Normal life for van tyres

Dual axle Expanda with leaf springs and no shockers 25,000kms so far and probably 7,000kms left in them.

Oops. Discard my stupid idiot answer where I didn't read your most obvious comment about "distance" duh.

Hi Hooks,

I am no expert on this one, but I believe the general "rule of thumb" is that tyres should be replaced every 6 years (unless warranted earlier by distance wear). I had my last set of tyres on my van for 10 years. Note however, that the tyres were checked by a professional each year after 6 years, and the van was under cover when not in use, therefore the tyres were not subject to the elements.

It always pays to check for the obvious signs of instability such as abnormal tread wear and cracking of the side walls. Any of these signs should be addressed asap.

Hi Bob

On our own caravan we change the tyres over every 5 years spare included. I call it cheap insurance.

We have been in the tyre industry since the early 70s.

Caravan and boat trailers have a lot of issues from the 5 or 6 year mark.
Tyre delamination with sidewall of caravans damaged, bout trailer mudgards damaged.
I tell our customers to change at 5 years.
The main problem is higher pressures and weight, standing in the one position for a time. most times the trouble starts from about the 300km mark on a trip.
Have seen spare tyres fitted and only done about 30kms before they have had trouble as well, having never been on a caravan.
Cheers
Charlie

Bob, most tyres manufacturers will tell you that 6 years is the period of satisfactory tyre life, and they can't guarantee tyre performance beyond that period.

However, I have tyres that are still providing satisfactory service after more than 20 years - but one has to expect the odd failure in tyres that age, too.

Exposure to UV light is the biggest killer of tyres, it degrades the rubber quality rapidly.
So if you want your tyres on your van to last, cover them up, and keep the sun off them.

Cheers, Ron.

In Qld, tyre fitters will not re-fit tyres older than 5 years.

Forget the 20 year old tyres, just do what they say, change them between 5 to 7 years and you won't have any failures due to age related problems. Temperature, sun and who made them are the main factors involving calendar tyre life.

Travelled with an old die in the mud truck mate that just used tyres for ever, wether it was wear or age. Hell wasn't that a pain, as he would blow a tyre and then fit one just as old. Argh!