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Hi,
I have a 2 year old Swift Challenger 540 which has an MTPLM of 1500Kg. The van is about to go in for a service and I am going to get the dealer to check whether the van can be re-plated to a higher MTPLM - I understand that in some cases this is possible and newer models of the same van do have a higher MTPLM. The reason is a have a caravan mover fitted which uses a good bit of my user payload allowance.
What I am concerned about is tyres - I curently have matador tyres fitted which I have heard so many bad reports about. Whether or not the van can be given a higher rating I would like to replace them. The size of the tyre is 175 / 75 R14 and the loading rating is 99/98. From what I can make out this means that for single axle(as mine is) I have 1550Kg.  This loading seems a bit borderline for my van - the problem is though I cant seem to find this tyre size on any of the tyre dealer sites.
Are there any alternatives to this tyre size which would give me a higher load rating or would I have to fit new wheels as well?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Decho

I understand that some new model Swifts are going to be fitted with GT Maxmiler tyres which traditionally come with a higher load index. They are fitted to a lot of German vans. Might be worth a search on the internet.

David

Hi

It is possible to use different size tyres to get a higher load index but you need to ensure your wheel arch is large enough and the size is recommended (as opposed to permissible) for your wheel rims. There are 185/75 R 14 C's with a load index of 102 which is 850kgs per tyre. Best to check with Swift if they'll fit though.

I'll agree that your current tyres are not adequate. Caravan manufacturers are really mean. I'll bet with their buying power it'd only cost an extra few pounds per caravan for better tyres with say a 20% safety factor.

I've just renewed all 3 of mine after a blowout (less than 3 years old). I uprated to L.I.99 which gives me 95kgs safety margin per wheel instead of the fitted L.I.96 with 30kgs. I'd have liked to go higher.

Tyreman

Hi DaveD

I just like to feel safe.

I can't imagine any reputable insurance company refusing a claim when safety aspects have been improved.

Tyreman

you may find the axle is near it's load limit ,a lot of people forget the axle on a single axle van will limit the total MTPLM as much as tyre choice worth checking there should be a rating plate some where on the axle.

david

Quote: Originally posted by Tyreman on 28/7/2008

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Hi DaveD

I just like to feel safe.

I can't imagine any reputable insurance company refusing a claim when safety aspects have been improved.

Tyreman

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