Buying Motorhome tyres- which and where from?

Asto replied on 21/03/2017 19:15

Posted on 21/03/2017 19:15

I decided to look at replacing the tyres on my 2011 plate motorhome as although there is still plenty of tread left and no visible sign of cracks, etc. I was aware that the recommended life is between 5-7 years.

The first thing I noticed was that the date stamp on my Continental Vanco tyres was 0708 which I take to mean July 2008. This was a bit of a surprise as it means they are 9 years old, not 6 as I originally thought!

Looking online, there seem to be a few tyres specifically designed for motorhomes, amongst the premium brands are the Continental Vanco Camper range and the Michelin Agilis Camping tyre. These retail at around £120 to £140 per tyre but prices vary. The club has been promoting ATS recently but I found the cheapest online price at Kwikfit with Tyreshopper offering to price match the competition. I haven't yet decided which to go for but I thought I'd share this with members in case anyone has any alternative suggestions?

Bakers2 replied on 27/03/2017 15:43

Posted on 23/03/2017 17:22 by Randomcamper

I think the club could do a lot more to emphasis the matter for motorhomes caravans and trailers.

In fairness the Club has covered the issue extensively, for example here.......

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/taking-care-of-your-outfit/caravan-tyres-and-wheels/

As have many magazines and other motoring forums.....

I think you have just missed it Bakers...wink

Posted on 27/03/2017 15:43

Probably reading group with my eyes closed or brain off 😂😂😂

Bakers2 replied on 27/03/2017 15:47

Posted on 24/03/2017 17:52 by EJB986

I check the internet prices and my local reliable garage price match.

Always use Michelin campers and replace at the 6 year point.

Michelin now default to 80PSI for rear tyres.....I stick to their advice from some years ago...50 (F) and 55(R) PSI.

There are various tables showing pressures on the internet.

PS. Yes to metal valves.

Posted on 27/03/2017 15:47

We purchased continental tyres and we're assured the pressures we use 60 from the 65 rear were good. We have a coach built.  Used to use hirer pressures when we started 10 years ago hard ride. Took advice from tyre fitter and great rides since. No uneven wear.

triky auto replied on 27/03/2017 18:49

Posted on 27/03/2017 18:49

On the "Autocruise Sunningdale " i used  'Firestone Vanhawk' all round .Found them to be VERY good in terms of price and usage .

Fisherman replied on 27/03/2017 19:43

Posted on 27/03/2017 19:43

Will soon need to change my front tyres. Bearing in mind the annual milage is under 7000 do I need to go for the expensive option at  £120+ or  maybe opt for Firestone, or Avon at £80.

Randomcamper replied on 27/03/2017 21:18

Posted on 27/03/2017 21:18

The question of whether commercial van tyres are suitable for camper vans (wink)  comes up quite regularly and the answer often quoted is that camper/motorhome tyres are different, one of the differences quoted is that they are designed to be able to stand unused with the weight of the van on the same spot on the tyre for significant periods of time, there may be other differences as well....?

triky auto replied on 28/03/2017 08:33

Posted on 27/03/2017 19:43 by Fisherman

Will soon need to change my front tyres. Bearing in mind the annual milage is under 7000 do I need to go for the expensive option at  £120+ or  maybe opt for Firestone, or Avon at £80.

Posted on 28/03/2017 08:33

wink Those "Firestone's" i mentioned ,were £97.00.Fitted,balanced etc.

Grumblewagon replied on 29/03/2017 11:07

Posted on 29/03/2017 11:07

I almost started a war when I replied to a similar thread some time ago, but I'll repeat the gist of it.

My last 2 vans and the current one were fitted with Michelin tyres.  Both previous ones  suffered tyre wall failures when there was still plenty of tread left on the tyres, and they weren't all that old. My current van was noted to have some tyre wall cracking  and I'll have to change them this year.  None of the tyre dealers I have spoken to  recommended replacing them with Michelin.

I can't remember what make of tyres I had fitted to my last van, but they lasted well with no trouble, and were much cheaper than Michelin.

 

Asto replied on 29/03/2017 18:35

Posted on 29/03/2017 18:35

Just to conclude my comments on this topic, I finally went for the Michelin tyres and found Blackcircles the cheapest at £130 per tyre. They were fitted free by my local Checkpoint Service Centre but metal valves cost me an extra £20 for 4 (to cope with 80 psi rear wheel pressures!) The valve stems are quite short so I also needed 4 extension pieces from Halfords which cost another £4.99 

(with hindsight I'd probably go for the Continental Vanco tyres next time)

 

TomHenry replied on 03/09/2021 08:55

Posted on 03/09/2021 08:55

Thanks all for the advice.  Decided to take the safe route with a new set of Agilis fitted yesterday.  Cracks looked even worse close to when removed.  Interesting to find that the date info had been originally installed to the inside/reverse of the wheels rather than easily visible.  Mistake or deliberate?  The tyres were a year older than the van !! 

From here on will shield tyres from sun, move van every couple of week in the quiet season and blame Covid and Brexit for reduce activity over past 18 months .

 

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