Caravan Tyres
It seems the way to go is to replace ones caravan tyres some time between 5 & 7 yrs from new. Do those that do this also replace the tyre on the spare wheel at the same time, although it's probably never been used?
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A good subject to bring up nellie. I don't have an answer but am looking forward to the replies.
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We did on our first van which we had eight years, and will do on the current one. I worked on the basis that it did not make that much difference that it had not been used, it would still have deteriorated due to age. Not sure if that is the case, but if
I had to use it, the last thing I would want is for it to fail after a few miles. The cost, when you total up what it costs to run a van, is fairly insignificant. So better safe than sorry.0 -
depends where it's stowed. If it's never seen the light of day, it'll probably be in better nick than the two/four you've taken of the caravan. And as madhouse says, even a tyre that's older but in reasonable condition will likely get you to the nearest
tyre bay0 -
It is not use that is the only problem, it is UV degradation which can cause serious damage and hence you often see wheel covers on vans Sur le continent. Check with the tyre manufacturer themselves, some claim 7 years is ok (Hankook I believe), others only
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I have changed my tyres at 7 years ever since I started caravanning. I have never changed the spare. Prior to 12 years ago the spare was always stored inside the van or towbar locker. The last 'van I did change the road tyres at 7 years old but not the spare
as that was more protected from light being beneat hthe 'van. Presently my tyres are under 5 years0 -
I took our 6 year old tryes on there wheels down to out local fitter (independant) who I have known for around 40 years and he said the tyres wher in very good condition and if they were his he would not replace them. So I didn't, and for the following year
it just played on my mind so when we got back fron our extended trip I went back down and got all THREE replaced.Piece of mind for the next 6+ years. hopefully.0 -
Yes, I always replace the spares on my m/h and trailer. The last thing I want is a puncture or blowout and then the same happen again on the same trip with the spare simply because it wasn't up the job. You might as well leave it at home and save the payload.
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Thanks for all your posts. Seems to be mixed thoughts on the subject. I think that I'll check with my tyre supplier what he does himself, being a caravanner too.
BTW do you all check your spare tyre regularly? I try and remember to look at mine a couple of times a year.
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For me this is not an issue, because I rotate my tyres (including the spare) every third season, keeping a record of which goes where. Mainly because the N/S tyre works a lot harder than the O/S and each one has three years rest as the spare, each tyre therefor works for six years. When towing I try to keep well away from the kerb, sunken grids and most of the surface repairs, but on narrow roads this is not always possible. Of course my van is a single axle.
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We never had these problems years ago, I overloaded our caravan terribly because we did not have MIRO or any other guide. We did not have the 85% rule so as long as your car could pull it it was OK. We had our tyres checked every few years or so and unless
there were cracks in the sidewalls the tyre guys said we were fine. The caravan manufacturers did not supply spare tyres so we bought a wheel from the accessory shop and a second hand tyre from our local tyre guys just in case. We never had a puncture in 37
years of towing. Now we have a modern caravan, we change the tyres every 7 years, we measure nose weight, we are careful what we load in the van, we bought a new towcar because of the 85% rule. I guess times change (but we have still not changed the spare
because it is out of the sun and has never been used, enough is enough !!!)0 -
We never had these problems years ago, I overloaded our caravan terribly because we did not have MIRO or any other guide. We did not have the 85% rule so as long as your car could pull it it was OK. We had our tyres checked every few years or so and unless
there were cracks in the sidewalls the tyre guys said we were fine. The caravan manufacturers did not supply spare tyres so we bought a wheel from the accessory shop and a second hand tyre from our local tyre guys just in case. We never had a puncture in 37
years of towing. Now we have a modern caravan, we change the tyres every 7 years, we measure nose weight, we are careful what we load in the van, we bought a new towcar because of the 85% rule. I guess times change (but we have still not changed the spare
because it is out of the sun and has never been used, enough is enough !!!)Same spare for 37 years
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We had a nail puncture a couple of years ago in Germany and had the tyre repaired. At next service I asked them to look at the condition of tyres. The one that had been repaired had a slight crack starting on the inner side, even though I make sure they
are moved every month and have wheel covers on. So I replaced both wheels. The spare was checked and deemed to be OK as carried in locker. I check tyre pressure on it before any trip away.I would rather change the tyres every 5 years even if they don't appear to need it, providing we are keeping the van for a few years more. Peace of mind for £80 or thereabouts.
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I just recently changed our spare after about 9 years. I was changing the ones on the caravan, so got all three done.
One reason was that the spare (original fit) was one of the infamous 'exploding Matador' brand (we saw first hand how this could happen) so, even though it had only done about 50 miles on the caravan, I thought I'd get rid.
On a related issue, we used to keep the spare on the completely useless Alko spare wheel carrier, until one time in France after having a puncture and I couldn't budge the thing. Now keep the spare under the bed. But the wheel had rusted quite badly while
it was hung in that stupid position just above the road. My local tyre fitter pointed out the rust around the stud holes and cleaned them up for me. I then applied a smear of grease. He said that otherwise there is a danger that the studs will not properly
tighten onto the wheel.0 -
Another +1 for Hankook Vantra tyres, van tows far better with them on than the ones it came with.
I didn't change the spare last time, it looks perfectly fine and i would only use it for as short a time/distance as possible until i could get the punctured 'main' tyre replaced. I check and clean my spare thoroughly at the beginning of the season and a
check it couple of times for pressure during the season - pre-checks before longer trips, usually.0 -
We were advised by the caravan engineer who has just serviced our van, that the spare is in good condition and no cracking or degradation was visible, even though it is the same age as the road tyres. He said it was because the spare is kept in the front
locker and is not exposed to sunlight.So it looks as though it may depend on where the spare is stored.....
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