Changing Tyres,

[Hutch]

Well, decided that the time has come that the tyres on the van need replacing, due to then fact that we have the pennies in the "Go for it "fund . The tyres on the van were made December 2011. We have done about 10, 000 miles in the 4 years, so with lots of wear left , but age gave in to my mind on the saftey side.
So looking around , decideded on Hankook R 18, tyres. For the better wet grip. . Bought , these on line from a very fast fitter, who saynon their website that all mobiles have the Tyron Bands changinging facilities,. ( Don't go there yet Prof. )
Turns out after a days delay because First the Fast Fitter, didn't have the tyron kit in the mobile van. Second bl9ke a very nice Lad from Heathrow, Allistair, with my help from my tool kit, ( why didn't I have the Alan key ) as he was the top tyron band man. Didn't have the 5 mil long Alan key.
Beware, if you have Tyron bands , there are only a few companies that can change your tyres. ,
Unless of course you are an Engineer , or a husband of one.

 

[Hutch]

And Please dont bid on Sprokets Kit on Ebay, YOU don't need it.

 

[DrZhivago]

Allistair, with my help from my tool kit, ( why didn't I have the Alan key ) as he was the top tyron band man. Didn't have the 5 mil long Alan key. Beware, if you have Tyron bands , there are only a few companies that can change your tyres.

Top Tyron man did not have the long Allen key ?!

I took my tyres with Tyron to be changed at my nearest tyre shop unaware of any special requirements. I watched some of the work and they did it with a standard tyre fitting machine and a long Allen key. I could put together such a key from standard stuff in my own toolbox - 5mm hex bit in a 3/8" system socket holder with a long extension would do. In fact if I had a reason to I would try it myself at home - I find myself taking tyres on and off quite often for some reason or other :-

 

[Hutch]

Well, took the van back to storage today and was surprised to actually feel a difference in the tow of the caravan, we would normally tow about 2500 miles a year, the old tyres came off, Maximillers, fitted new, with no balancing, put on Hankook R18's with balancing, and actually felt a diference in the tow.
I don't think it was my imagination. . Just need a tyre pressure sensing kit, for Xmas, yet another screen to distract whilst driving,
Question, do any TPMS systems have an audio alert.
Thanks
Hutch.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Yes, the scraping sound when the caravan skirt starts to drag on the floor hmy:

 

[Jaydug]

Yes - most make a beeping sound when a wheel goes out of range and the wheel on the display flashes. On mine, I can turn off the beep with a light finger stroke across the display once it's heard.

 

[mealsonwheels]

A timely reminder to anyone thinking of changing their caravan tyres, to check the date of manufacture on the sidewall of the 'new' tyres, before they are fitted.
We arranged, via the web, for a 'reputable' company to come out and change ours on the drive and as he got them out of his van, I read the date on the sidewall and refused them on the spot, as they were several years old!
Our local tyre company had Hankooks that were manufactured 6 months previously, for almost the same price as the web and we will use them in future.

 

[Gafferbill]

A timely reminder to anyone thinking of changing their caravan tyres, to check the date of manufacture on the sidewall of the 'new' tyres, before they are fitted.

I agree..........no point accepting tyres for a caravan that are over 6 months old if they are sold as new.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Should the date code be printed on both sides of the tyre? I have just had a new set fitted and can't find the date code on the outside (don't want to crawl under van with a torch to see the inside ).

 

[Gafferbill]

Hi Graham ........one side only.
They have to change the numbers weekly in the tyre mould so I presume a cost saving exercise by the manufacturers.........get crawling :lol:

 

[Hutch]

Yes checked on that before fitment, 11/17, on The new Hankooks.

 

[ProfJohnL]

There is no harm when ordering replacement tyres - to make it part of your contract to purchase by stipulating to the supplier the manufactures date code must be less 6 months old. Then they have no leg to stand on if they fit older tyres.