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Post by Daggsey on Jun 30, 2008 19:52:53 GMT 10
Have done a search and can't see if this has been discussed before........the type of tyres on caravans. Before leaving on the big trip around Oz, I fitted new tyres to "Lady Madonna". The original tyres were 6 ply light truck, which, because of age ,were starting to show cracking in the walls. My local tyrefitter recommended that they be replaced with the same type, predominantly because of the extra weight I was carrying and possibly the type of roads that I might encounter. I have noticed that a lot of vans, especially new ones, are fitted with radials. I am assuming that because these new vans are towed by 4wds, their owners expect to go off road. Perhaps this is a giveaway and they don't go anywhere near rough roads, something which is probably a reality for a lot of the grey nomad brigade Most of these modern rigs I see appear to be as clean as the day they left the showroom, not even any dust on the walls of the tyres Has anyone got any comments or knowledge on this subject, especially as we have been discussing the safety of rims on another thread. I have no reason to doubt the advice of my tyrefitter, but just thought I might elicit some thoughts from others here. Daggsey
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2008 21:15:14 GMT 10
Hi Daggsey. I had 650 X 16s on matilda until this happened on the first east coast tour out near dunedoo. Came home and converted to 15" Radials on 6 ' rims. It lowered the van about 2 inches. Now have less wind drag and the van is much more stable than before. with 15s with 16s... Hard to pick the difference but you sure notice how much easier it is to get into the van with the smaller rims and lower profile tyres. The 16s where ford pilot wheels. This post obviously doesnt answer your question. There was much adoo about tyre selection and correct pressures here on the forum a few years ago . Not so much a matter of radials being better than crossplys. The secret is in running the correct pressure. Better to let the tyres "bag" a little rather than inflate them too hard. I think the general conscensus was around 24 to 26 psi. Any harder and the van would bounce over bumps rattling the van to bits. Softer would cause heat in the sidewalls due to load and the tyre moving from side to side on the sidewalls. Increasing the risk of a blowout. Take another search back in the technical section it might be there. Reddo
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Post by JBJ on Jun 30, 2008 21:30:22 GMT 10
hi reddo,
BUT the pilot wheels looked the part, as against the offroad wheels.
Tyre Failures aren't often caused by the size of the tyre.
I have only run cross plies on my vans, & have towed at reasonable speeds.
BUT I have bought new tyres each time. Not relied on used stuff. And I always carry a spare.
I think that must make a difference
Jailbarjuice
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Post by shaneandsimoen on Jun 30, 2008 21:31:47 GMT 10
Hello Daggsey,
I run 185/14 light truck tyres on my 14' bondwood no trouble, when I got the van it had 600-16 (think) Ford tyres on it. Changed axel and fitted 14" holden rims. Can get these tyres most places if I have to.
Have use same tyres fitted to our 1980 Swan when travelling out back Queensland then fitted them back on to bondwood van no problems
Shane
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minor man
Junior Member
life is to short
Posts: 53
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Post by minor man on Jul 1, 2008 21:01:14 GMT 10
hi radials have a thiner side wall so they will flex more, light truck have a thicker wall ,will take more weight, but too much pressure will kill any tyre, speed allso makes a differance the faster you go the hotter the tyre will get (friction) as reddo said 24-26 maybe 28 would be a good pressure.
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bobt
Full Member
"Ugly as Sin"
Posts: 455
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Post by bobt on Jul 1, 2008 23:41:06 GMT 10
Guys You got me thinking what is right and what is not, I run light Truck Tyres at 40psi, have for ages, so went looking on Dunlop then Bridgestones web sites. They recommended the pressure per the placard that could be found inside the drivers door or in the glove box. Real handy if ya V V has one of these. Looked on the motoring sites , RACV, NRMA & RACQ. NRMA has the best advice I could find, so I stole it and stuck it in here.... " It is impossible to list the correct pressures for every caravan, due to variation in size, load, etc. This easy check will help you find the best pressure for your caravan tyres. • First inflate the tyres to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer of the trailer or the tyre you are using. Secondly, tow your trailer for a distance of 100 km, preferably on a highway. • Recheck the tyre pressures immediately after pulling over and compare them with the pressures you had at the start of your run. If the pressures are right, the hot readings should be 4 psi (28 kPa) higher than the cold readings. • If there is a greater than 4psi (28 kPa) difference between these pressures, the tyre temperature is too high and the pressure needs to be increased. If there is less than 4 psi (28 kPa) difference, the pressure needs to be lowered. • Large 4WD tyres will have a differential of 6 psi (42 kPa). Be sure to use the same accurate gauge for both readings" www.mynrma.com.au/cps/rde/xchg/mynrma/hs.xsl/caravan_features.htm• I recon this is a good one to judge it by, now all I have to do is take the van for a little cruise down the road and try it for myself. Bob
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Post by Cruz on Jul 2, 2008 16:25:17 GMT 10
HI, My globetrotter was fitted with new light truck tyres, but on advice and while fitting the Globe mags went to radials seemed to take some bounce out of her and as only a light van should be no worries, so the tyre man told me Cruz
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