Hi we will have had our van on a seasonal pitch for the past 5months when its due to come off for the winter late october.
I'm wondering if there is anything that should be done with the tryes before we tow it off to the storage site. (other than check tyre pressure)
Not had a seasonal pitch before, but I'm thinking that if its been stationary for a while (and its going back next year but will have been on for 8months) should anything different be done with them?
Heard things like axles, winter tyres, perrishing....any help please?
When caravan tyres stand in the same place for some time there is the possibility of it flattening out at the bottom where all of the weight is. This can lead to bulging of the tyre wall with the potential for weakening that wall . This may then lead to a blow out.
So, rather than deal with the tyres now they really should have been dealt with during the seasonal stay. Bit late now, I appreciate, but during that stay it would have been useful to jack up the van occassionally and turn the wheel round so that it does not stand on the same part of the tyre all season. Also check the air in the tyres and keep them correctly inflated. If air is released during the season the tyre can flatten out at the bottom even more and that can stimulate deterioration of the tyre wall. Something to remember for next year. If you have an awning on the pitch then one wheel will have been sheltered fro mthe sun. The ultra violet can adversely affect tyres causing deterioration. So, perhaps, cover the exposed wheel as well.
Before you move the van look at the tyres - are they still round or do they look out of kilter? Take the tyres off and give them a good look over to see if there are any cracks along the wall. Inflate them and when putting them back on use a Torque wrench to correctly torque the wheel nuts.
Again, whilst the van stands over winter either turn the wheels every so often or remove them and put winter wheels on the van. Then store the tyres in the garage out of the sunlight. Usually in hessian sacks.
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
You changed the kids nappies and shoes as they were growing up didn't you? Its just the same TLC for your new baby!!! You may find this of interest . Whilst looking at the tyres, if your van is pre loved you may like to check the age of the tyres if you have not done so already. If they are more than five years old they relly need to be changed.
Whilst on a site, half way through the season I would also run some puriclean or milton through your water system. Hold it in there for some time and then drain out and then run clean water through, just to make sure that your pipes and hot water tank, plus the water hog, are kept as clean/sterile as you can keep them.
Phil
Post last edited on 04/09/2012 16:18:29
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
I don't really agree about flattening due to being stood in one spot for a few months, most vans get this treatment at least over winter. For my own part, I've had mine on seasonal pitches since I started without problem.
Of course this relies on pressure being maintained and not allowed to go soft on site, infact I tend to over inflate mine while stood, this prevents any chance of flattening and makes it easy to adjust pressures 'down' when ready to move.
You should though very carefully check both side walls of each tyre for cracking, also for any cracks between the tread pattern. Any signs of this and they need replacement. Further, check date on tyres if your not sure of age, this is a 4 digit code after 'DOT' on the side wall, ie, 2708 would be 27th week of 2008,(date is only stamped on one side of the tyre and maybe yours is on the inside). Anything over seven years old should be viewed as pass it's usable life.
I don't really agree about flattening due to being stood in one spot for a few months
There is the potential for this....many a guide book will mention it. At the end of the day its about what you want to do to protect your investment. Fail to turn the wheels and there is a risk. Turn them and you mitigate that risk. It's your money...your choice.
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
It's just one excitement after another with caravanning isn't it?. OH looking forward to staring at his tyres...wow...Get one of these if you don't have one. to put some air into the tyres. ...and one of these
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: tryes after seasonal
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