Advice needed about caravan tyres please.

Advice needed about caravan tyres please.

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52classic

Original Poster:

2,447 posts

209 months

Tuesday 15th May 2018
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It is over 20 years since we've owned a tourer so now with a bit more time on our hands we thought it time to have another go.

So last evening I collected a 1998 Luna Ariva from a near neighbour. Neat little van, someone's pride an joy but it hasn't had much use and the tyres are well past their use by. What's the current wisdom about tyres? My thought was to get a couple of branded part worns on the basis that caravan tyres are likely to perish away before they wear out. However, advice on the net seems to conflict on whether or not car tyres are suitable for caravans although all sources seem to agree that 'trailer' tyres are not at all suitable. This 'van is a real lightweight so I can't see the axle loading being a problem either way.

Size is 155x12 and I'd probably go 70 or 80 profile. Yes, I know that's a rare size these days but 'back then' they were everywhere - 1100, Viva, Imp etc.

Plan is to sort the tyres give it a service and a clean and polish this weekend then get back on the road.

Adrian E

3,248 posts

175 months

Tuesday 15th May 2018
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Personally I'd be having a word with the manufacturer, since they're still about, and try to get some bigger wheels with suitably rated tyres. Can't see them being expensive.

Manufacturers plate should indicate axle weight, from which you can derive the correct load index for the tyres. If it's a proper lightweight then car tyres should be fine, but doubt you'll find much availability in 12" - would've thought 13" as a minimum these days for anything not a Mini

52classic

Original Poster:

2,447 posts

209 months

Wednesday 16th May 2018
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Thanks Adrian. Good idea to speak to Lunar, I will do so. MAW is 900KG with CAP at 180. Going up to 13" would be an option, if I can find the right fit, however, I think I'll exhaust sources of 12" first because the 'van looks 'right' on them.

Strangely, the Caravan Club and Practical Caravan both advise that car tyres are fine for anything but the biggest 'vans, other sources say Commercial tyres only. But aren't those crossply? Doesn't sound such a good idea to me. There's a danger of over-thinking this, probably best to just get on with it! I'm glad of your good words though.

ALY77

666 posts

209 months

Wednesday 16th May 2018
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Camskill listing a 12" 155 70 Hankook tyre with a 104/102 load rating at £56 a tyre.

For the weight of van on a single axle you'd be looking at something with at least a load rating of 90 ish.

52classic

Original Poster:

2,447 posts

209 months

Sunday 20th May 2018
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Thanks gents, some sound advice that got me thinking on the right lines. In the end my friendly MOT tester, based at a tyre depot, found me a pair of 155 x 12 'light commercial' tyres with plenty of margin for loading. All at a very agreeable price.

I considered the route of fitting 13" but there was no way they would fit the wheel arches.

After a weekend of cleaning and detailing the outside I reckon the 'van is quite presentable. Next it will be treated to a new carpet before our first outing to the Brecon Beacons at beginning of June.