White Wall Radial Tyres - Do these fit??

Post by **toomanytoys** » 13 May 2008, 10:59

If the thing is at its max carrying capacity (rear axle approx 1400kgs) then that means the tyres are overloaded.. what a load of old moneys bowlocks....... weight its weight, no matter if its baked beans or rubble.. a full on camper still weighs in a lot more than an empty van before you start packing it....

Ring up your local Department of Transport engineer and ask them what they say... about axle loads and tyre rating, if you have a DOT truck MOT station near, then might be worth popping in and asking (might be an idea not to go in the van though...)

Right read this
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/advice/tyresafety.htm
contact them...
Explain it clearly.. tell them vehicle gross weight max axle weights and VW recomended tyres (sticker in left hand door or owners manual) then what your "supplier" is saying (Dont name them at this point....) and ask what the law states...
They could be contraveneing construction and use law... but quite often its down to the end user to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy..

Post by **kevtherev** » 13 May 2008, 17:12

Auto sleeper high top weighs 1.8 tonnes.. wet

my 'sleeper weighs 2.2 tonnes ready to go on a two week trip

Post by **swillicott** » 16 May 2008, 09:55

Update...

I have called VW Heritage to get their opinion on these and they said the same as JK. They said that most of the vans on the road use passenger tyres?? They said the same as JK that the spec that VW recommend is based on a panel van, not a camper van and as long as the tyres are man enough to take the curb weight of the van then they will be Ok??

According to the Autosleeper manual the unlaiden weight is close to 1.8 tonnes as Kev the rev said. And the GVW is 2.4 tonnes. These tryes can carry 650kg per styre so in theory theis would be string enough (2400kg divided by 4 would equal 600kg per tyre) so I think this is what they are basing their argument on. Obviously this does not take in to account front and rear axel weights.

Does anyone know the curb weight for each corner of and unlaiden camper van?

I am thinkiing that the tyres are going to come off the van now anyway but I do not think JK will give me a refund based on the above?

I really like the white wall look and have looked in to other options. Everyone is slating the white wall flaps as they shred the sidewalls of the tyres so thats a no no but I wonder if you can get a set of commercial tyres painted up? Has anyone had any experience of this?

Also, Just posted some pics of the van on another thread

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34770

if you would like to see the before, during and after pics.

Post by **kevtherev** » 16 May 2008, 16:50

The tyres would be fine if you didn't move....

however if you intend moving, then the cornering stresses would far outstrip the tyres ability to do it's job of staying in shape to keep a reasonable contact patch on the road.

weight transfer will multiply the load around tight bends.. thus exceeding the tyres capacity

that's the reason for the reinforcing of the sidewalls... it keeps the tyre in shape.
similar to the wire steel belt that keeps the tread from looking like a motorbike tyre.

they are not fit.

I would be seeking advice... ask any tyre manufacturer for some advice.
High Q are Goodyears outlet ... phone them up and ask

Post by **funbus1** » 16 May 2008, 17:07

Just buy proper wieght rated tyres in the mean, time and spray the walls white, untill you get it sorted out. same effect.

Post by **kevtherev** » 16 May 2008, 17:35

if you do use paint then use acrylic based.

not tyre paint or "rubber" paint as this crumbles off

I tell you now though, it'll look crap....... unless you get it right

Post by **swillicott** » 21 May 2008, 19:13

I have seen this company mentioned alot online:

http://www.bayarearods.co.uk

...who can smooth the tyre down and add a layer of white rubber. Anyone had any experience of this? They are quoting me £50 to do a whole set which sounds good.

I rang the insurance company and they said that as long as we let them know that we have put none standard tyres on the van then we are covered?

Either way, the van is going in on saturday to have them taken off and a set of commercial tyres put on!

Steve

Post by **toomanytoys** » 21 May 2008, 19:25

Get a set of continental vanco.. they are very good...

Post by **swillicott** » 03 Jun 2008, 19:48

OK... so they are off the van - on there way back to just kampers who have agreed to take them back and I am exchanging them for all the other new bits I need for the van!

All turned out in the end and thanks for all your help.

Steve