Originally Posted by alcjphil

Tubeless rim tape does 2 things: First, it provides a seal for all of the spoke holes so that the rim is air tight. Second, it is very thin so that it makes it much easier to install a tubeless, and also a tube type tire on a tubeless ready rim. If you are having trouble installing your tube type tires, check to see what sort of rim tape was installed on your wheels next time you have to take the tires off.