Caravan Tyre Clarification

[Tonka]

I am trying clear up the confusion I have about my caravan tyres. After reading through the PC forum I don't think I have found the answer just yet.

My 'van is a five berth c1984 Elddis Cyclone single axle. She is old but does the job for now. It had tyres on it about 5 years ago so I appreciate they are old and the side walls have started to perish. So new tyres it must be.....

Present tyre sizes are (as taken off the side walls)
LVR 155R13C 90/88P 8PR/LRD Load 600KG
My question is what tyres can I fit to the wheels?
Do they need to be 8 ply/reinforced?

My best price so far is £46 fitted
I am obviously trying to keep costs down so any help would be appreciated ;-)

 

[Gafferbill]

Are you sure they are 155R13C as that seems a bit narrow for a 600kg loading?

 

[Lutz]

So long as the load index (90 = 600kg) is correct, it is not absolutely necessary to have 8 ply rating/reinforced tyres, but it would be wise to have them as caravan tyres are more likely to be subject to hitting kerbs, etc. and the reinforcement gives some added protection against sidewall damage.

 

[RayS]

I would first check the MTPLM (maximum all up weight - loaded) of you van which should be on a plate fixed to the outside. The rating of your existing tyres suggests that this is no more than 1200kg, but if the figure is more than this you need to ensure each new tyre is capable of taking half the higher figure e.g. if the MTPLM is quoted at 1300 kg then each tyre should have a minimum rating of 650kg. In this case the load index figure would be 93. The C denotes commercial (e.g. van) tyres which are commonly used on caravans. R indicates radial and 155 and 13 are profile and whell diameter respectively. Speed rating P is up to 90 mph.

You probably don't need 8 ply if you can find 6ply with the right load index but you may find that the majority of tyres in this size are in fact 8 ply and there may be little or no cost saving. Suggest you google tyre suppliers, perhaps looking for van tyres and see what comes up. you will need to factor in fitting, valve and balancing charges on top of the purchase price and some fitters charge quite a lot for tyres they have not supplied. On the various websites you just fill in the tyre details as you have listed above except that you use the 90 from the 90/88 figure or whatever load rating you find you need.
Caravan Club have a very good technical leaflet on wheels and tyres which you can download - it explains things in more detail than I have. Hope this is some help.

If you are thinking of using the van on French autoroutes I understand you need to have at least R speed rating - but I would check whether this is still current.

 

[TD42]

Hi Sean,May I sugest you read through this artical first http://www.tyresafe.org/caravantyres/load/ you will need your tyre details & the maximum allowed weight (MTPLM) of your van
The load index of your present tyre is 600kg = max load of van 1180kg allowing 10%safety factor as recommended.
if your van is heavier you would need tyres with a bigger load factor
the 6ply 8 ply rating is not so important as long as the load factor is sufficient

 

[JTQ]

The load index of your present tyre is 600kg = max load of van 1180kg allowing 10%safety factor as recommended.

Is this a "typo" meaning 1080kg?
If not I am struggling to understand the 10% factor.

 

[Tonka]

Thanks for all of your replies guys.

The MGW plate states 875Kilos (and even that it was built in Consett Co. Durham)

 

[Guest]

As I see it you have a few choices, the cheapest will be a pair of 165/80x13 tyres, load index 83, these are just nicely inside the safety limit and carry your van at 30psi.
Be careful though, there is a similar tyre, 165x13, with a load index of 82, close, but not good enough.
One proviso is that your wheels are suitable for 165mm wide tyres, probably will be but tyre fitter will confirm.

 

[TD42]

The load index of your present tyre is 600kg = max load of van 1180kg allowing 10%safety factor as recommended.

Is this a "typo" meaning 1080kg?
If not I am struggling to understand the 10% factor.

Erm!!! yes

 

[Tonka]

What has happened to the post. Its all out of date order

Ignore me, its fixed now

 

[vauxhall2]

this may help
http://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-safety/