Any idea how long they last? Dandy tyres that is. Because our dandy is around 10 years old, we have had it for 7 years and are worrying about the tyres. Not that there looks to be anything wrong with them but just whether they should be changed or how much tread they should have, what pressure they should be etc.
Hi, I think the legal limit for tyre tread is 1.6mm so that should tell you if you're treads are legal, also you need to check the sidewalls for signs of ageing and uv damage, typically the rubber is cracked and looks like its about to peel off. I have a conway tt and I normally keep the pressure at about 33psi. Hope this helps.
By the way there should be 1.6mm minimum tread across 3/4 of the tyre's surface, but some people reckon that once you get below 3mm you should really change them.
With TTs and caravans it isn't the tread depth that is a problem, as they rarely wear down to the minimum before other factors warrant replacement. Rubber doesn't last forever and will break down. Leaving the wheel with the same spot touching the ground for long periods of time, as is the case unless you rotate them regularly, causes problems. A flat spot will unbalance the wheel, and you will get uneven deterioration to the side walls.
The normal recommendation is that tyres are changed every 5 years.
Other factors can effect this. Is it stored indoors or out doors? If indoors, sunlight (UV) will not have effected them so much, Is it stored with the weight on the wheels over winter? If the wheels are off the ground (or off the trailer) the tyres will last longer.
Thanks for that I might see about getting the tyre changed then as Ive had them for over 5 years could be 10 years. The trailer has been left in a garage with no light but has been left over every winter for about 5months without being moved and the rubber looks ancient with cracks all over it. So it sounds like they would be best changed.
If the rubber looks in anyway cracked, definatly replace, having a blowout on a trailer isnt fun, trust me!!! trailer tyres are resonable cheap (dirt cheap compared with my car tyres!) and its not worth the risk
Your biggest worry is the age of the tyre. You can find out how old they are by lookiing at the serial number on the sidewall. It is coded but any tyre dealer will be able to tell you which month and year the tyre is built. Also, changing your tyres every 5-6 years is best, be they auto or trailer, safety first. When purchasing your tyres, make sure you buy a high load trailer or RV tyre, not an ordinary trailer tyre, and make sure they are the same size, or you will feel your trailer draging behind you or wanting to dance along..... Another warning, If you live close to or on the coast, salt air will also reduce the life of your tyres (dryrot from salt).
Post last edited on 23/10/2005 14:06:17
------------- Proud owner of a
2005 VIKING Saga 1906ST European
I was unfortunate enough to have a tyre blow out on the motorway some years ago and it was caused by the cracks in the sidewall of my trailer. It was my first outing with it after buying it second hand (didnt think to check the inside of the tyres). Boy is it scary. My advice is if you have suspect tyres --change them , dont take a risk
I had no luck with car tyre dealers mainly because they didn't have a small enough thingy to get the tyre off/on with (can't remember which) even if they did happen to have the right sized tyre. I found a specialist trailer place that did mine.
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behind you or wanting to dance along.....
Another warning,
If you live close to or on the coast, salt air will also reduce the life of your tyres (dryrot from salt).
