It
is not often that I see tyre problems aired in the Motorhome
Magazines. They are normally very reliable. So I relate my
experiences in the South of France this year [May 05]
It
is my habit to run the van every fortnight. Keep the engine seals
wet and the tyres from forming a flat. I also check the tyres and
pressures before running. I had considered a change of tyres this
year [2005] but as the treads were like new, I decided to leave them
another year, as they had only been on for three years and had run
for 18,000 miles.
During
our holiday in the South of France, near Montpelior. In temperatures
of 35C, I experienced a slight rumbling from the back tyres.
Calling
into a garage to have them checked, the mechanic pointed out to me,
the outside rims had 'Moved' causing a 'Castellation' effect to the
tread centre, and raising them above the level of the outside rims of
the tyre. The mechanic explained to me the composition of British
tyres cannot take the extreme heat of the South of France. He had
experienced this effect many times with British Motor homes, as his
garage was close to camp sites. We checked the front tyres together
which seemed to be OK.
Contrary
to opinions of French garages at home, I found him most
accommodating. Not having tyres suitable for our Motorhome he went to
Montpelior, an hours drive from our location and sourced new tyres.
This was 3pm on a Friday afternoon. Cost? £240 for two new rear tyres.
After
almost a month down South we were making our way back home. North of
Cahors I experienced a slight vibration from the steering. The Boxer
is usually very stable. Checking the tyres all seemed well!
Passing
a Peugeot dealer we decided to stop and have it checked. The
mechanic immediately pointed out to me faulty front tyres! Prior to
this the tyres must have stopped on the good portions when I checked them.
I
was horrified to see the damage. The tyres had stopped in a position
where the faults could be seen. It would appear, due to the high
temperatures we were experiencing, 35C, the treads were coming off
the rim. These tyres were NOT Re-treads. see image below. The
mechanic was able to place a pen into two holes on the outer rim.
Again he said it was due to the heat and unsuitable tyres for that
part of the world, plus the incorrect tyre pressures! [ I check them
weekly] Cost of 2 new tyres, £220.
The
moral of the story, you cannot take chances with tyres. 4 years is
the maximum for motorhome tyres. The Caravan Club recommend a change
of tyres after 5years, but I do believe they are caravan orientated.
The
tyres by the way were fitted by a local garage when I bought the
Motorhome three years ago. They were marked 'Targa' and were from an
Eastern Block country. I was assured at the time they would be
suitable for a Motorhome. I will not be returning to that garage for replacements!
