Caravan tyres
I read with interest the letter by Brian Wills re. Pressure points in the August magazine. I have been caravanning for over 20 years and have always been aware to check tyre and the tyre walls regularly knowing the life expectancy of a caravan tyre to be approximately 5years. However, I have had the opposite experience and would be interested to know if anyone else has also.
I purchased a brand new Swift Challenger 580 and picked it up at the beginning of June 2016. We used the caravan throughout the coming months with tyre pressures checked regularly. We probably did no more than a thousand miles in the next eleven months and our last trip was April 2017. I had booked the caravan in for it's first service early as we were going to France in May 2017. However as the caravan was new I really didn't think it necessary to check the tyre walls. I was phoned by the dealer on the afternoon of the service who, thankfully, advised me that both tyres had split walls and it would be unsafe to tow. I was in disbelief so went to check and was amazed at the condition of the tyres which I could see were made in 2015.
I contacted the British Tyre Manufacturers Association for advice and was told that the tyre 'Durun' was a Chinese imported budget tyre. I contacted Swift who offered to replace them. I was pleased to hear that, until they said only like for like. Not confident in this tyre, I stated I was travelling to the South of France the following week and wanted a good quality 'branded' tyre fitted. Swift said I could do that at my own expense and they would reimburse me £60 in remuneration for the two tyres (£30 each).
I had the dealer fit two new branded tyres, one of which cost more than the £60 but my wife and I now had peace of mind to go on holiday.
There must be many Swift caravans and maybe other makes with these tyres. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Regards
Lynn Davies
Comments
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A surprising situation.
No doubt the manufacturer can technically prove that the tyres are, and were, suitable to supply as original equipment.
Unfortunately they are 'Service' items so they bear no responsibility to reimburse you if they are faulty....(.'Fair wear ant tear' is a minefield).....however in your case they have offered a goodwill payment!
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Probably fitted to keep the purchase price as low as possible. Manufacturers claim this is what the consumer wants. Similar to shrink -flation the packets/sizes/lengths of things from chocolate bars, washing products, toilet rolls etc. Personally I'd rather know that the costs have increased to keep on a level playing field.
At least they have offered something towards the cost and you are having them replaced before any nasty accidents.
One would have thought that such things as tyres, along with many other items, would be part of a decent review and test of new motorhomes and caravans when specialists examine and try them. And commented upon such as this. We generally get banal comnents on the colour scheme, yes worthy of comment but not at the expense of proper examination, testing safety and other important issues like payloads! Especially with club(s) who promote our hobby and take membership fees. Whoops flying bacon again.
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I had the same problem with my Swift Elegance 580. Three years old and at the service was told that the side walls were cracking. I had them changed and the dealer said they would contact Swift to see if I could be compensated. Haven't heard yet. Presently in France and just checked. The tyres I now have are 'Constancy' never heard of them. I'll keep an eye on them.
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Simple answer for potential purchasers - 'I'll have it if........!' Good to know how keen you have to be the check even on new vans.
How many other 'economies' have been made with parts that we can't easily see and check?
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