I hate the look of those bike racks that strap to your bumper. Not to mention what a pain they are to put on and take off. I have a 2010 Kia Forte Koup which I took to U-haul and had them install a trailer hitch for me. Then I went over to Amazon and got the SportRack trailer hitch bike rack for under $150!

Going out for vacation with your kids? You don’t need to argue with them whether to bring the bike or not. You can have an unforgettable holiday with your kids by buying a trailer hitch bike rack or a bike rack hitch. If you already had a hitch like me or had one installed, just go online or your local bike shop to find a bike rack that fits with your hitch size. If you are looking for hitch cargo racks or trailer hitch cargo racks; there’s dozens of places online or locally to find what you need. If you like me, I opted to have it installed by someone else (uhaul for the hitch itself) as I wanted to be sure I had the proper weight distribution hitch for what I planned on using it for.

Spare custom tire covers are usually spotted on the rear sides of Jeeps and SUVs. The cover can be functional and attractive and come in a range of different styles, colors, and materials that will cover the tire and reveal the owner’s personality.

Spare tire covers are not required; especially if you have a full-size spare and you rotate the tires regularly. Even so, the covers are highly recommended if the tires are not rotated regularly. The covers work to counteract the effects of UV heat and sunlight and prevent sand from seeping into the grooves and eroding the tires. In colder weather, covers will protect tires from harsh exposure to snow, frost, and sleet, which will increase life span of the tires. Changing tires in harsh weather is simpler to do with a cover because the spare will not be covered with snow and ice. Maintaining the covers is easy, too, since you can put them through car washes and will only have to remove them periodically in order to clean them.

The covers are usually made from vinyl with an impact resistant faceplate. This vinyl usually has an inner lining and a cable or tie downs that secures it. Decorative ones come in a wide range of images, designs, and logos. There are also many sizes that vary from standard to special sizes. For a more attached tire cover, you can find locking ones that come with ABS faceplates which you can use the color of the vehicle for which it is being made.

You can also get custom RV spare tire covers that will safeguard your motor home as you keep it in storage. If you choose to store your RV for a long period, it is more sensible to buy one with a custom fitting. When you choose a cover for your RV, remember to measure the RV from one end to the other so that you have plenty of room for the wheel, bumpers, and other equipment that is mounted to the vehicle. If you have to choose between two RV covers that are close to your RV’s size, choose the bigger one.

Custom tire covers can be a reflection of your personality, or depending on the weather, a much-need item that will cover the vehicle's spare tire during exposure to harmful conditions. The range of stock and custom designs can be found on the market and fitted properly. When you look for a spare tire cover, prepare your measurements beforehand. It is also a smart idea to know the kind of tire covers you want. Make sure you get covers with proper tie downs so you can pink them and they do not blow away in the wind.

Custom tire covers are a useful way to offer protection for the wheel and tire from the weather conditions that occur throughout the years. During cold and detrimental weather, the cover can work to get rid of corrosion that is caused by all kinds of chemicals that may be present on the road. Evidently, a cover will dramatically improve the life of your spare tire.

Every car is advised to carry a spare tire, in the case of a blow-out, flat or some other incident that causes your wheels to be compromised. Carrying an extra tire can save people money and time, in the case that they are inconvenienced by any troubles concerning one of their wheels. Different makes and models of cars are designed to accommodate the transport of spares in various ways, but one way that is both sporty and easy to access is to attach the wheel directly to the back of the vehicle.

Transporting spares on the outside of vehicles is a popular practice for jeeps, SUVs, and other sporty designs of cars. It is possible to simply attach the bare tire and have it be exposed to any and all elements, but by using a spare tire or spare wheel cover, car owners can prolong the life of their spare, while accessorizing their vehicle and asserting their personal style.

Spare tire covers are not only stylish, adding personality and individuality to vehicles; they are also extremely useful in protecting that ever-important spare, and considerably extending its lifespan. Imagine getting a flat on the freeway, going to attach your replacement tire, and finding that it has somehow been damaged by over-exposure or by some other accident, simply because you did not protect it with a cover. Not only would this oversight result in a considerable waste of valuable money, but it would also be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. By using a spare tire cover, you would be able to avoid this situation, and rest assured that that spare on the back of your vehicle will be in excellent condition when it matters the most.

There are a great variety of styles and materials to choose from when selecting and purchasing a spare tire cover. Some covers, as well as spares themselves, come included with the initial vehicle purchase. In this case, the cover most often features the name and logo of the make of car, and is of the soft variety. If you want to feature a slightly more customized tire cover, then you will find that you have multiple options to choose from.

The two types of covers that you will likely come across in your search are the soft cover and the hard cover. Soft covers are typically made of a flexible synthetic material, designed to resist a wide range of weather variances, endure extended sun exposure, and sustain minimal impact. They typically provide a form fitting cover for the wheel and are size specific. Hard covers, which tend to be more expensive simply because of their design and durability, are solid enclosures often made of vinyl, PVC, or some other combination of durable materials. Instead of fitting snuggly to the tire, they frequently feature a latch, and function more in the manner of a case. These covers are extremely durable and are often scratch resistant. If you live in an area where the climate varies considerably from season to season, a hard case is the best choice for weather resistance.

Once you have chosen the material and type of cover that you would prefer for housing your spare, it is time to choose the design. Here, you have even more options to choose from; unless you're looking for rv tire covers where the design options are pretty limited. Popular logos include the emblems of favorite sports teams, or stock graphics. If you really want to make a statement with your cover, it is even possible to find Internet sites that allow you to custom design your cover to order, ensuring that it is truly a one-of-a kind creation.

Tire covers can be purchased at a number of locations, including vehicle supply stores, car dealerships, most retail stores that feature mechanical and vehicle oriented sections, and online.

Why Spare Tire Covers are Important

One of the most damaging elements to rubber is UV rays. One of the main components of a tire is the substance called carbon black, which gives the rubber and tire the black appearance. This black substance is made to reflect the heat from the UV rays and dissipate it back outwards into the atmosphere around the tire as opposed to absorbing the UV rays. Over time, this carbon black substance breaks down thus exposing the tire to the damaging UV rays more over time. Once these UV rays start working on the rubber itself, it can start to crack and damage the tire. Spare tire covers prevent this from happening.

When shopping for a spare tire carrier or even hitch accessories, it's important to remember getting the equipment or accessories that will protect them from the elements. It's a lot better to have your accessory cover become faded and weathered than the equipment itself.

Like most motor vehicles and RV’s, the most often neglected piece of the vehicle is usually the tires. There are many things that affect the overall quality of your RV tires such as weight or not inflating them to the proper PSI. One of the most damaging elements to tires is UV rays, especially when your RV is left setting dormant over the winter or months of not being in use. Besides the sun, rain, wind, mildew and excessive heat and also reek havoc on the carbon structure of your tires. Over time, these elements seriously weaken your tires and can cause serious problems when you head out onto the road. That’s why it’s important to select the right RV tire cover to protect your investment.

RV tire covers come in many styles, shapes, materials and are often found in sets of 2 to 8. Watch out for low-grade vinyl covers as they may tear, crack, or not adequately protect your tires. Look for products that are 100% vinyl and are made to withstand all weather conditions. When looking for your tire covers, it’s important to know the size of your tires and have your measurement ready when you’re ready to purchase.

Tire covers also come in sizes to fit over dual axles. Depending on your preference, you may opt to cover both tires per side with a single cover. These dual RV tire covers have their pros and cons. One good aspect is they allow extra breathing room for your tires but also can be a pain to secure them around both tires.

If you’re looking for personalized or fabulous colors, you may have to search a little. Most tire covers are going to be white; that’s for a reason. White is less apt to attract sunlight and heat having negative effects on the rubber. With that said, you could certainly have someone paint you a nice picture on your cover, but make sure they know how to paint vinyl as it will simply peel off. This is most likely going to be the case anyway. Check out some online shops and look for brands such as Camco which is a well known brand.

One of the biggest complaints has to do with the cords that come with the tire cover and often wear out and break, allowing the cover to come off in the wind. So look for a cover that has strong bungee type cords that will hold up to months of cold, wet, and hot weather conditions. It’s also a good idea to purchase your cords (bungees) separately. When purchasing your bungee cords, you’ll want to get ones that are twice the diameter of your tire.

Just like you need spare tire covers to protect your SUV or spare tires for your everyday or recreational vehicle, you also need to remember to protect your RV tires. Tires can be an unexpected and high expense and its best not to find out they’ve been damaged when you’re out on the road.

If you’re looking to personalize the trailer hitch on your truck, SUV, or even car, then you certainly have some choices. Besides personalization there are hundreds of hitch options as far as towing and utilities go. It seems a lot of people see their hitch as just some cool place to attach something like a BBQ grill or small platform to hold something else. We searched around for different types of trailer hitch accessories to see what all is available and give you some ideas here in one place.

Tow Hitch
If you’re look for a simple hitch, then no matter what type of vehicle you have, HitchCorner.com can help you find it. They have a tool where you simply put in what type of vehicle you have and it tells you the type of hitch you need for towing; pretty simple and straight forward.

Hitch Cover

You see these things everywhere now. They really exploded on the scene a few years ago and almost every truck I see on the road today, if they’re not hauling something, has a hitch cover. A hitch cover is basically something that fits into your trailer hitch and can light up or usually has the logo of a sports team on it. Hitch covers are a fairly inexpensive way to customize your hitch and put a little personality into it. They can range anywhere from $10 to over $100 depending on how customizable you get.

Hitch cargo carrier
For some reason we really think hitch cargo carriers are pretty cool. They’re a good way to carry something outside your vehicle such as propane tanks, bikes, you name it. You need to make sure you get one that is made for your vehicle and rated to carry the weight you want to carry. We really like DiscountRamps.com and their page on cargo carriers. They have pretty much every type of cargo carrier you could imagine.

Trailer hitch bike rack or bike rack hitch
Bike racks that fit on your trailer hitch are just another way of utilizing this space for carrying things. Even if you have a truck and can put the bikes in the back, having the ability to load them off these bike racks are much easier in our opinion. Many people who have cars use these as opposed to attaching the bike rakes to their trunks that use the straps. To use a bike rack hitch you’ll obviously need a hitch; so if you have a car, visit HitchCorner.com and get the hitch you need for your particular vehicle. Next you can get a bike rack hitch pretty much anywhere online or even at some local bike shops usually carry them.

Weight distribution hitch
Weight distribution hitches are made to help create the ideal weight distribution between gross trailer weight and tongue weight. Tongue weight is the wait of anything behind the rear wheels of the tow vehicle and the tongue of the tow vehicle. If the tongue weight is heavier than the gross trailer weight, the tongue will dip and cause less traction on the front of the tow vehicle. If the tongue weight is too light, the tongue area will rise which is what causes the swaying you experience when driving down the road. This is very bad. A weight distribution hitch is designed to help elevate this problem.

Trailer Hitch Grill
There are a lot of trailer hitch grills out there, but one of the ones we like the best is the Freedom Grill. It swivels around and would be very handy for the serious tailgater. It lists anywhere from $350 to $400 so it will benefit you to search around a little for this item. Although we must admit it’s pretty darn cool looking.

Whatever you’re looking for as far as cool hitch accessories, you want to make sure of two things; one, your hitch is strong enough to hold the accessory and two, your accessory is weighted correctly and made specifically for the use you’re planning.

It’s important to not only have a spare tire cover, but a good spare tire. I know it may seem silly that someone would have a custom spare tire cover and a crappy tire underneath it, but it does happen. They may look cool, but when they’re stuck out in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire they’re going to wish they had a decent spare.

Tire covers have started to become somewhat of a fashion statement and many forget the main reason of having a spare tire in the first place. Here are the reasons why it’s so important to have a tire cover, but always remember that if you’re covering up a crappy tire, and then what good is it going to do for you in the first place?

When tires are manufactured, they’re made with a substance called carbon black. Carbon black’s main purpose is, besides providing pigment, is to conduct heat. That may sound counterproductive for the tire, but the carbon black actual pulls heat away from the more important parts of the tire like the tread and belt areas. This helps the lasting effect of the tire and prolongs its life. This is the main reason why you need to cover your tires when not in use. Long exposure to the sun will wear down the carbon black and reduce its effectiveness over time. As that happens, the tire is more susceptible to cracking and damage.

It’s a good idea to always check the tire pressure in your spare tire. A good rule of thumb is to check it the same time you check the pressure in all your other tires or whenever you perform an oil change. It’s important to remind yourself, a spare tire is no good if it’s flat when needed.

There are two main styles or categories of tire covers, soft and hard. Soft covers are made primarily of canvas and leather and do a pretty good job of protecting your tire from the elements. It’s fair to say that hard covers have better protection, but that’s just because the can protect from punctures more due to their hard fiberglass or plastic shell. But then if the area you have your spare tire located is part of a collision, your spare tire may be the least of your concerns.

Whether you’re looking for rv spare tire covers or one for your Jeep or SUV, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding one that first your needs. Many sites or dealers offer custom tire covers as well which means you can get whatever picture you want on them. Hopefully sometime in the not so distant future we’ll be providing a tool like that here or teaming up with one of the many sites out there to offer you more customization choices for your tire cover needs.

Having a tire when you need one is critical, especially if you have a vehicle that can support an extra tire mount as to have a full sized spare. However, when shopping for a spare tire carrier, you should know that they are not all created equal. You will need to find a mount that is compatible with your vehicle and that will support the weight of your tire.

One popular brand in spare tire carriers is Olympic, as they provide sturdy construction for just about any kind of tire, no matter your needs. Prices for Olympic tire mounts vary from $59.99 all the way up to $99.99, depending on your needs and how large a tire you want to carry. Supply stores like JC Whitney are the best place to get them, but other larger auto body shops should be able to fulfill your needs, depending on the sort of tires you are looking at supporting.

Of course, Olympic models are not cheap and they are not for everyone. If you are looking for a more economical model for purchase, then Rugged Ridge or Fulton model spare tire carriers might be best suited for you. They are not as sturdy in their construction as Olympic, but they get the job done. They are great for medium sized tires for mid-range to compact pickups and SUVs. If you have anything larger, you’ll likely want to go with an Olympic.

The type of tire carrier you purchase really depends on the style of vehicle you own. Most SUV owners prefer the arm style tire carrier, so that they can move the carrier out of the way to get into the back of their vehicle. Truck owners will want to look at bed mounted tire carriers, so they do not have to bother mounting a tire on their tailgate. There are also rear mounted tire carriers that place the tire underneath your vehicle. This style of tire holder is designed for those with over sized vehicles that sit several feet off the ground and can meet clearance standards.

Of course, you really cannot put a price on the convenience of having an extra tire when you need it, so this should be one of the main additions to make to your vehicle, if it does not already include a spare tire holder. If it does and yours needs repairs, consider speaking to the dealer. It is likely you can get factory parts and have it installed and fixed still under warranty if your vehicle is new. If not, you might have to do the job yourself, but then you can decide if you want to move to a different spare tire holder system, or if you are comfortable with the system you have.

No vehicle should be without a spare tire, as you will never know when you could have a blow out, run over a nail, or any other pitfalls which occur with tires. Keeping yourself on your toes by being prepared with an extra tire is the best way to ensure you are not stranded and will not have to pay the high price of having your vehicle towed.

Besides convenience, spare tire carriers also provide a sense of style, especially when accompanied by a custom spare tire cover.

Accidents happen, and when they do, it is best to be prepared for the situation by having some form of remediation or protection at hand. One instance in which individuals can engage in careful protection is by investing in spare wheel covers. Wheel covers, also known as "spare wheel guards" and "tire protectors", are items that can be placed over the wheels of vehicles to guard them against inclement weather conditions and hazardous ultra-violet "UV" rays, both of which can age and damage rubber badly. Vehicles that are parked outside in the elements rather in a garage on a daily basis are at an increased risk for developing cracked sidewalls from the sun's UV rays, especially if the vehicle is hardly ever driven. Wheel covers can be viewed as just another investment in your transportation and safety as it will stop the quick aging of tires remarkably.

Environmental impacts on tires are incredibly potent, especially UV rays and ozone chemicals. To shield a tire most effectively from these environmental hazards, it is best to understand some basics. All tires are made of a substance known as "carbon black" (this substance gives tires their black appearance); carbon black combats UV rays by reflecting the heat back into the atmosphere. As time goes on, though, the carbon black on tires withers away, which drivers can notice easily when they see their tires fading into ugly colors. To prevent these instances from occurring, experts recommend having spare covers ready to cover their tires from these detrimental effects.

Driving experts recommend, too, that people not let their cars sit for long periods of time in their driveways, as their vehicles are coming into direct contact with the ultraviolet rays themselves. By driving, individuals can extend the lives of their tires, as they tend to become more lissome.  More specifically, the "flexing" of the rubber makes the rubber itself become warmed, stretched out, and worked out, which in essence keeps the tire in pretty good shape; perhaps it is easiest to think of driving and utilizing the tires as forcing them to get exercise. If individuals do not "exercise" their tires, they become candidates for hazardous problems, especially when taken into account with UV rays. Again, then, having spare tire covers can minimize all of these problems for a person! For example, many people have motor homes and stationary vehicles that are placed in their driveways yearly; placing a cover over those tires is the most effective thing a person can do to ensure that they are not damaged by the weather or sun's rays.

Fortunately, spare wheel covers themselves are assorted in many sizes to happily accommodate all tires. They are slipped over the tops of the tires, stretching about one-third the distance down to the back part of the wheel. The front part of the cover stretches to the bottom in order to ensure that no rubber is exposed to the UV rays or inclement weather circumstances. Wheel Covers are typically manufactured from vinyl, which has soft inner lining, and nylon stitching. Some individuals may opt for grommets made of steel to be fitted at the apron's bottom while using a bungee cord to keep the cover situated. There are many wheel covers to choose from, but the main colors you’ll find are black and white. White covers minimize heat exposure, so it is probably more protective, even though it does not match the black appearance of tires. Regardless, though, all types of covers shield against UV rays, and the packages should state this claim boldly.

Some cars carry their spare wheels on a mounted-rear type of attachment. If it does not have a cover, too, it is at a risk for damage. These types of spare wheel covers are usually made of vinyl or metal, too, and are designed specifically for the rear-mounted types of tires. Because these covers are worn at all times, they usually adorn a logo or custom decal to add style. Covers made of metal may be used to discourage someone from stealing the tire.

An individual can purchase a cover, typically, at any vehicle store and even departmental stores; and always online. Here are spare tire cover online, we’re working on setting up our vendors so hopefully we’ll have some great options for you to puchase them here in the near future so check back often!