Tire Protection Devices

RV tire protectors like Rettroband, Tyron bands, and RV-de-fenders are safety devices designed to mitigate the dangers and damage that can result from a tire blowout on a large, heavy vehicle. While they all serve the same general purpose of providing peace of mind and protection, they do so in different ways.

Rettroband

Rettroband is a safety system installed on the front wheels of large Class A and C motorhomes. It consists of a polyurethane composite band with an embedded steel band that wraps around the wheel rim. Its purpose is to provide structural support to the rim in the event of a front tire blowout. By holding the rim off the ground, it helps prevent a sudden loss of control and allows the driver to safely steer the motorhome to the side of the road. Rettrobands are not designed to protect against damage from a blowout, but rather to ensure the vehicle remains controllable.

Tyron Bands

Tyron bands are a simple but effective safety device, typically used on caravans, motorhomes, and trailers, to prevent a deflated tire from coming off the wheel rim. It's a metal or composite band that fills the "well" of the wheel, which is a necessary feature for mounting a tire. In the event of a blowout or puncture, the Tyron band prevents the tire's bead from slipping into the well, keeping the tire on the rim. This gives the driver a "run-flat" capability, allowing them to maintain steering control and drive to a safe location to change the tire. Unlike Rettroband, Tyron bands are generally used on all wheels, not just the steer tires.

RV-DE-FENDERS

RV-de-fenders are a blowout protection system designed to protect the RV itself from the catastrophic damage caused by a tire blowout. It's a heavy-duty, cold-rolled steel arch and backing plate that mounts to the axle and covers the wheel well. When a tire blows out, it often shreds and "whips," causing extensive damage to the side of the RV, including wiring, plumbing, and body panels. The RV-de-fender acts as a barrier, containing the force of the explosive blowout and shielding the RV's components from flying debris and the whipping tire. This turns a potentially expensive and vacation-ruining blowout into a simple tire change.