A traveller who suffered a caravan tyre blowout on a recent trip is urging grey nomads and all other travellers to check the age of their tyres before setting off.
The news.com.au website says the experienced camper was towing his van recently when he started feeling a ‘little sway’ and heard a grinding noise coming from behind his car.
A truck driver then reportedly radioed the man after spotting the problem – the tyres on one of his camper wheels had been completely shredded.
The man wrote in a post to social media that, prior to setting off on his adventure, the tyres ‘looked good’ and had ‘lots of meat’ but he never thought to check their age.
Grey nomads are being advised to check the age of their tyres. PIC: Pexels
As he later learned, they were manufactured in 2011 and were on their last legs.
“The tyre disappeared,” he wrote. “So friends, before you head off either on a short trip or that dream trip, always check the dates of the tyres … you never know, it may save your life, your loved ones, and others on the road.”
New.com.au reports that it was the man’s first ‘blowout’ in about 20 years, during which he owned four vans.
He has since had his van has been fitted with a new set of tyres.
New.com.au reports that hundreds of people agreed with the man’s social media message and dozens shared scary ordeals of their own.
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Safety Dave tyre monitors…after a similar incident I fitted them & they probably saved me a tyre & rim twice.
Strongly agree John, I have tyre monitors fitted. I know of one caravanner that lost his complete wheel (twin axle) and didn’t know it until pulled over by police. With the technology readily available it should be mandatory for all trailers to have them fitted.
Since there is no age limit on tyres the main issue is the condition of the tyres themselves. I have seen cracked and hardened tyres that have been out in the sun and abused failing within 2 years and other tyres some 15 years old that have been properly maintained and protected from UV exposure except whilst actually being used still showing no signs of degradation. I do agree that ageing is a critical factor but not as critical as properly maintained and stored including regular rotation to prevent flat spots. So fact checking I guess the article is partially correct — do check your tyres before you travel. More importantly – look after them properly.
This is a problem with caravans, camper trailers and motor homes. As they generally do not do the annual mileage that a motor vehicle would do, an inspection of the tread depth would show that it is fine. However, the age of the tyre is the critical issue which is often overlooked. From my understanding tyres should be changed at least every 5-6 years due to the rubber hardening thus losing its effectiveness to provide safe travel.
I’m sure your regular tyre service centre will gladly give you a complimentary tyre check before setting out
I am fastidious about the age of my tyres and change them every five years, irrespective of how they “look”.
This one was close to going after a few minor pothole incursions but luckily spotted it before it did. Less than five years old!
The Ch(ina)eaper tyres fitted to new vans are a problem…they just don’t cut the mustard on our roads.
Quality counts as well
As an ex tyre design engineer, tyres have a limited lifespan regardless of usage. This is due to the bonding between internal companents in the tyre having a limited life. This can lead to a catastrophic failure.
Tyres should be replaced after 5-6 years maximum from the date of manufacture. Even the spares and even if never used.
Before you buy tyres check the “DOT” marking stamped on the sidewall – the last 4 numbers will tell you the manufacturing date. For example 1619 is week 16 of 2019. Refuse to accept tyres that are not recent (say 6 months or so old).
There are often tyres sold that already have 3 or more years before you get them. I am aware of some caravan manufacturers buying these cheaply to keep costs down.
Insurers are staring to look at this and you may find claims rejected if a claim is related to an aged tyre.
Some insurers will not cover you if the tyres are older than 8 years
Keeping van tyres shaded or covered while in storage will prolong the life somewhat.
Regarding Lankys’ comment re insurers, please supply some further info as the fine print needs to be fully and accurately interpreted.
No, will not prolong life beyond what I said above, although can help with weathering – appearance related.
I had this proplem, after three blow out’s, I was told that, that it was part of the problem.
Tyres should not be more than five years. Check your insurance policy you may be voiding it if you are making a claim.
Why is it that many call a punctured tyre run flat and shredded a blowout ?
I have had a couple of blowouts and I alway hear the ‘pop’.