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Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 17/8/2012

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When i had my tyres fitted they seemed reluctant to want to balance them.

I had to insist.

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I always put 8 ply tyres on my van. Norm is 6 ply !.

I always put 8 ply tyres on my van. Norm is 6 ply !.--------------------------------

will that stop you getting a puncture then

No reduces side way flexing of the tyre which weakens it and could result in a blowout !.

This was on advice from a tyre dealer / caravan user after I had 2 blow outs on the same caravan a month apart. It was a big Bailey on a single axle and had 6 ply tyres fitted.

Looking at your pics you have at least the same alloys as mine so i am guessing your van is around the same vintage, I have just changed my tyres but have upgraded them from 175r14c to 185r14c, simply because the originals fitted by Swift were running right at the top edge for the weight of the van with hardly any safety margin.

Jon

Hi. Update, yes they are (were!!!) Matadors.

And thanks for that jonbob71, I'll be looking in to that.

Just shopping around for replacements at the moment, hoping to get away to Windsor (Legoland) before the School Hols finish. 

Van has a pretty high MTPLM of 1500kg, but we're usually around 1400kg loaded. Tow car is a Galaxy at 1800kg kerb weight. Its a lovely stable tow. Only thing we felt was a slight bump then a rocking sensation.

Quote: Originally posted by takisawa on 22/8/2012

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Hi. Update, yes they are (were!!!) Matadors.

And thanks for that jonbob71, I'll be looking in to that.

Just shopping around for replacements at the moment, hoping to get away to Windsor (Legoland) before the School Hols finish. 

Van has a pretty high MTPLM of 1500kg, but we're usually around 1400kg loaded. Tow car is a Galaxy at 1800kg kerb weight. Its a lovely stable tow. Only thing we felt was a slight bump then a rocking sensation.

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Almost exactly the same set up as us, except ours is a Fairway 570, so I would definately go for the larger tyres

Jon

Looks like the tyres are from Wk 23/ 2006.

Thanks for the advice jonbob.

Talked it over with a local Commercial Tyre Specialist who was of exactly the same opinion. The existing tyre is rated to 98/99 which means a max of 750kg on a single axle. The caravans MTPLM is 1500kg so fully loaded so there isnt much to play with.

The tyres he has recomended are Avons, made in the UK & are 185 R14 100 graded,  so only 10mm wider but rated at 800kg per tyre. Has come to £184 for two fitted, as the Tyron bands make it a little bit more difficult apparently. Once I get it back on two wheels I can swap the spare also.

The other tyre was in a very bad state. Outside face looked fine, no evidence of the horrors lurking on the inside...

I was really shocked on finding this, cant believe we just drove 200 miles on this...

Kwik fit charged me £122 for Two 185r14c, fitted on my drive April this year, Tyron included, you just need to let them know you have tyrons so that they can bring the frame with them

jon

Well, shes back up & running.

Shiny new tyres all fitted.

Video of the other tyre...

http://www.youtube.com/embed/88AXGFrZr5E