My 2016 Coachman VIP 575/4 had its annual service three days ago and was given a clean bill of health. The highest damp reading being a lowly 8%.
What was pointed out though, was that my tyres were coming up to being seven years old. I know about the 5-7 year rule and if it hadn't been for the two years of Covid restrictions curtailing my caravan use I would have changed them sooner. The old tyres had still got 6mm of tread on them and the sidewalls showed no sign of cracking, delamination, lumps bumps or cuts but, with my trip to France coming up I have replaced them.
However, when I checked the date stamps on the "new" tyres one was marked 06/21 and the other 09/21 so the first one is already 12 months old before being fitted. They are exactly the same version of the tyre, just made at different times.
It would be churlish to complain as the tyres were ordered and fitted by a family member's tyre and auto company and they had quite a time with the Tyron Bands fitted to the wheels.
If these tyres had been fitted to a commercial vehicle, 10 years is the recommended change period but on a lighter caravan it's 5 years. It is my underestanding that the main cause of damage to a caravan tyre is caused by the UV rays from the Sun and the fact that caravans can potentially remain static for long periods of time in all seasons and weather conditions.
My new tyres have sat on a shelf in storage where they have not been exposed to the elements
So, can someone please give me the definitive answer if there is one, to whether the 5 year clock starts ticking when the tyres are manufactured or when they are fitted to a caravan?
Thank you.
What was pointed out though, was that my tyres were coming up to being seven years old. I know about the 5-7 year rule and if it hadn't been for the two years of Covid restrictions curtailing my caravan use I would have changed them sooner. The old tyres had still got 6mm of tread on them and the sidewalls showed no sign of cracking, delamination, lumps bumps or cuts but, with my trip to France coming up I have replaced them.
However, when I checked the date stamps on the "new" tyres one was marked 06/21 and the other 09/21 so the first one is already 12 months old before being fitted. They are exactly the same version of the tyre, just made at different times.
It would be churlish to complain as the tyres were ordered and fitted by a family member's tyre and auto company and they had quite a time with the Tyron Bands fitted to the wheels.
If these tyres had been fitted to a commercial vehicle, 10 years is the recommended change period but on a lighter caravan it's 5 years. It is my underestanding that the main cause of damage to a caravan tyre is caused by the UV rays from the Sun and the fact that caravans can potentially remain static for long periods of time in all seasons and weather conditions.
My new tyres have sat on a shelf in storage where they have not been exposed to the elements
So, can someone please give me the definitive answer if there is one, to whether the 5 year clock starts ticking when the tyres are manufactured or when they are fitted to a caravan?
Thank you.