spare tyre

[RoyHorridge]

Our caravan is 4 years old and last year we suffered a blow-out of a tyre. This was replaced but I am now concerned that it is time to replace the other tyre. Our spare has sat underneath our caravan for 4 years. Would it be safeto transfer that tyre to the caravan and replace it with the worn tyre, or should I replace the worn tyre with a brand new one? If so, how long can I rely on the current spare to be useful in the event of a puncture?

Advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cooky1]

Roy, I think the general feeling is that caravan tyres should be replaced when they get to about 5 years old. They tend not to wear out but just get weaker due to their age and being out in all weathers.

I think I would buy 2 new tyres for the caravan and use the one that was replaced last year as a spare.

Graeme.

 

[rob_jax]

One of the requirements for "Tempo 100" in Germany (the ability to tow at 100 kph instead of 80 kph) is that the tyres must be less than six years old.

You need to be aware that the caravan manufacturers buy tyres in batches - and these can be anything up to one year older than your caravan - you need to check the DOT code on the sidewall of your tyres - there will be the word DOT and then a 4 digit code at the end of a line of letters and numbers. The last 2 digits are the year of manufacture.

And just because the spare hasn't been used, doesn't mean that it hasn't degraded either - it will be in almost the same state as the road tyres - damaged by ozone and other pollutants.

So I agree with Graeme - fit two new tyres to the road wheels and the most recent tyre as your spare.

Robert

 

[RoyHorridge]

Many thanks for the replies to my query. I will do as you both suggest and buy 2 new tyres

 

[butler1]

Hi All, This has made me think about the tyres on our 'van which should be replaced now. Do most people tow their caravans to dealers to have this done or do you take the wheels off yourselves and get them down to Kwik Fit or similar? Best Wishes, George T.

 

[AlfromYC]

Our local tyre fitter only charged me an extra

 

[graham_5040474]

I just bit the bullet this morning and took our Mendip Magnum into ATS to have both road tyres and the spare replaced. They all looked fine, but they were coming up to five years old and I didn't fancy the risk.

Graham

 

[Garfield]

As a former polymer chemist, Rubber is attacked by ozone especially when it is streched more than 5% this is why an under inflated tyre cracks at the bottom where the sidewall bulges out. any tyre of any age that has spent a long time flat on the vehicle should be considered for scrapping.

Always keep the tyres inflated correctly even if the caravan is not to be used for some time, better still put it on stands.