Tyre recommendations

[Fraseb01]

My local tyre dealer promotes Nexen tyres, at a cheaper price than buy cheap on the internet and fitting locally.

I avoid Chinese brands but accept that most big name brands are made in China now!

Another vote for Nexen tyres, use them on various motors we have and our caravan.

 

[Kevin M]

Hancock Vantra LT every time on the caravans for me

Kev

 

[toad a caravan]

 

[Sam Vimes]

Finally got around to searching for tyre but failed at the first fence.

The current tyres only show 174R14C so I don't know the profile. Tried searching and in 2017 someone had the same problem but no resolution.

How can I measure the profile?

 

[otherclive]

Finally got around to searching for tyre but failed at the first fence.

The current tyres only show 174R14C so I don't know the profile. Tried searching and in 2017 someone had the same problem but no resolution.

How can I measure the profile?

A “C” tyre has a standard profile of 80%. Although there are some with a less ratio eg 70. But it will say so after the width figure. Stick to 80% better on potholes.

 

[RogerL]

A “C” tyre has a standard profile of 80%.

Any tyre without the profile can safely assumed to be 80%, not just higher Load Index tyres.

 

[Sam Vimes]

Thanks for the replies.

Not that I doubt you but is there some specification that details this. I'd hate to order the wrong tyres and then have the hassle of returning them.

 

[RogerL]

Thanks for the replies.

Not that I doubt you but is there some specification that details this. I'd hate to order the wrong tyres and then have the hassle of returning them.

The best I can find you is Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code

There's reference to European Tyre and Rim Organisation (ETRTO) but their standards documentation is chargeable https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Tyre_and_Rim_Technical_Organisation

 

[toad a caravan]

This may help

 

[toad a caravan]

 

[Sam Vimes]

Thanks all - yes, I did discover the info and various descriptions of tyre dimensions.

What became apparent when I attempted to measure my tyres is that the dimensions for tyre height are in an unloaded condition - i.e not really fitted and on the vehicle which would compress the tyre.

So when I measured mine it came out at about 68%. This means it could be 70 or 80% although I'm thinking 80% is more reasonable.

There's also suggestion that the 'C' after the tyre details indicates 'Light Commercial Vehicles'

 

[otherclive]

Any tyre without the profile can safely assumed to be 80%, not just higher Load Index tyres.

Any tyre without the profile can safely assumed to be 80%, not just higher Load Index tyres.

that’s what I said in the latter part of my post viz “70”

 

[otherclive]

Thanks for the replies.

Not that I doubt you but is there some specification that details this. I'd hate to order the wrong tyres and then have the hassle of returning them.

Just be guided by those experienced members who have been posting about his since year dot. If good enough for WVM you will be fine.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks all - yes, I did discover the info and various descriptions of tyre dimensions.

What became apparent when I attempted to measure my tyres is that the dimensions for tyre height are in an unloaded condition - i.e not really fitted and on the vehicle which would compress the tyre.

So when I measured mine it came out at about 68%. This means it could be 70 or 80% although I'm thinking 80% is more reasonable.

There's also suggestion that the 'C' after the tyre details indicates 'Light Commercial Vehicles'

If yours were 70 C it should say so after the width figure.

 

[RogerL]

that’s what I said in the latter part of my post viz “70”

I was clarifying the fact that it's not exclusive to "C" rated tyres - some older, lighter, caravans can/do use ordinary car tyres.

IMO it's much better to use Load Index and ignore the C

 

[toad a caravan]

I'm under the impression that the "C" relates to the height and width being identical, therefore a "80" signifies it's height is 80% of it's width,I have a 175x13C that is significantly taller when placed side by side upright with a 175 X 80 X 13 C

 

[RogerL]

I'm under the impression that the "C" relates to the height and width being identical, therefore a "80" signifies it's height is 80% of it's width,I have a 175x13C that is significantly taller when placed side by side upright with a 175 X 80 X 13 C

That's not true - initially all radial tyres were about 80% profile, usually 82%, compared to cross-ply tyres which were taller at 100% profile - a 175 13C tyre is the same as a 175/80 R13C

 

[Dustydog]

Just to wind back to the OP. AI, not a fan , but subject to checking is interesting and does suggest the profile.See screen dump,below.
Sam , is it cost or exactly technically what you want?


For an Elddis Xplore 304, you need to ensure you fit
reinforced "Type-C" (Commercial) tyres to handle the load and pressure, typically around the 175/65 R14C or similar size depending on your specific model year. It is highly recommended to replace caravan tyres every 5 years, regardless of tread depth, to avoid failure.
Recommended Tyre Considerations

• Size: Check your current sidewall for the exact size (usually marked with 'C' for commercial, e.g., 185 R14C or 175/65 R14C).
• Load Index: Ensure the new tyres have a load index equal to or higher than your current tyres to manage the weight safely.
• Type: Look for tyres marked 'C' (Commercial) or 'CP' (Camping Pneus), which are designed for the high pressure and load capacity requirements of caravans.
• Maintenance: Check for cracks, damage, and maintain correct pressure (often 50psi or more for C-rated tyres).
• Top Brands: Popular, reliable choices for caravan tyres include Hankook Vantra LT, Continental VanContact, and Bridgestone Duravis.

When to Replace
Caravan tyres rarely wear out, but they perish. Replace them if they are 5–7 years old, or immediately if they show signs of cracking, bulging, or have tread below 1.6mm.

 

[otherclive]

What specification were the OEM tyres on Sam’s caravan? Seems a basic starting point, given Sam has provided the details in post #29 why not just go for the same size and decent quality manufacturer. 43 posts seems quite excessive relating to the simple choice of tyre size and specification.

 

[Dustydog]

What specification were the OEM tyres on Sam’s caravan? Seems a basic starting point, given Sam has provided the details in post #29 why not just go for the same size and decent quality manufacturer. 43 posts seems quite excessive relating to the simple choice of tyre size and specification.

Perhaps our combined 14 posts didn’t help🤪🤪🙀

 

[JTQ]

I would have just simply measured the wall height in mm , divide by width 174 and multiply by 100. You don't need to be overly accurate

In Sam's case I expect that it will come out about 80 to 85 %. What I would call a "normal ", 82% aspect tyre.


DD,
Perhaps our combined 14 posts didn’t help🤪🤪🙀
It's the wet weather, we have to do something till we can get away.

 

[Sam Vimes]

I suppose I should have guessed that anything to do with caravans is not straightforward.

To those of you who used AI - don't in future It was wrong and ambiguous

It may seem that its not absolutely important about the profile as long as both are the same but what I want to avoid is getting something that's different from what I already have. Why - because if its different I'll have to reset the position of my motor mover.

The difference between 80 an 70 % profile on a 175 tyre is about 18mm.

I did some more careful measuring this morning and I'm convinced that the profile is 80%

I also searched for tyres with just the rating of 175/R14C 99/98 R and while these are available to order on line I haven't found anyone who will deliver to the boonies where I live. Interestingly there were some on Ebay but with a manufacturers date of 2020.

Also when seraching for the 175/R14C, some places offered a 175/65 14. So care is needed when ordering.

I still haven't found anywhere that states that without a profile figure the assumption is 80%.

I may just dump the problem on my local garage.

 

[otherclive]

I suppose I should have guessed that anything to do with caravans is not straightforward.

To those of you who used AI - don't in future It was wrong and ambiguous

It may seem that its not absolutely important about the profile as long as both are the same but what I want to avoid is getting something that's different from what I already have. Why - because if its different I'll have to reset the position of my motor mover.

The difference between 80 an 70 % profile on a 175 tyre is about 18mm.

I did some more careful measuring this morning and I'm convinced that the profile is 80%

I also searched for tyres with just the rating of 175/R14C 99/98 R and while these are available to order on line I haven't found anyone who will deliver to the boonies where I live. Interestingly there were some on Ebay but with a manufacturers date of 2020.

Also when seraching for the 175/R14C, some places offered a 175/65 14. So care is needed when ordering.

I still haven't found anywhere that states that without a profile figure the assumption is 80%.

I may just dump the problem on my local garage.

Why not get the same make and size that you already have then wheel arch clearance will be a given.

I’ve also noticed a developing trend to quote AI ad verbatim, with statements included that are confusing or untrue.

 

[Sam Vimes]

I'm tempted to do just that although they seem to be not easily available to me. Also they may not be the best, as one has an odd wear pattern on it. This is really why I was looking for the exact spec to see what alternatives there are.

FYI: Ovation V-02 175/R14C 99/98 R

Despite any real evidence that states these are 80% profile tyres I'm pretty certain they are. Its just that when I search for them a lot of hits are for lower profile versions. E.g 70 or 65. So I'm worried that despite ticking the box for just a 175/R14C I might get shipped something different. While this wouldn't be my problem sorting it out would be.

 

[Lutz]

I have never heard of a low aspect ratio ‘C’ tyre.