For various reasons (COVID being one) our caravan has been stuck on our drive since September 2019. It’s got 2 wheel clamps on, and though I use it as an office, we haven’t actually moved the van, so it’s rested on the same place on the wheels for a year. Will this cause damage? I know I should have pushed it a bit to move the wheels, but One of the clamps is a pain, and I guess I’m lazy. I’m sure dealers don’t move all their caravans regularly, but what do you think am I going to get problems when I start using it again next year ?
It wants jacking up and the wheels spinning a few times every - 3 months?, to make sure the drums are free. (hopefully the handbrake isnt on as its stood). Then set the wheels down opposite to where they were. Also, it will pay to have it serviced before you use it next, or on the anniversary (near enough) of the last one. The technician should advise on the tyres.
Unless its in a vulnerable/high crime area, do you really need 2 clamps if one, in particular, is a pain?
Agreed, perhaps best not used on a long run, especially if exposed to direct sunlight. Have a look at the date stamp on them, they may need changing anyway, (5 years from manufacture, never more than 7).
Dave.
------------- Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day,
Teach a man to fish and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend.
I'm in a similar situation and won't be using my van until next year. I use tyre savers which are meant to spread the load on the tyre around a larger area. They're not a perfect solution, but may help somewhat to prevent potential flat spots. I also put tyre/wheel covers on as they give a home to spiders over the winter
Oh dear is it really as bad as that, the tyres are only 2 years old... do dealers always move their caravans then ? I usually get it serviced every other year anyway so I will do that next spring (COVID allowing)
Yeah in theory I can just roll it. In practice I have a nemesis wheel lock with a retainer bolt, but it only works if the bolt is at the bottom of the wheel otherwise the brakes get in the way. So I can not roll it half a wheel rotation, cos then the lock won’t fit. Though to be honest it’s got a hitch lock, a 2nd wheel clamp, and it’s 13 years old, so maybe I don’t really need that 2nd clamp..
My caravan hasn't actually been used since September last year either, and has only been moved forward a few feet forward and back once this year when I trimmed the hedge behind it. It's not one that needs a lot of trimming. The earliest it is now likely to get used (Covid permitting) is May next year, but as my tyres are probably due for replacement anyway I won't be moving it again in the near future.
If my tyres were not due for replacement however, I would probably go out there, jack the caravan up, and turn the wheels a quarter of a turn. Then I'd do the same again early in the new year. Must admit though that my wheel clamp is a bit of a pain too.
Quote: Originally posted by SmellySocks on 26/10/2020
Yeah in theory I can just roll it. In practice I have a nemesis wheel lock with a retainer bolt, but it only works if the bolt is at the bottom of the wheel otherwise the brakes get in the way. So I can not roll it half a wheel rotation, cos then the lock won’t fit. Though to be honest it’s got a hitch lock, a 2nd wheel clamp, and it’s 13 years old, so maybe I don’t really need that 2nd clamp..
You could always move the van, and then change the wheel-bolt with another, so that the lock bolt is back at the bottom.
Quote: Originally posted by Eddie12 on 26/10/2020
You could always move the van, and then change the wheel-bolt with another, so that the lock bolt is back at the bottom.
That’s a fair point actually, and could be less hassle than trying to line things up after a holiday too.
Our motorhome stands for 5 to 6 months of the year without turning a wheel, the tyres are fine. It's 6 years old and lives in the garage, will probably need front tyres next year due to wear (and age)
When you think of the hammer tyres go through just traveling A to B, i wouldnt think being a stood would cause them much harm. Especially if they were covered somehow from the elements.
Quote: Originally posted by GrahamWB on 27/10/2020
When you think of the hammer tyres go through just traveling A to B, i wouldnt think being a stood would cause them much harm. Especially if they were covered somehow from the elements.
I think the problem is that if a vehicle is stood for a long period (several months) with the wheels in the same position, it will develop flats in the tyres where they are in contact with the ground. Whether that does any long-lasting harm I really don't know. What it could do though is set up severe vibration when first moving off and until the tyres warm up. Having said that, my caravan rarely moves between the middle of September and the middle of May any year, and I haven't had any problems so far. A tyre expert would be the only person to know for sure.