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 Topic: Tyre Blow outs
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08/8/2017 at 10:17am
Location: None Entered
Outfit: Geist Aktiv 565
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I've just returned from holiday and have ended up here after searching for information as to how to repair the damage caused by the blowout I suffered.
Prior to the trip I checked the tyres as usual, one had a few side wall cracks and so I replaced it. The other (different age and make) looked OK with good tread and no cracks so I didn't replace it at the same time, something with hindsight I should've done.
On the way home from our fortnight away I was on the A34 near Newbury, cruise control set at 60 and making good time when suddenly BANG and looking in the mirror I could see bits of tyre and debris flying out from the off side of the caravan. A car overtaking also started beeping and pointing at the van but I'd already guessed I'd had a blowout.
Anyone who knows the A34 will know there's no hard shoulder but fairly regular parking areas, however sod's law there were none within sight but I was able to pull onto an entry slip road which at least got me a little bit away from the fastest moving traffic and lorries. Quickly got the kids and dog out of the car and set up the warning triangle down the road for the people filtering onto the main dual carriageway. Checked the tyre and it was absolutely shredded, the whole central tread had stripped off and bits of wire were everyhere, amazing really as I had only gone about 500m from blow out to stop.
It was at this point, a guardian angel named Martin pulled up behind me. Lovely Irish chap, said he had been caravanning a long time and always stops to help anyone he sees in need. I've changed tyres before so the process didn't particularly daunt me but doing it with traffic zooming past was not hugely appealing, therefore his help made it much quicker. Absolute solid gold guy, if only we were all like him.
Put the spare on and it got us home, where we were able to inspect the damage. Nothing to the wheel arch or body thankfully but it had taken a 8 inch chunk out of the floor which is my next job to sort out.
Things I learned, in case they help anyone else:
- If you replace one tyre, replace the other at the same time
- Invest in a breaker bar, I keep one in my storage locker and was very glad I had it.
- Carry a decent jack. I used to carry a trolley jack but removed it due to the weight, however trying to jack a caravan with a car scissor jack is not fun or recommended. I'll be carrying a bottle jack from now on and save the weight somewhere else.
- If anyone stops to help you when you're in need, pay it forward!
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08/8/2017 at 11:16am
Location: Walsall
Outfit: Unicorn Barcelona 2 & Kia Sorento
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Quote: Originally posted by rushallmanor on 17/5/2013
I have had 2 blowouts in 26 years of caravanning.
The first shortly after I started to tow a caravan, we were on the A30 somewhere in Cornwall. At that time one lane each way, night time as I always travelled at the quiet time. And! BANG and there was a loud rumble from behind. We were travelling at 60mph on a winding road, the caravan stayed inline and I slowed to a halt. The scott stabaliser had done the job and kept the unit straight when the blowout happened. Changed the wheel in the dark on a bend! I don't think I would do that now. We are talking of the late 80's and the caravan was early 70's, tyres were crossply. We got to our destination without further problem The following morning I checked the blown tyre to see what the pproblem was. There was a hole in the centre of the tread about the size of a fist, closer examination showed cracking between the treads. I checked the other tyre and the spare and they were the same. They had been fine before the journey as I had checked them. So all had to be replaced.
The second time I was going around an island, 15 mph max, rush hour, Friday evening, city centre and that bang occured. I managed to pull off onto an exit road. We managed to block the one lane with the warning triangle while I got the spare off the Alko hanger!!!!!!! This time a huge chunk out of the wall of the tyre. Well we changed the wheel and then went to see what had caused the problem. Around the centre of the island one of the kerbstones was out of position and was sticking out about 10" (probably moved by a lorry)well I hadn't seen this and had caught the caravan tyre on it. I watch these kerbs very carefully now.
Neither times was there any damage to the caravan, but on both occasions they were in very difficult positions and I was thankful of the warning triangle. Even though this was put out cars came very close, both had been on the offside.
Now to add to this 4 years on I have had another tyre go, this time on a 2 year old caravan and I've no idea what caused it.
  [/IMG]
This shows the advantage of the twin axle, It was there when I started the journey, when I went around an island somthing felt wrong so I stopped to check, there it was gone!
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Regards
Steve
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09/8/2017 at 1:34pm
Location: Staffs
Outfit: Swift Challenger 490 SEL & VW Tiguan
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Have you had a Blow out?
Yes
Was it at low or high speed?
50mph
What was the cause? (if not known please say so)
Tyre disintegrated due to age.
How far had you travelled when it occured?
40 miles.
What type of road were you travelling on (Motorway, A or B. etc)
A38, dual carriageway near Newton Abbot.
any other relevant info.
Tyres were 6 years old. They looked perfect from the outside, inflated to correct pressure etc. No visible damage. Caravan began to feel loose, gently lifted off the power. Looked in mirror & chunks of tyre flapping around. Stopped (no hard shoulder), tyre was still on so drove slowly on hazards to lay-by, about 3 miles. Has Tyron bands this allowed us to drive on the flat tyre. I would recommend them every time. I believe the bands gave that tiny bit of control needed when slowing safely. I would have come off worse had we not had them.
On returning home I inspected the other side, which again looked perfect, but inside wall had large split which had started to come away.
On replacing the tyres the commercial tyre fitter I used looked up the weights & recommended a slightly wider tyre, with a higher load capacity. The 1500kg MTPLM of the van was right at the top end of the tyres 750kg specification. Since changing to a 850kg tyre the van tows beautifully. (If towing a van could ever be described as beautiful).
Hopefully a pic should appear below...
 Matador-3 by pten2106, on Flickr
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We found a large log and i pulled the van up on to it giving me room to use the jack and change the wheel.
