birchall Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 I've already asked in a another thread but no response. I'll try here. A tyre supplier and servicer once told me that the best way to maintain tyre longevity in caravan tyres over the winter period is to 1. Remove the wheels 2. Store them on the FLAT 3. Completely DEFLATE the tyres. He was fairly emphatic about storing them flat and deflating them. The advice about deflating them is contrary to a lot of opinion I have read here and elsehere. Any advice please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Grouse Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 The only advice I've ever heard is to fully inflate tyres for storage - and store them flat - it's what I have done "for ever" with no ill effects - but I don't know if that's good or bad advice. Quote 2015 VW Touareg 3. 0 V6 TDI + 2013 Lunar Clubman ES Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aulvan Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 (edited) The websites I found all seem to say to keep them inflated, Here's one of them. http://www. simplemotoring. co. uk/tips-advice/how-to-store-tyres-winter-summer-tyre-storage/#.WDV-c1yWwsc Keeping them inflated seems to help them keep their shape. Just recently had a car tyre that needed repair and without thinking about it left it standing up, it was a peculiar shape but fortunately no damage was done. Must admit I don't store my tyres I just keep them in use all year round Edited November 23, 2016 by aulvan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Never really found a need to store my tyres They stay on the van or the car and it save the effort of keep taking the wheels on & off (and finding somewhere to put them). I can also drive off when I want to without faffing about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coriolis Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 I guess few of us store tyres for any significant length of time, but for reference, in the aviation world (where arguably it’s most important to take any and all precautions to look after the equipment): Manufacturers may have their own requirements of course, but CAAIPs http://publicapps. caa. co. uk/docs/33/CAP562%20v4_1r2016. pdf contain much ‘best practice’ advice in Leaflet 32-10 (storage advice is towards the end in para 15 of the leaflet) Tyres to be stored when NOT mounted on wheels (obviously cannot be inflated), are stored upright – never flat, as their own weight will distorted the tread face and sidewalls – but should be rotated at regular intervals to avoid the casings distorting due to their own weight. They should be supported at (at least 2) points (easily achieved using an open rack made of a couple of lengths of tubing) (Para 15. 2 refers) Generally turning is achieved by marking at typically 4 quarterly places and turning to the next mark at 3 monthly intervals. Tyres to be stored when mounted on wheels are usually inflated to some low pressure (typically 30psi or so, when operating pressure can be anything from 50 to 250psi in service, depending on application). This low storage pressure keeps the tyre in shape without loading it, and the same rules for storing upright and rotating periodically are also observed. In all cases tyres should be kept in cool, dark, well ventilated storage. No reason the same precautions/best practices wouldn’t equally apply for road vehicle tyres, but as with all things, road tyres will take a lot of abuse and most of the time there are no bad effects – and of course it’s extremely hard to prove the reason for ultimate failure is exclusively down to poor storage, even if the post-crash investigation were to be taken to such lengths (unlikely in most RTC situations) Maybe useful background information….based on aviation practices rather than ‘what my mate who works at Expert Tyres says….’ Use or not at your own discretion 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodentop Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 My guess would be that the removal and storage advice goes back to the days of cross-ply tyres which would deform if not properly stored. With modern extra load radial ply tyres at frighteningly high pressures I doubt it is of any consequence any more. 2 Quote 2018 Passat B8 Estate 150GT TDi150 towing a 2018 Bailey Unicorn S4 Seville Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coriolis Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Maybe. .... I don't remove my wheels when parked for long periods (e. g. over winter when we don't go out much), but I do put axle stands under and take some of the weight to avoid flat spots on the tyres. .. Personal choice and not hard to do. .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanie Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 we leave the tyres on the caravan, fully inflated. When in storage for the winter we move the 'van so the tyres have a half turn about every 6 weeks. Some folk put covers on them, we don't as it's in storage with 'vans either side. 1 Quote Happy Days Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gumdrop Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 I just put another 2-3 lbs pressure in them if I am not going to use the caravan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchall Posted November 23, 2016 Author Share Posted November 23, 2016 Thanks for all the replies. Much food for thought. Tyres to be stored when mounted on wheels are usually inflated to some low pressure (typically 30psi or so, when operating pressure can be anything from 50 to 250psi in service, depending on application). This low storage pressure keeps the tyre in shape without loading it, and the same rules for storing upright and rotating periodically are also observed. I think I'll go with this advice as it makes sense - enough pressure to prevent tyres losing shape, but not enough to load them. Thanks to all again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Plodd Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 (edited) Just think how long some "new" cars (and motorhomes even more so) are stored prior to being sold (a number of years on an old airfield in all weathers in some cases) and ask yourself how many of them have the wheels removed for storage during that period. You now have the answer to what you need to do with caravan tyres. (Nothing) Andy Edited November 23, 2016 by Mr Plodd 1 Quote Experience is something you acquire after you have an urgent need for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Grouse Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Just think how long some "new" cars (and motorhomes even more so) are stored prior to being sold (a number of years on an old airfield in all weathers in some cases) and ask yourself how many of them have the wheels removed for storage during that period. You now have the answer to what you need to do with caravan tyres. (Nothing) Andy The storage of unsold vehicles isn't a good example of anything - the owners aren't bothered about longevity of any part. Quote 2015 VW Touareg 3. 0 V6 TDI + 2013 Lunar Clubman ES Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coriolis Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Quite. I refer m'learned friend to the post (several) above. ..."will take all sorts of abuse and most of the time get away with it" or similar. ... I don't care if someone else isn't bothered; only trying to give an opinion as sought by the OP :-) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Plodd Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 The storage of unsold vehicles isn't a good example of anything - the owners aren't bothered about longevity of any part. Why isn't a good example??? It clearly shows that the tyres on those vehicles cope with long term storage, without any problem whatsoever. How many instances of ANY tyre related problems on new cars have you heard about??? in over 40 years of motoring it's not an issue I have ever been aware of (and I was closely connected with Road Safety) for at least 25 of them. Andy Quote Experience is something you acquire after you have an urgent need for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetA1 Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Maybe useful background information….based on aviation practices rather than ‘what my mate who works at Expert Tyres says….’ Use or not at your own discretion I've been in aviation (at the font line - on the ramp) for nearly 30 years, While I understand your comments I realy do not think they are appropirate for caravan tyres. The useage profile could not be more different. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetA1 Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 Based on my own experience I have to say that I think this thread is making a mountain out of a molehill . ... And at risk of incurring the wrath of fellow contributors I think that is a trade mark of some of the topics discussed here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coriolis Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 (edited) Jet, my friend (only 30 years? I've been there since 1970 & held my maintenance licence, full house B1. 1,.2,.3,.4 & C since 78, so believe we share the same grounding)...but it's not about who has the biggest. ...and of course you're quite correct; there's virtually no read across between the two worlds. Nevertheless, the products are similar and failure of either is undesirable as I'm sure you'll agree. And at least my answer was based on solid published practice in the public domain and not some bloke's secondhand belief. Regardless, the OP seemed pleased with the combined responses, so that's really all that matters. I do agree that some threads get over-analysed and if my comments were in that category I apologise and will try to avoid slipping back there in future. In defence, I did say "use or not at your own discretion" . ... obviously that wasn't sufficient caveat for everyone Hope my deficiency is allowed in the MEL. .. Happy days Edited November 23, 2016 by Coriolis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blondchaser Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 I guess few of us store tyres for any significant length of time, but for reference, in the aviation world (where arguably it’s most important to take any and all precautions to look after the equipment): Manufacturers may have their own requirements of course, but CAAIPs http://publicapps. caa. co. uk/docs/33/CAP562%20v4_1r2016. pdf contain much ‘best practice’ advice in Leaflet 32-10 (storage advice is towards the end in para 15 of the leaflet) Tyres to be stored when NOT mounted on wheels (obviously cannot be inflated), are stored upright – never flat, as their own weight will distorted the tread face and sidewalls – but should be rotated at regular intervals to avoid the casings distorting due to their own weight. They should be supported at (at least 2) points (easily achieved using an open rack made of a couple of lengths of tubing) (Para 15. 2 refers) Generally turning is achieved by marking at typically 4 quarterly places and turning to the next mark at 3 monthly intervals. Tyres to be stored when mounted on wheels are usually inflated to some low pressure (typically 30psi or so, when operating pressure can be anything from 50 to 250psi in service, depending on application). This low storage pressure keeps the tyre in shape without loading it, and the same rules for storing upright and rotating periodically are also observed. In all cases tyres should be kept in cool, dark, well ventilated storage. No reason the same precautions/best practices wouldn’t equally apply for road vehicle tyres, but as with all things, road tyres will take a lot of abuse and most of the time there are no bad effects – and of course it’s extremely hard to prove the reason for ultimate failure is exclusively down to poor storage, even if the post-crash investigation were to be taken to such lengths (unlikely in most RTC situations) Maybe useful background information….based on aviation practices rather than ‘what my mate who works at Expert Tyres says….’ Use or not at your own discretion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveMiller Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 I shall be interested to see what shape my (newish) caravan tyres are in come next March as I have no intention of moving the van until then being of an extremely delicate disposition. Quote Regards Dave Volvo XC70 AWD & Lunar Clubman SB http://wandering. me. uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coriolis Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 They'll probably be round-ish and black-ish and hopefully still firm-ish. ...if there are any flat-ish spots they'll probably also disappear soon-ish. ... Sorry, couldn't resist the temptation to be less specific than earlier , just to show I'm not always prescriptive 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCloughie Posted November 24, 2016 Share Posted November 24, 2016 I may be a bit OTT but for a couple or three months storage I take at least most of the weight of the tyre with axle stands of scissor jacks. Removes some strain and may help in avoiding flat spotting. John 1 Quote Volvo V70 D3 SE (was Peugeot 4007, SsangYong Korando), Pulling a Lunar Clubman SI 2015. If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchall Posted November 24, 2016 Author Share Posted November 24, 2016 (edited) I should perhaps have said that I remove the wheels as much for security reasons as for tyre longevity. My caravan is now on axle stands with winter wheels fitted that do not touch the ground. How many instances of ANY tyre related problems on new cars have you heard about??? I've never had any tyre related problems on a new car or caravan for that matter. It usually takes about 3 or 4 years for problems like cracks in the sidewalls to show up. Now that I am going to the bother of removing the wheels, I'd like to take any simple precautions that will extend tyre life to 6 or 7 years. Edited November 24, 2016 by birchall 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stanthevan Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 I've already asked in a another thread but no response. I'll try here. My answer is in your other thread. Stan Quote Never argue with a fool. He'll just drag you down and then beat you with experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macafee2 Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 if tyres are left on the wheels and the wheels are left on the van, try to put the van on axle stands and take the weight off both tyres and suspension. macafee2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Plodd Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 (edited) if tyres are left on the wheels and the wheels are left on the van, try to put the van on axle stands and take the weight off both tyres and suspension. macafee2 Two questions. Why take the weight off the suspension? It's designed to bear the weight of the vehicle full time. You don't jack your car up to take weight of the suspension do you? I accept that a car is used a lot more than a caravan but the car suspension therefore takes far more punishment than a stationary caravan's does. Where exactly are you going to place your axle stands! There is a clue in the name "axle" Many (most?) caravans are on Alko or similar chassis, the advice is to not jack them (I. E. Cause any weight to be borne) on anything other than the designated (and expensive) add on jacking brackets which are not designed to be anything other than a jacking point and are a very specific shape to accept their specialist (and again very expensive) jack. So you place your axle stands under the axle, which doesn't take any weight off the suspension. It is, at the end of the day a personal choice, but I am not aware of any caravan manufacturer (or tyre manufacturer for that matter) who recommends taking weight off suspension or removing wheels and tyres (unless stored for an extended period of many months) Is anyone aware of published advice to the contrary? I am happy to be proven wrong as I consider it's never to late to learn!!! I don't do anything other than check the the pressures every so often when mine is parks up, but I do use it all year. Andy Edited November 27, 2016 by Mr Plodd Quote Experience is something you acquire after you have an urgent need for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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