Cracked tyres
Michelin Agilis tyres on 3.5t dethleffs all show cracks at 4 years 15000 miles. I only realised when MOT peoples mentioned last week (as they gave me the pass Certificate !!!). Is this the norm for these tyres. Are all tyres types same. Any advice as where do I go next.
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Seems to affect them all over time, but variables like storage and exposure to UV light etc means no 2 sets age at the same rate. Your cracks are a clear sign they’re not in their prime so sidewalls will be stiffer and the tyre less able to withstand rough treatment. Most recommend changing at 5 years so budget for a replacement in the near for peace of mind.
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Had a similar experience with fairly expensive tyres that started cracking within 4yrs. Fitted budget tyres which are now 6yrs old and look in perfect condition. Both sets doing similar annual miles and the caravan repositioned each month.
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Hi TH,
Are your tyres the "CP" (Camper) version ? Have you checked your axle loads at a weighbridge and adjusted the inflation pressures accordingly ?
I have a 2015 Dethleffs Advantage uprated to 3,850 kg GVW which has covered just under 20,000 miles and no sign of tyre cracks (yet). But it rarely spends more than 3 weeks at a time parked up and is kept under cover, out of the sunlight.
Having said that, my wife's Volvo XC60 of similar vintage and mileage had cracks showing after 4 years, but that was parked up outside our house when we were away.
Seems a bit of a lottery when it comes to choosing tyres.
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They degrade with age and may already have had some age to then when fitted as new. Reading the date codes on them will tell all.
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From the pic, I would think that it is a blowout waiting to happen. I would replace before doing any significant distance. Degradation just standing is often a problem with LVs. I've just fitted new tyre covers to replace my four year old ones which have succumbed to the rigours of UV but at least they are cheaper than tyres, particularly when they are a birthday prezzie.
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During last years service the mobile engineer told us our then 5 year old caravan had 6 year year old tyres that were ok but would need changing at this year which we did during the service earlier this year the old tyres looked OK but better safe than sorry and we have a wonderful tyre place by us always ready to give advice
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If you cannot park out of direct sunlight, or remove the wheels, a good compromise is to simply cover the tyres or add some sort of shield to keep the sun off. Low volume tyres are often left on the shelf for years until a customer comes along. They can be six years old before they are fitted - Always check the date code before they fit them.
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I agree with CY. I've just replaced the tyres on my caravan that though old, looked OK ... no obvious cracks or crazing to the side walls. However, when they were off the caravan you could see various cracks at the bottom of the treads.
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Are all the tyres the same? the one in the pic looks to have some significant sidewall kerb scrubbing and may have suffered 'pinch' damage between rim and kerb top to cause those cracks. Obviously if they are the same then it's age degradation.
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Personally, I'd get them changed. Would it be worth trying a different make next time? Whilst we were away, I noticed quite a bit of tyre cracking on one of my tyres on the Discovery. I've replaced the tyre with the same make as soon as I noticed it, but will be keeping a closer eye on them in the future. In my case, it could be just a 'one off' for me, but if a similar thing happens again, I shall go for a different make.
David
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