Tyron Bands - Article in PC magazine

[Lutz]

To my mind the article claiming the benefits of the system is not at all convincing.
The statement "I had Tyrons fitted to my previous caravan and having had a blow out – albeit when driving fairly slowly – can vouch that they did what it said on the label! I kept control of my caravan and was able to come to a controlled stop." is no proof that one would be any worse off without them.
Similarly, nowhere in the Tyron video do they show any improvement over the performance without Tyron bands. They imply an improvement but without demonstrating how the vehicles handle before and after fitting them, their claim is meaningless.
I have had a blow out at motorway speeds and was able to leave the motorway at a relatively sharp exit without losing control so I am convinced that my doubts are quite legitimate.

 

[graham_somersham]

I recall watching a demo in the early 90's when they detonated an explosive charge on the side of a tyre fitted to a Sprite (musketeer if I remember correctly) being towed at high speed. It was quite impressive especially when the tyre was blown out going through a series of cones at speed. Insurers also seem to think they are worthwhile as they give discounts when fitted to single axle caravans. A relative had a blow out on the M1 a few years back and it wrote off car and caravan, but as to whether a Tyron band would have reduced the damage I can't say. Having a twin axle I don't feel the need for the Tyron bands on my unit.

 

[Lutz]

That's it. The proof of the pudding would be to demonstrate the same oufit going through a series of cones at the same speed, but without Tyron bands. Only then would any claim be legitimate. However, Tyron have never provided such a comparison so one gets the impression that they aren't convinced of their own product, either.

 

[graham_somersham]

Found the video on youtube of the test on a Sprite - my memory must be improving! http://youtu.be/YpDLi6NiEBY
As Lutz correctly says they do not seem to compare with band and without band. Not sure that I would want to try it myself!

 

[ProfJohnL]

This topic comes up quite regularly.

The named company fails to make a properly balanced presentation to scientifically show the product is as good as they suggest.

Their demonstrations of an explosive charge causing a blow-out is very different to what normally happens in the normal course of events.

One of the points frequently made in the systems favour is it makes a step forward in safety.

Over recent years there have been vast improvements in vehicle safety both for occupants and other road users, so much so that any of the those that are seen to make a significant improvement are either now required by the construction and use regulations, or have become a de-fact-to standard item, Seat belts, air bags, energy absorbing crumple zones and anti-lock breaking are typical examples.

If wheel bands were seen by vehicle manufactures, regulators or insurers as a major improvement in safety, to reduce death and injuries, and to reduce insurance claims, then any or all other afore mentioned bodies would be pro-actively pushing for their inclusion as standard on all vehicles.

Offering a premium discount is not proactive, its only an incentive. Pro activity would be insisting on fitment before insurance was offered

The fact they aren't pro-actively pushing for their inclusion is a pretty clear indication the professionals do not regard these devices as providing any significant safety gain.

Also consider, if the devices were so good, why aren't there more manufacturers of these devices?

Some times its not what advertisements say, but what is not said or hidden that's most important.

It must also be noted that some tyre fitters will or cannot change tyres where these bands are fitted.

There is nothing fundamentally wrong in fitting them if it make you feel happier, but it is quite an expensive addition for no proven gain.

 

[DianneT]

Some years ago when we had a single axle van we had a nearside blowout on the caravan on the M25, John just drove onto the hard shoulder with no problems and we thought "good old tyron bands". We then took the tyre to agarage to have a new one put on and stated we had Tyron Bands on to the wheels. Later when we returned to pick the tyre up the Garage said there were no Tyron Bands on the wheel. We had paid to have them fitted when buying the van new 2 years previous to this. We tackled our Caravan Dealer on return home and he said Oh another one. The dealer always sent the wheels to a local tyre depot to have these fitted and they had, 2 years previously, had a mechanic who though supposed to fitting them, pretended to fit them, kept the Bands and sold the on to someone else. We then thought we would not have them fitted again. As some one on one of the Forums said a couple of years ago. "If they are so good why has no other company copied the idea and made a similir product.?"

 

[Surfer]

I believe that Tyrons are beneficial to one's safety and it is your problem if you do not wish to have thm fitted as no one is forcing you to have them fitted! Also see here.

 

[Lutz]

I had a look at the link you provided, Surfer, and I can't find any conclusive evidence there, either. But, as you say, it's your choice.