I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience in using Tyrepal on there caravan? i have just ordered one for our twin axle caravan, were going to Newquay from middlesbrough, its about 7-8hrs drive, so thought this would come in handy to monitor tyres on a long journey.
It would be interesting to find any good research into tyre 'blowouts'. I have a theory that many blowouts are as a result of caravan tyres being run at close to their limits and at higher pressures than car tyres. This combined with frequent overloading (how many people weigh their caravans when loaded for a holiday?) generates a lot of heat in the tyre walls and the result is a sudden catastrophic failure - blowout. The other reason is tyre wall failure due to UV degradation of a highly stressed component.
If as Tyrepal suggests their devices will pick up an increase in temperature if a gradual loss in pressure leading to tyre stresses it would be a positive thing BUT surely this is a reactive process to a situation that develops due to underspecified equipment in the first instance and prevention must be better than detection.
My other concern is the durability of the Tyrepal device and how often the sensors have to be replaced. I don't think I would be too happy to have to replace them every couple of years or so, but there again I wouldn't want to think they were working when they were not.
I must admit I have been tempted to purchase a Tyrepal system but I am still not convinced.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
What has to be taken into consideration is that all tyre pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold otherwise the recommended pressure could be incorrect if checked when the tyre has been in motion (depending on miles covered). I have a Draper tyre pressure guage and if I am going to collect the caravan from the storage compound I firstly increase all the car tyre pressures at home (when cold) then collect the caravan and also check the caravan tyres when cold an inflate to the right pressure if necessary. That way the pressures on both towcar and trailer are then correct but I wonder how many actually adhere to this correct procedure as I have spoken to people in the past and their comments have been somewhat like that they can't be doing with all that malarky, so it makes one wonder if some of these caravan blow outs are just merely down to irresponsible attitudes. Be sure and be safe is my motto and if it takes just another 15 minutes to inflate 6 tyres to complete a safe journey then that extra 15 minutes is worth more than spending 2 weeks in hospital or in more extreme circumstances losing a life forever. Personally, I wouldn't consider spending money on a 'Tyrepal' as the initial safety issue has been covered above.
I am pleased to endorse this product I feel the incident that happened to me could have been so much worse and yet all ended up perfectly safe. The cost of the TyrePal paying for itself in both monetary terms and safety terms due to this one incident.
I am a retired traffic police office and I am only too well aware of the problems that can be caused by unexpected blown outs on trailers. On the car one usually feels the problem pretty quickly, on a trailer the first indication can be far too late to prevent damage and in worst case scenario accident.
I was travelling along the M2 in lane 1 at 60 mph in light traffic operating cruise control. I was one hour from home having completed a European tour of over 1700 miles towing my 3 year old Sterling Elite Diamond caravan behind my Mitsubishi Outlander. Both vehicles are meticulously maintained and in perfect working order. In April this year I purchased my TyrePal and use it both solo and when coupled up with the caravan. I know of no-one else in my circle who has one, but I felt as a safety feature it was something I should invest in. Other than a few minor battery connection niggles the TyrePal has worked all the time since purchase. My Caravan tyres were in apparent good condition, loads of tread and about three years old, maybe 8-10,000 miles of use. They operate at 62psi when cold. When using TyrePal you soon realise the pressure increases quite some margin as the tyres heat up.
On the day in question I had already driven 200 miles to Dunkerque to get the ferry home. From Dover I have another 90 miles to go. Until then my tyre pressures were correct and suddenly I received an audible warning from the TyrePal. I had felt no problem at all. Looking at the display the pressure had dropped on the caravans offside tyre to below 50 psi. A few seconds later the audible warning went off again and now pressure was in the 40’s. I pulled onto the hard shoulder and within 30 seconds the tyre was completely flat. I managed to get a jack under the chassis to stop the motor mover coming in contact with the road and set about changing the wheel.
When I changed the wheel I expected to find a big tear or nail or something similar but could find absolutely nothing. When re-inflated I found the tyre had received some damage to the area immediately between the tread and side wall right on the corner shoulder and air was escaping really fast although there was no sign of what had caused the damage. I certainly don’t recall hitting or running over anything.
So the day was saved, the tyre has been binned a new one is on order. My wife, always sceptical when I buy ‘gadgets’, was really impressed, but not half as impressed as me. I really believe the kit saved the day; other than a new tyre I have no damage at all. Well done TyrePal, can any caravaner afford not to have one?
Please feel free to use my endorsement in any of your sales literature although I would be grateful if you omit my full name.
I took no photos – nothing to see!
Should you require any other info please feel free to ask.
Thanks TyrePal you are certainly my pal and I shall never tow without you!
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 12/3/2013
What has to be taken into consideration is that all tyre pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold otherwise the recommended pressure could be incorrect if checked when the tyre has been in motion (depending on miles covered). I have a Draper tyre pressure guage and if I am going to collect the caravan from the storage compound I firstly increase all the car tyre pressures at home (when cold) then collect the caravan and also check the caravan tyres when cold an inflate to the right pressure if necessary. That way the pressures on both towcar and trailer are then correct but I wonder how many actually adhere to this correct procedure as I have spoken to people in the past and their comments have been somewhat like that they can't be doing with all that malarky, so it makes one wonder if some of these caravan blow outs are just merely down to irresponsible attitudes. Be sure and be safe is my motto and if it takes just another 15 minutes to inflate 6 tyres to complete a safe journey then that extra 15 minutes is worth more than spending 2 weeks in hospital or in more extreme circumstances losing a life forever. Personally, I wouldn't consider spending money on a 'Tyrepal' as the initial safety issue has been covered above.
As a retired professional mechanic, I am well aware of the need to carry out the relevant checks before setting off.
However, these checks do not prevent the collection of punctures along the way.
Last year I had a blow out on my 4 month old caravan, the tyre had covered less than 1000 miles from new and I had been on the road for 5 hours, stopping only to grab a coffee and use the loo. I felt no swaying or extra drag of any kind, and was only aware of the problem about 1.5 seconds before the tyre carcass overtook me. If I had Tyrepal fitted I hope I would have had some warning.
I have fitted Tyrepal now, I won't risk a second motorway blow out for the sake of less than £150.
Steve w , thanks for the positive feedback bud, it seems the way forward. were going to newquay from middlesbrough, so long journey and the tyrepal is the right choice, pleased someone else has the tyrepal & has a good review. cheers.
Had a look at the website it as got me interested would be ideal for my twin axle.
My car already as tyre sensors factory fitted and when towing with van l do keep an eye the tyre pressures. Went to Isle of Wight last year tyre pressure when cold is 2.5 when on motorway pressure increased to 2.9-3.0 due to heated generated when motoring. Only problem if one of the sensors becomes defected they are expensive to replace about £60 for each sensor. My car is the Chrysler 300c Tourer brilliant towcar.
------------- You'll Never Walk Alone C'mon you Reds
how can you tell your going to get a blow out? crystal ball maybe??? on a twin axle you probaly wouldnt know until you stopped for a break, then you may have a damaged alloy. anyway enough negativity hahaha ive got one & looking forward to trying it out.
Go for it Leebo, I will be getting one too because I think that prior warning of a slow puncture or overheating may well save a shredded tyre and the possible damage that can cause. It's not a substitute for common sense and checks before you set off, just additional info whilst on the move.
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: Tyrepal
