Tyron Bands or OKO tyre sealant

Tynwain
Tynwain Forum Participant Posts: 5
edited January 2018 in Caravans #1

I’m about to have new caravan tyres fitted and my local dealer has suggested I might consider OKO tyre sealant to replace the Tyron Bands I’ve used for the past 4 years?  I’ve never had a puncture on the caravan but I’m aware of the potential problems with Tyron Bands.  However, I’m not so sure of the potential problems associated with tyre sealants.  

The Caravan Club advices against using tyre sealants, does this advice still stand?.  I’ve checked the usual forums but all their comments are opinion based!  Does anyone have experience or professional technical knowledge of the OKO product that might help my decision? 

Thank you for any light you can shed!

Tynwain

Comments

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,867 ✭✭✭
    5,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited January 2018 #2

    Have you considered a tyre pressure monitoring system instead? I assume that OKO remains within the tyre and fills any small punctures as they occur? The problem with caravan tyres is that they often suffer catastrophic failure when the damage is greater than could be secured by a compound within the carcass of the tyre. 

    David

  • viatorem
    viatorem Forum Participant Posts: 645
    edited January 2018 #3

    I had some sealant professionally applied to a twin axle van. On changing the tyres I warned the fitter that sealant had been used. On removal of the tyres it was apparent that the sealant had completely dried out, the interior of the tyre looking like varnish. So I don't know how long it had be dry! Personally I would not use again. I change van tyres at 5 years, maybe sealants are designed for a shorter life. 

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2018 #4

    It's been a while since we've had a Tyron Band 'debate' 😉

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,678 ✭✭✭
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited January 2018 #5

    I was just thinking exactly the same thing MM.  I wonder if they are so widely used these days.  We don't use them a y more. Never used tyre sealant either.

    David 

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2018 #6

    What an uninformed dealer is my first reaction; they don’t sell the goo by any chance?

    Sealant is no “relacement” for Tyron Bands whatever opinion one holds of either. They address very different issues the only common ground is that tyres are involved.

    Sealant is there to stop the loss of air from a puncture, so in effect the tyre remains funtional as if it never happened.
    Tyron Bands are there to retain the tyre on the rim, post deflation from a puncture etc, no more no less and they don’t protect the tyre nor allow progress as if the issue never occurred.

    You could have both but then the sealant would not only cause reuse issues with the tyre but also the bands; in reality a whole mess and IMO not worth doing.

    As already mentioned the better investment in tyre management is in a TPMS. Here the puncture unless it is a catastrophic one or a genuine blowout will be detected long before the resultant pressure loss causes tyre wall over heating and over flexing damage. You will still need to put on the spare but be saved the cost of replacing the tyre, just the cost of a puncture repair.

    I use TPMS now in conjuction with bands that I have used for the last 27 years, IMO the best of both worlds though if I could only afford one it would be TPMS without any questioning.

  • Tynwain
    Tynwain Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited January 2018 #7

    Thank you all for your very thoughtful and considered answers, especially ocsid.  The conclusion I draw from this discussion is that I stick with Tyron Bands but also add TPMS.  I'm the 'belt and braces generation!

    Thank you

    Tynwain

    PS.  I'll print this discussion off and give it to my dealer; who does normally provide excellent service and advice.

  • dmiller555
    dmiller555 Forum Participant Posts: 717
    500 Comments
    edited January 2018 #8

    Be careful of your choice of TPMS. I've looked into changing mine recently because it is unreliable.

    One system I looked only had a warning indicator and did not offer any confirmation that the individual tyre monitors were communicating with the receiver. 

    I would try and avoid the type with the screw on monitor as these are a nuisance when adjusting tyre pressure and instead have the internal type fitted.

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2018 #9

    Mine are Tyrepal the older TB99 and are the aftermarket screw-on type.

    In reality, it only takes an additional few seconds to unscrew these caps even if using the anti-theft "Allen" screws, than undoing a conventional dust cap. It does facilitate ready battery replacement and should one fail DIY replacement. Whilst integral are neater they cost more and are not really a DIY option.

    Plus, mine activate the monitor even as I use the mover to bring my van down to my car, so I can peek in the car and see the readout obviating the need pre-trip to use a pressure gauge.

    I did have occasional issues with signal loss on the route, but moving the monitor solved this indicating punching the signal through my body was the last straw.

    The TB99 was a product targetted at vehicles not trailers but our car has its own and this is a cheaper option with only needing to use two channels.

Categories