Tyre Choice

[maxstu]

Fettling the camper for our tour starting 3rd April, l noticed both rear tyres, Avon AV11
C rated, are suffering from peripheral cracking around the wall near the wheel rims. And worse still affecting the inner walls.

Outer wall


Inner wall

M
As we tow a lightweight caravan l decided this was not acceptable and checked out a couple of used Hifly 2000 spare tyres/wheels sitting in the garage.
To my amazement the Hifly's had no cracking whatsoever. Yet the Avon's are dated 2017 and the Hifly's 2014.
Talking to a technician at Watling Tyres l mention the above. His reply is a bit of an eye opener. He claims tyre wall cracks develop due to the weight of the vehicle and lack of movement. If the tyre doesnt warm by driving then the oils inside the carcass of the tyre will dry up and develop cracks. So driving your pride and joy regularly helps keep the tyres healthy.
Im a bit skeptical about his view. But one thing for certain. I wont be splashing out big money on Avon tyres again!

[Oldiebut goodie]

I had to replace 7 tyres on my Merc before I sold it due to that - I hadn't used it for a couple of years and had cracking the same. The tyre guy looked at me twice when I asked for 7 tyres and I had turned up in my T6!

[cobblers]

I have seen Avons crack prematurely before.
I'd definitely take your tyre guys advice with a pinch of salt.
The rubber compounds used in a tyre are always a compromise in some way - Every additive that improves one thing will have an effect on another, and the manufacturer has to weigh up it's priorities (and budget) before deciding what to use.
Avon do seem to prioritise something other than calendar longevity.
You can get specialised motorhome tyres which presumably are designed to last years rather than miles.

[DoubleOSeven]

I've got evidence of a 9 year old Avon ZZ3 letting go on my mothers E46 Beemer & the opposite side was cracking too. The car gets occasional use, low miles per annum - so the standing around a lot & not getting up to temperature might be a thing. Road noise is high on them too.

Michelin are the best or Continental, if you can stretch the budget.

[sarran1955]

Hello,

In France and Germany, and probably elsewhere in Europe, the tyre regulations are being 'stiffened up'.

From November to March winter tyres and snow tyres/ chains are mandatory from this year in 22 departments.. (the ones with snow )

My young VW T3 friend who is a MOT tester, says that while tyres are not yet age limited, if the fabrication date is over 10 years the inspection is more intense. He expects a 10 year limit in the future.
Government and tyre manufacturers websites all advise 10 years.

Here in the Auvergne, where the Winter rules apply there is always a good market in 2nd hand steel wheels and even Lidl has started offering tyre stocking stands.

It is snowing here today (750 metres) and my T3 still has his Winter boots....and electric seat warmer.. 

Only tyre type R14 C is permitted for T3's in France, I use Barum or Conti for both the van and my car, bought on line about 200 euros
a pair including delivery.
Single tyres are not sold, as the make,pattern  and profile must  be the same across the axle.
I use summer pattern tyres at the front in the hot season, as they last longer and are less noisy.

Make sure you have your spare wheel correctly aligned in the carrier..so you can check the tyre pressure...

So if it came between fitting a fancy exhaust silencer or buying 4 new tyres...I know what my choice would be..

Cordialement,

[maxstu]

I've got evidence of a 9 year old Avon ZZ3 letting go on my mothers E46 Beemer & the opposite side was cracking too. The car gets occasional use, low miles per annum - so the standing around a lot & not getting up to temperature might be a thing. Road noise is high on them too.

Michelin are the best or Continental, if you can stretch the budget.

Im likely to agree. Perhaps the are suitable for certain vehicles.Yet lve never felt at ease riding motorcycles with Avon tyres fitted.
Maxxis is ideal budget alternative. Did loads of motorcycle mileage on this make. But lose their grip after about 3/4 wear. Whereas Continentals and Michelins are expensive yet brilliant to end of lifespan.
Two new Hifly 2000's on the rear now. And ready to tow from Margate to Lymington come Sunday morning.

[ash1293]

I’ve currently got 205/70/15 hifly super 2000 all round, date stamp 2014 or 16 can’t quite remember. Still around 7-8mm and not showing any sign of age that I’ve noticed. Been great for a budget tyre. Slightly begrudge getting rid of them when the merc steels come off in favour of 16” tolimans.