Spare tyre on used caravan from dealer

[fkeates]

I bought a 2016 caravan (Bailey Madrid) from Raymond James in Warwickshire just before Christmas. I have found that the spare tyre is original (2016) and by my calcs should have been replaced as it is well over 5 years old and so past the recommended replacement age.

It went back or snags to be sorted, the tyre being one. Raymond James have advised me that they do not check spare tyres and it is not within their remit to replace them or provide spare tyres that are in date (this is also contrary to what I was told when I agreed to buy the caravan, which they’ve apologised for giving incorrect information - joy). They also say that as it’s a spare it will till be ok to use beyond the 5years.

Would a spare tyre that is 9 years old be considered safe and fit for purpose?

Are they correct that the tyre doesn’t need replacing or am I within my right to require them to provide a spare tyre that is within date?

 

[Dustydog]

I bought a 2016 caravan (Bailey Madrid) from Raymond James in Warwickshire just before Christmas. I have found that the spare tyre is original (2016) and by my calcs should have been replaced as it is well over 5 years old and so past the recommended replacement age.

It went back or snags to be sorted, the tyre being one. Raymond James have advised me that they do not check spare tyres and it is not within their remit to replace them or provide spare tyres that are in date (this is also contrary to what I was told when I agreed to buy the caravan, which they’ve apologised for giving incorrect information - joy). They also say that as it’s a spare it will till be ok to use beyond the 5years.

Would a spare tyre that is 9 years old be considered safe and fit for purpose?

Are they correct that the tyre doesn’t need replacing or am I within my right to require them to provide a spare tyre that is within date?

There is no definitive tyre age limit as to when you should replace your tyres but once your tyres reach 7-10 years old, you should keep a close eye on their condition and consider replacing them. Tyre ageing is commonly identified by small cracks, known as crazing, which appear in the tyre sidewall.

There is an Industry guideline that says 10 years maximum but no Law I know of saying so. My own unused spare is 15 years old ! It is checked every year and still shows no sign of cracking or deterioration. The annual service takes place soon . May be I may change it😉

I think your Dealer is correct . Now if they “guarantee “ the tyre is all good and safe and then fails because of age that’s another story

 

[Mr Grumpy]

What wheel rims are on the van?
Probably Alloys with a steel spare. In which case you'll probably want to refit the Alloy as soon as possible meaning your spare gets very limited use.
Changed ours last year, old one dated 2008.

 

[otherclive]

I used to change my spare at 10 years max. It would not have had exposure to UV like the road tyres, and it would not have been used. Even if it had been used it would only have been until a new road tyre had been fitted, as I would not have wanted to not have a spare available. Nor would it have sat for periods under static load. When changing it I did not put premium tyre on, but went for a lower cost brand.

To satisfy your concerns buy a new spare, cost is peanuts over its lifetime.

 

[JTQ]

The UK tyre industry deems a "new" tyre to be one up to 5 years old since its manufacturer!
If that is used with the 7 year life on a caravan, we could be looking at 12 years from manufacture.
Plus, and IMO a very big plus we are here talking about a spare not exposed to direct sunlight UV, load carrying flexing nor static load carrying, so quite a different case to a fitted road tyre.

Experience is that despite regularity standards not all tyres by a long way are created "equal".
I have known of budget caravan fitted tyres, even as a spare, that have been unfit for use at three years since manufacture.
My experience with budget factory fitted tyres has been so horrific I mandated my present van was supplied with what I class as other than a budget brand of tyres, it came fitted with Goodyear. Its Goodyear spare is now 16 years old but only "used" for about 50 miles, it looks as new and I have no intention of replacing it. IMO the risk of needing it and it failing if used is too low to spend about £150 replacing it.

I would have little confidence your van was factory fitted with other than a budget tyre, and from my experience would dump the spare now, or as soon as you replace its road tyres, using the best of those as the spare.

 

[RogerL]

When my 2013 Lunar needed it's first new set of tyres, I just replaced the two used on the road - when they needed their second set I again replaced just the two used on the roads - but - had the best tyre removed put onto the spare wheel.

I have no issue having a spare that 6-12 years old depending on where I am in the replacement cycle - the spare is kept in a cover and store in the garage when not using the caravan.

 

[fkeates]

Thanks all for the comments.

Raymond James provided a new set of tyres on the wheels but didn’t change the spare, which was my challenge with them. Does look like there is no industry requirement, and despite what they told me when I asked when buying the ‘van, they have no requirement to change it. (Ie, there’s nothing legally wrong with it)

As others have said, for piece of mind, I’ll change it. it also means I start a new to me ‘van, with all new tyres. I do a lot of miles, so want confidence any spare will be fit for purpose.

I’m just pissed off they said one thing when buying the ‘van then apologised for saying that once I’d bought it! I know I could have recourse for miss-selling , but not worth it for this small issue (& I love the ‘van 🩷)

 

[Dustydog]

Plus your Dealer generally is well respected by their customers which is a very good factor today😉

 

[RogerL]

I don't know how local to Raymond James you are but Trade Tyre Services in Shenstone, near Lichfield, are always cheapest for caravan tyres when I've needed them - they'll do mobile fitting or at their base.

Tyres Sutton Coldfield | Tyres Lichfield | Trade Tyres Services (Midlands)

Trade Tyres provide tyres Lichfield, Sutton Coldfield, Shenstone. We'll fit tyres Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield at the roadside, home or at our garage, try our new booking form to find the right tyres for you.

www.trade-tyres.co.uk

 

[Mr Plodd]

Provided the tyre looks to be in good condition I certainly wouldn't be bothered about using it if the need arose.
I have just had my 6th year service, the technician noted "Tyres out ot time, need replacing" No mention of condition, just their age.
Having checked them very thoroughly there is nottghe slightest sign of deterioration, either crazing or cracking, they are remaining where they are (my caravan tyres are never in direct sunlight where it's stored alongside my house)