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Bit of panic on Sat night, towing back from Devon on the A380 near Newton Abbot.

After dinner, about 7:30pm, we got the kids into their pyjamas & settled in the car for the steady (traffic free) run back to the Middlelands. Doing a steady 55mph & suddenly felt the caravan start rocking/starting to move a bit.

Managed to bring it to a safe stop on the dual carriageway. Offside tyre had decided to come apart. Luckily the Tyron bands had helped keep the tyre on, & kept it on as we crawled at a couple of mph the 500 metres to a handily placed layby.

Managed to get the spare off but just couldnt (safely) lift the van so called Green Flag. Chap arrived in about 30 mins & soon had us on our way. Top marks to Green Flag. Great service.

Put the old nerves a bit on edge but remainder of the journey was fine. Kids asleep, roads wonderfully traffic free. Home for 1am.

For info, tyres are just coming up to 6yrs old, so around due for replacement. Suffice to say both the the spare & the nearside will be replaced too now.

A lucky escape. Keep an eye on those tyres guys, & make sure you've breakdown cover. We were certainly glad to see that flashing yellow light appear, I can tell you.

A couple of pics of the offending tyre...

Take care.

I thought tyres had to be changed at 5 yrs  

I had my van serviced in march this year when it had just reached 4 years old both tyres looked fine no cracks on the outer walls or tread, however when the engineer removed the wheels one tyre  was cracking on the inner wall, hence both tyres were changed.

we drove back from Cornwall on sunday over the 350 miles we saw around 6 vans on the hard shoulder with blow outs   also on the site we were on a couple that we got talking to had their van damaged on the way dow due to a blow out, it took the wheel arch outer and inner, damaged the floor,fridge and wiring.

I agree you deffo had lady luck on your side

Bessie 

Could I ask what make was the offending tyre?..

Quote: Originally posted by freeatlast on 15/8/2012

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It looks like the tyre has been on its way out for some time. Notice that some of the steel bands in the third picture are rusty. Water can only get into the tyre if the tread is already damaged. Possibly hit some road debris some time earlier.

Moral of the story, check all your tyres, car and van before every journey, and yes, caravan tyres should be changed every 5 years.

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Another thing to be aware of (as has been pointed out on this forum before) don't assume when buying a new van that it has new tyres, they can be 2 or 3 years old already.

Same goes if buying second hand, dont assume that a 5 or 6 year old van has 5 or 6 year old tyres. Check the date as well as the tread , walls etc

Quote: Originally posted by takisawa on 15/8/2012

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Its says "Master" on the side wall. Will take a closer look...

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We have just changed the tyres on our van,it cost bit because it's a twin axle but the old ones had done there bit as they were almost 7 years old,I know we was pushing it a bit but I have kept a very close eye on them and there was no serious cracking on the side walls ,the guy at the tyre place said they was in good condition for the age .

pushing it is a understatement, towing a caravan with tyres that are 7 years old is plain stupid, not only do you risk major damage to your van as pointed out above but you also run the risk of turning your van over which not only puts your lives at risk but also other innocent road users around you  
 

4 Tyres is a small prive to pay for peace of mind.....it is to me anyway

bessie

Quote: Originally posted by markh1 on 16/8/2012

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Grampian91

I have a Tyrepal TA22 which warns me of any problems, only cost £125, see tyrepal.co.uk

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