Tyre Replacement

[HOVIS1]

I require to replace the 3 tyres on my Bailey Ranger GT60 (2010)The 2 road wheels are fitted with the Tyron device- the spare Not.TThe Tyres as fitted are: TRAILERMAXX - 185/65/R14 --- GRP-93/91N - RadialI have read that these are not the best tyres, and that a Caravan dealer is the worst place to go for replacements.Can anyone advise as to how, what and when ?

 

[Gafferbill]

.....I would fit a commercial van tyre such as the Hankook RA08

They are very good in a caravan application and the 185R14 size has a Q weight rating which is a higher specification than your existing tyres.
Have all three wheels balanced and you will probably have to order the tyres though your chosen fitter as they are not normally widely stocked.
I use ATS.

 

[RogerL]

the 185R14 size has a Q weight rating which is a higher specification than your existing tyres.

Q is the speed rating, 99mph.
The Load Index is a 2/3 digit number that relates to this chart http://www.blackcircles.com/general/load-rating

 

[otherclive]

I totally agree with Gafferbill. I got rid of Trailermaxx on our S5 Bordeaux,and now run on Firestone Vanhawks which are made by Bridgestone and are White Van Man tested to incredible speeds and are kerbing resistant too! Seriously though go for a commercail van tyre as it will be far better quality and with the competition not that much more expensive. They might also be newer when you receive them as the turnover is greater. Mine were only 3 months old on fitting.

 

[Gafferbill]

the 185R14 size has a Q weight rating which is a higher specification than your existing tyres.

Q is the speed rating, 99mph.
The Load Index is a 2/3 digit number that relates to this chart http://www.blackcircles.com/general/load-rating

Well spoted RogerL
I should have written......the 185R14 size has a 102Q weight/speed rating which is a higher specification than your existing tyres.

 

[brian_c]

Hello. Hovis
I also have the GT 60. 2010 2 berth Bailey.
It has the same tyres that you have. Are you changing for any particular reason I am a little concerned if there are problems with this particular tyre.
I always keep a close eye on the condition and pressures of my tyres and to my untrained eye both appear still to be perfectly road worthy. The spare is still new.
I am aware of the recommendations regarding tyre life but I am a while away from that at the moment.
I hope you don't mind my question like I say I am concerned if there are any safety issues. With this particular tyre.
regards Brian

 

[otherclive]

I'm not aware of any issues with Trailermaxx tyres they are extensively used by Bailey and caravan accessory outlets. Mine gave no problems. I changed them as my van had a weight upgrade to 1400 kg and the combined load on the tyres based on the LI was 1420kg. I know that there are margins built on on load and speed but they were also at 42 psi their max pressure. So I upgraded to higher LI tyres and initially went for GT Radial Kargomax ST 6000 in the original size for my spare. But then decided to buy commercial van tyres in a size more widely available in UK and Europe. Hence the Vanhawks which have the same rolling diameter as my Kargomax spare. Be aware that if you upgrade LI then the tyres will have a harder ride and need increased pressure. After contacting Firestone and GT Radial re pressures I now run at 53psi not the 42psi as specified for the Trailermaxx. So far my wardrobes are still fixed to the van!!!

 

[RogerL]

Be aware that if you upgrade LI then the tyres will have a harder ride and need increased pressure. After contacting Firestone and GT Radial re pressures I now run at 53psi not the 42psi as specified for the Trailermaxx. So far my wardrobes are still fixed to the van!!!

Upgrading the LI means the internal tyre structure is altered, permitting higher presures and higher loads - but if the tyre limit x2 is well above the axle requirement, you don't have to and shouldn't run at maximum pressure.
Some caravan manufacturers, including Lunar, erroneously specify maximum pressure when a lower pressure is more appropriate for the axle load. My 1500kg MTPLM caravan has 185/80 R14 104/102N tyres - these permit a theoretical axle load of 1800kg (2x 900) at 65psi - so 54psi is the correct pressure, not 65psi.

The exact pressure will vary for every caravan, based on it's MTPLM, the tyre Load Index and the tyre maximum pressure.

 

[otherclive]

Be aware that if you upgrade LI then the tyres will have a harder ride and need increased pressure. After contacting Firestone and GT Radial re pressures I now run at 53psi not the 42psi as specified for the Trailermaxx. So far my wardrobes are still fixed to the van!!!

Upgrading the LI means the internal tyre structure is altered, permitting higher presures and higher loads - but if the tyre limit x2 is well above the axle requirement, you don't have to and shouldn't run at maximum pressure.
Some caravan manufacturers, including Lunar, erroneously specify maximum pressure when a lower pressure is more appropriate for the axle load. My 1500kg MTPLM caravan has 185/80 R14 104/102N tyres - these permit a theoretical axle load of 1800kg (2x 900) at 65psi - so 54psi is the correct pressure, not 65psi.

The exact pressure will vary for every caravan, based on it's MTPLM, the tyre Load Index and the tyre maximum pressure.

thats precisely why I contacted the tyre manufactures direct as my Firestone Vanhawks are well under their maximum load at 1400kg but just using the Trailermaxx pressure of 42psi would have meant the Vanhawks were running under inflated. So who better to answer than the tyre makers.

 

[HOVIS1]

Thanks all for your replies.I am slightly paranoid regarding tyres and do not wish to be rolling around under a 'vanon the edge of a motorway at my age (75 with medical problems)I see that Kwik Fit are offreing a mobile fitting service combined with Tyron etc.I am considering this, and seeking their advice as regards to tyres etc.No doubt there iwll be a few comments regading this !!!!! although I have found them alwayssatisfactory in the past.Thanks aagin all.

 

[otherclive]

In my experience outlets such as Kwik Fit are pretty naive when it comes to caravan tyres. If I were you I'd tell them the size and load rating and what sort of tyres you want Ie Trailermaxx or a commercial van tyre. Otherwise take your van to your Bailey dealer and use their services.

 

[RayS]

The last time I replaced caravan tyres I looked at caravan de4aler prices and then at the more general tyre suppliers. There was a big difference in prices very much in favour of Kwickfit et al.
However, I wouldn't ask them which tyre to fit, but choose myself and then just shop round for the best price. You can do this quite easily if you have all the tyre details for your van and you will find some suppliers including Kwickfit will fit at your home or storage site for not a very large extra charge particularly if you are buying more than one tyre.
One additional thing to check is that the tyres are bi-directional, i.e. can revolve in either direction. Some caravans were fitted with uni-directional tyres wheich meant that there was a 50/50 chance of the spare being wrong for the tyre you wished to change. (Actually the odds are worse than 50/50 as you have to factor in Sods Law).
The mobile fitters should be able to balance the wheels and will probably charge about £5 each to take away the old ones -- 'disposal charge'. You may fint your local tip will take them free.

 

[HOVIS1]

Thak you for all your input.I have now had new tyres fitted - Make ????? , and on gettting quotations, received one fitting cost, from a caravan dealer, which involved Tyron removal and refit of £54.00 plus VAT !!! per Wheel.!!!!!! I have just had 2 replacement tyres fitted,by a reputable tyre company, on my drive, for £5.00 extra for Tyron removal anf refit!!