Another newby on a steep learning curve.
Hello. Recently sold a canal boat and bought a caravan, it's a Bailey Unicorn Cartagena 2016, I need to source new tyres 185/65/R14 P1 Cint Verde 86H (My choice) this came up as the correct tyre from Bailey selection at Leisure-Tyres.co.uk. I live between derby and Nottingham and I am looking for fitting, can take van or home fitting, whichever is available?
All help appreciated.
Happy caravanning.
Charles.
Comments
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That part is not a steep learning curve at all!
Just phone two or three local tyre shops and get a price to supply and fit your caravan tyres at your home or wherever the caravan is. It’s an everyday job for them.1 -
Or just take the wheels to them as tyre depot yards are often unsuitable for caravans.
I recommend you ask to have the wheels balanced as well.
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In the past I have used ETyres (other similar companies available) Very convenient coming out to the house. They also had a handy guide to caravan tyres on their website. They can also cope with, or did, Tyron Bands if they are fitted but that does now cost extra.
David
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That’s what we did in our caravanning days. Really simple job with cornersteadies to help and a half decent Jack. Just remember to crack loosen bolts/nuts with full weight on axils, makes things easier. A torque wrench is a useful tool when replacing but not essential, just remember to check for tightness after a few miles of sensible driving, having replaced the wheels of course. I always checked for tightness before each trip out mind.
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If you decide to take the above route, this may be helpful.
I must say though it sound far more complicated than it really is.
You really do need to be able to check tightness yourself for your trips out. I’m also seeing more caravans out there these days with those plastic nut check pointers on. Good idea I think and cheap too.
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Btw, as caravan tyres usually need to be changed when they’re 5-7 years old, I would ensure the tyres you buy haven’t been in stock for long. You don’t want to be buying 2 year old tyres!
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Don't Jack up the caravan up using the chassis use the axle or jacking points (if Fitted), raise the steadies on the opposite side you are jacking up as they will take all the weight as the name implies they are corner steadies not jacks. We have our caravan serviced each year by a mobile engineer and he will inform us 12 months before that the tyres will need changing prior to the next service as they will have reached their best before date and two occasions when the wheels have been removed for brake check and cleaning he has found nails in the tread so another couple of trips to see Simon our friendly tyre supplier
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That jacking point is important. Also as caravans can be left in storage for long periods it’s helpful to rotate the wheels a little and frequently. Maybe wheels chocked with the hand break off to avoid issues although a wheel lock will help. Some even put UV covers over the tyres to limit them perishing in the sun.
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Why ?
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Some years ago there was a car salesman who lived a few doors away from me who had had a a caravan up his drive for a long time, although he never appeared to use it.
He used to come into the pub where I worked with some of his friends and one weekend they were all laughing hysterically, as apparently, he had loaned his caravan to someone and a wheel had come off it whilst it was being towed on the motorway! I didn't think that it was funny at all and I certainly would not have wanted to buy a car off him!
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Thank you for the responses everyone, some useful pointers in there. Will look into mobile fitting, like the idea of them coming to me, thanks again.
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In addition to the excellent advice already given, buying "fresh" tyres has been a problem for some time. A new tyre is defined by distributors as being less than 5 years warehouse stored and a very new tyre as less than 3 years warehouse stored. This is obviously not good for us caravan owners, although I have heard of some owners saying there insurance companies are now recognising the situation and advising keep your fitting receipt. They will count the 5 years from that date.
One of the online suppliers actually has a "production year 2024 guaranteed" option on its website:- https://www.mytyres.co.uk/dot-2024
Colin
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I think amesford meant take one have it fitted and then return with the other to do the same. That way always at least one wheel on the caravan. If nothing else adds a little more security!😉 I did this, didn’t have to do both on same day, just individuals when convenient to do so. 👍
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Think about ordering those stud indicators now and fit them immediately after the mobile fitter has done his bit if less confident in using a torque wrench yourself. I’d still feel happier checking every time I go on a trip. This I feel is particularly important with any trailers. It’s part of my 5min pre-holiday tour check and is a good routine practise and adds that little bit of reassurance. Belt and braces some may think but I’ve seen wheels come loose, studs lost and also wheels lost on several trailers, never on a car mind. Is it something to do with types of rims, studs or bolts used or lack of folks understanding.
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While you're at it consider changing the spare tyre as well.
Changed all ours earlier this year. Very nice efficient young man from Kwik Fit came to our storage yard. All tyres changed, wheels fully balanced, wheel studs torqued up.
All in the pouring rain.
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I recommend Black circles online, with tyres delivered to your local fitting centre. I usually inspect my running tyres and keep this one, choosing to have the spare replaced and fitted first, then the worst of the running tyres. This ensures the spare is serviceable and not too old. The likelihood these days is that you will never use it, but just in case!!!
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