SamandRose said:
I need to replace the tyres on my caravan.
The details on the existing tyres are "165R13C". This doesn't match anything offered by tyresonthedrive.com, but seems to translate using Google to "165/80R13C" (which does). Is this correct?
The existing tyres are also marked "94/93N". I understand that the numbers indicate load capacity and N is a speed rating, but what loads, and what speed? Where can I find this out?
Are tyres made specifically for caravans/trailers or will a "commercial" tyre suffice (provided that the load and speed ratings are suitable)?
And lastly, given that the mileage on the tyres will not be huge, is there any advantage to choosing a premium or mainstream, as opposed to a 'value' brand?
If it's of any use (or interest) my caravan is a single-axle Avondale Dart, MTPLM 1250kg.
Thanks in anticipation!
Right Back to basics!
You need to ensure the tyres you get are the same size and load rating as were originally fitted. Your tyre supplier should be able to advise about the direct equivalent sizes, at least if they get it wrong you have the Consumer Rights Act to force them to put it right!
As for the make of tyre, provided the tyre is approved to be sold in the UK, it will at least meet minimum standards of grip and noise.
I am not convinced that going for an expensive branded tyre for a caravan is necessary. If you compare the life of tyre on a car and those on caravans, there are some important differences:
The tyres on a caravan do not have to transfer acceleration power through the tread that is only the driven wheels on the tow vehicle. Nor do they have to handle the side loads of cornering in the same way as on a car, becasue the car leads and in essence the caravan just follows.
Caravan tyres do tend to carry more weight per tyre, but the load rating should be chosen for the weight of the caravan. And yes, both caravans and car tyres have to handle braking forces, but here again the caravan tyre should be built to handle these forces as part of its load index. But even then the braking loads are still likely to be considerably less than for a solo car becasue towed outfits tend to be driven slower, and the energy transfer involved with both braking and accelerating is proportional to the square of the speed difference
In general its likely the average caravan tyre will be less stressed than the tyres on a car if for no other reason than the fact most caravans only do a fraction of the mileage of most cars. As a consequence tyre wear is usually not a problem with caravans, its more likely age and lack of use that will precipitate the need for a tyre change.