I never fit caravan tyres without being balanced first because the smooth ride will be beneficial as like the other posts have said that by not having them balanced in effect it can constantly shake the caravan and in critical circumstances (two tyres out of balance) can loosen screws and door hinges etc. and wheel bolts like 'michael' has said.
As its a generally free service included in the price of the buying a tyre seems mad not to have them done. Pretty essential if you also have Tyron Bands fitted.
If you have your tyres fitted by a tyre depot or mobile tyre fitter like Etyres they should balance them as a matter of course same as car tyres. If you have new tyres fitted by your caravan workshop as part of a service they may not balance wheels so it is better to have tyres fitted by a tyre retailer.
Quote: Originally posted by Johnnie Boy on 04/1/2013
What about new vans , do they leave the factory with balanced wheels !
No caravan manufacturer balances the wheels before they despatch to the dealers because they purchase the complete chassis with brakes and wheels already assembled etc. before the construction of the coachbuilt bodywork. To undertake the task afterwards regarding single and twin axle caravans would hold up the production line therefore it is not deemed as cost effective from a business point of view. This is one of issues that been ongoing for several years but it just keeps 'getting swept under the carpet' as they say.
If that is the case should it not be up to the chassis manufacturer to balance the whhels, before selling them to the coachbuilders? If not, then what they supply is not fit for purpose. Just a thought.
Its not the end of the world if caravan wheels are not balanced, its just better if they are. The wheels & chassis parts are usually supplied to manufacturer from separate suppliers. Its possible the tyres could be fitted to wheels at the caravan factory.
Quote: Originally posted by iain.morrison3 on 05/1/2013
If that is the case should it not be up to the chassis manufacturer to balance the whhels, before selling them to the coachbuilders? If not, then what they supply is not fit for purpose. Just a thought.
I totally agree 100% with what you say but the fact of the matter is that if wheels weren't balanced on a car prior to sale then you would feel the unconfortable ride and take the vehicle back but because we are not allowed by law to ride in our caravans whilst in tow we feel nothing at all therefore we are non the wiser if our caravan is vibrating or not. This is the loop hole that evades them from the cost of balancing the wheels initially because we have no proof of bumpy any rides and if we did then we would be in breach of the law by travelling in the caravan whilst being towed. Unfit for purpose may be, but not possible under UK law to be able to provide any evidence of it unfortunately. The only way to change this issue is to actually change the law but until then it continues to be ignored.
Quote: Originally posted by iain.morrison3 on 06/1/2013You might not want it, but looks like some form of MOT in on the cards for trailers and caravans over 750kg.
It might be a good thing i know some caravaners don"t service there vans and if it comes it will be another thing on the list to be be done .......
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Topic: wheel balancing
