If you don't use your van in the winter do you move it on your drive or where ever you store it? When we had a motorhome we used to move it on it's storage spot every week as we couldn't get it out on the road in the winter. This was to reduce tyre damage. Should I be doing the same thing with the caravan?
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Tyres in winter
- Thread starter Andy Norfolk
- Start date
Had caravans over 50 and never moved any over winter months and never had an any tyre problem by not doing it. Dealers do not move them about and many stand for 12 months or more before being sold.
No point, think how long cars caravans and motorhomes stand in storage at factories, ports and dealerships etc. In addition do you see any tyre manufacturers recommending, or even advising, such actions?
It's a subject a bit like using dehumidifying crystals etc, some people are convinced they are a good thing/ work, others like me are thoroughly unconvinced. Again do you ever see dehumidifying crystals/heating in dealers stock caravans??
If you feel its beneficial then crack on, but I have never seen any evidence (other than peoples unscientific opinion) that its necessary, so I have never bothered and, like birdman, I have never had any issues.
Others will doubtless disagree with me 🙄
It's a subject a bit like using dehumidifying crystals etc, some people are convinced they are a good thing/ work, others like me are thoroughly unconvinced. Again do you ever see dehumidifying crystals/heating in dealers stock caravans??
If you feel its beneficial then crack on, but I have never seen any evidence (other than peoples unscientific opinion) that its necessary, so I have never bothered and, like birdman, I have never had any issues.
Others will doubtless disagree with me 🙄
At one time I used to put the caravan on stands and remove the road wheels to home. But it was a PITA, but that was overtaken by using the van throughout the winter. So I didn’t really need to even think about tyres other than their pressure and checking their condition. Must say winter caravanning isn’t the same as in the warmer months but it had a pleasure all of its own.
Perhaps a tyre manufacturer might know a thing or two.........
https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/tyre-knowledge/flat-spotting/
https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/tyre-knowledge/flat-spotting/
On the subject of tyres....
There's no way to get a mobile fitter here in the boonies, so how would I go about getting both wheels off at the same time, given that the recommend jacking point is just a smallish plate behind the wheel.
I can't see how to jack it up and then get an axle stand in place.
There's no way to get a mobile fitter here in the boonies, so how would I go about getting both wheels off at the same time, given that the recommend jacking point is just a smallish plate behind the wheel.
I can't see how to jack it up and then get an axle stand in place.
I used to use a 2 tonne hydraulic jack under the axle near to one of the wheels. Then remove the wheel and fit the wheel stands. Repeat on other side.
Take it to Glasgow, ( other towns and city's are available) leave it overnight on a side road, but the next day you will need new rims and tyres.
That's what I'd like to do but without taking another look underneath it seems that I'd have to put the axle stands where the jacking plates are which is where the jack will be.
I'm not really sure why Alko state only to jack up on those plates.
Read the entire article!
Nothing about moving the vehicle every so often, only a suggestion that maybe the pressures be increased slightly if they are going to be stood for a long time. Nor is there any mention of anything other than a very short term vibration if a flat spot appears.
Do Continental make any tyres suitable for caravans? I.e. those with a high load rating, rather than premium car tyres?
Yes Continental do make C tyres for vans and light truck with higher load indexes. I leave it to others to check the size ranges offered, but 15 inch is in the inventory.
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I did and I read the following.....
"Semi-permanent flat-spotting will occur if the tyres have been standing still under vehicle load for a month or longer. A typical situation where this can happen is if you’re storing your vehicle away for the winter months, or if it’s being transported overseas. The long standing times, especially in tandem with high temperatures and low tyre pressure, can result in more severe flat-spotting that normal driving won’t remedy.
If you suspect that your tyres have semi-permanent flat-spotting, you should contact your local tyre specialist or garage in the first instance, and they’ll guide you through the options on how to fix it."
I accept what others have said that considering the possibility of flat spotting is unnecessary. But I have witnessed flat spotting. Admittedly it may have been due to severe conditions, like very deflated tyres.
I always liked to put the van on stands.
My logic is as follows:
Removing is the reverse, but not easy to accurately position the car for hitching up. Assistance needed.
Some years ago, I would not think twice. Now it would be extremely hard work.
John
I always liked to put the van on stands.
My logic is as follows:
- Flat spotting might be a minimal risk, but nevertheless a risk.
- If the van is left in storage and there is a slow puncture, either there would be an unacceptable load placed on the steadies, or flat spotting, or both.
- Easier to fit the wheel lock.
- Extra security.
- Lift steadies.
- Hitch the van to the car.
- Jack up under the axle, or under the jacking point if you have one.
- Place stand under axle or jacking point.
- Lower front steadies then unhitch the car.
- Adjust steadies to form a fall on the roof.
Removing is the reverse, but not easy to accurately position the car for hitching up. Assistance needed.
Some years ago, I would not think twice. Now it would be extremely hard work.
John
Even if the tyres do get flat spots after an extended period of storage under load, these will soon iron out after a couple of miles so I don’t see a problem, I‘ve never heard of anyone complaining that the ride of his car or caravan was bumpy due to flat spots after picking it up from a dealer when it had been standing on the forecourt for months earlier,
I think you have mixed up the tyre types, and it was the other way round. Cross ply predated radial ply.
As an aside.... When I lived in Canada where the winters were sometimes in the -40degC region, the tyres on our cars overnight would be frozen flat. They would stay that way until we'd gone a few miles the following day, which was like riding over the sleepers on the railroad.
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