Lunar Caravans ALARIA 2018, Handbook

Page: 130 / 146

AL-KO CHASSIS & TYRES
130
TYRES
PREPARATION
Tyres & Tyre Pressure
Safe driving and handling when towing a
caravan is very important and one major
factor which is frequently overlooked is the
tyres. Look after your tyres properly and you
will improve the safety and behaviour of your
car and caravan.
Check the Pressures
Whatever tyres are fitted to the towing car
and caravan it is essential to the safety and
stability of the combination that all tyres are
correctly inflated. This is a ‘golden rule’ of
motoring and of caravanning in particular.
Pressures should be checked when the tyres
are cold, not warm during or just after a run
when they will be higher. Never reduce
pressures when tyres are warm as they
could be too low when they cool down.
The tyres specified by the caravan
manufacturer are satisfactory for towing in
the UK and are rated up to 80mph (130kph)
at the maximum design weight of the
caravan. In certain countries overseas it is
legal to tow at higher speeds. If it is intended
to visit such countries and tow up to the
higher speed limits then it is important that
the suitability of the tyres is first checked with
a caravan dealer.
Tyres & Pressures
The tyres fitted, and the pressures needed,
vary from model to model. Check the Service
Handbook for specific recommendations for
your model.
The speed limit for towing a caravan in the
U.K. is 60mph. If a tyre needs to be replaced
you must ensure that you refit a tyre of the
same specification. The correct pressure for
your car tyres will be found in the car
handbook.
Fit the Right Tyres
As with all road vehicles it is always
advisable to have the same type of tyres on
all wheels i.e. both on the towing vehicle and
the caravan but it is recognised that
caravans and trailers will frequently have a
different type from the towing vehicle.
If a wheel or tyre has been changed the
replacement has to be of the same type of
construction and size as on the other wheels.
General Recommendations
Because caravan tyres and wheels are rarely
the same as those on your car you must not
attempt to use the car wheel on your caravan
if you should have a puncture.
Check your tyres regularly but particularly
when the caravan has not been used for a
long time. Vehicles such as caravans if not
used in the winter should be thoroughly
inspected prior to re-use during the summer
months. Look particularly for any signs of
age deterioration in the tyres such as
sidewall cracking and carcass deformation.
Tyres on a stationary vehicle, particularly if
parked in coastal areas, always age and
crack more quickly than those which are run
frequently and, if your caravan is going to
stand for a long time it is a good idea to
cover the tyres with old sacks, etc. to shield
them from direct light and, if possible, to jack
the weight off the tyres. If in doubt at all
about your tyres have them checked
immediately by a tyre distributor.
WARNING: Prior to any journey the
condition of the tyres should be
inspected. The NCC recommend that
tyres are replaced seven years from date
of manufacture at the very latest.