Message Forums

Hello everyone,

I'm a relatively inexperienced caravaner so forgive me if these questions have been asked many times.

Do I fit Tyron bands? Is the consensus that they are a good idea and should I renew my tyres after five years? My 'van was built in 2003.

Thanks and Happy Holidays

Yes , and yes quite soon. 

Tyron bands are a good safety net, especially on a single axle.  We also have them on our twin axle.

If tyres are ok (check sidewalls carefully, especially the sides you cannot see easily) I would replace them next spring. Remember the spare too.

 You should get a full 5 years out of them if there is no damage.  We replaced ours at 6 years as they were starting to deteriorate.

Doing both things at the same time would maybe save a little.

Hello Fishfood

I would suggest Tyron bands are well worth the money, there are lots of people who don't agree but, we've had them for fourteen years now & have had reason to be glad we had them three times.

As far as tyre life is concerned, we don't use our van that much but, I use them for three seasons & leave them in place until just before we go away on the first trip of the fourth year & then hange them. That way, the old tyres have been on the van for the winter months.

If you're happy at five years, that's down to te individual, however, i'd certainly go for the tyron bands. www.tyron.co.uk  I think the new ones have pressure monitors in them.

BB

Hi Fishfood

It depends how much money you have to spend. Tot up what you have, the costs of Tyron bands and the possible benefits.

Tyron bands are very good but won't prevent a puncture or damage caused by a tyre disintegrating. They will prevent the tyre coming off the wheel which was a real issue 20 years ago due to the design of caravan wheels at that time.

If you can afford it you might think that the AlKo ATC is a better investment. It'll nip a snake in the bud whether or not induced by a puncture. It'll also be a selling feature and add value to the caravan. (now £470'ish)

Also your tyres. Caravan manufacturers are so mean with tyres. It is recommended there is a 10% safety factor on the load index (what weight the tyre can support). So manufacturers regularly deduct the noseweight before doing the sums. I've replaced all 3 of my tyres with a better load index (original margin of 30 kgs per wheel without deducting the noseweight is now 95 kgs per wheel) and speed rating (from 87 to 106 m.p.h.).

I assume you have a stabiliser

Tyreman