Operating instructions
19
10. WHEELS AND TYRES.
Tyres
The tyres tted by Bailey Caravans are Michelin car
and van tyres for the Unicorn and Pegasus range and
Security Tyres for the Pursuit range. They are suitable
for towing at sustained speeds of up to 81mph (130 kph)
to allow for use in countries which permit these speeds.
Radial and cross ply tyres should never be mixed. It is
dangerous and can cause snaking. Fit only tyres that
are of the identical specication on each side. Unless
Towing for a limited time on the spare wheel whilst the
tyre on the Alloy is in repair.
Tyre wear and Damage.
The legal requirements for tread depth (1.6mm) on
motor vehicles apply also to caravans.
In order to equalise wear it is suggested that wheels be
balanced and changed around from time to time. When
caravans are not in use for extended periods, wheels and
tyres should be removed and stored in dry conditions and
away from the outside elements. Alternatively caravans
should be jacked up to relieve the load from the tyres.
It is dangerous to neglect tyre damage. Tyres should be
checked for damage or cuts exposing the casing, or if it
has suffered an impact (for example against a kerb), it
is advisable to have it examined by a tyre specialist as
soon as possible.
The caravan industry recommends that, for safety
reasons tyres more than 7 years old from the date of
manufacture be replaced, but preferably replaced at 4
years old. The tyres may have deteriorated by this time,
regardless of tread depth.
The cleaning of tyres should only be carried out using
soap and water. Petrol, diesel, parafn and other
solvents are not suitable.
If the caravan is not used for long periods of time
(periods of longer than 1 month) it is recommended that
the wheels/ tyres are removed and stored upright in
a rack, and rotated at least once a month to avoid the
tyres becoming distorted. They can be covered with a
natural material (e.g. Hessian) for protection but NOT
plastic materials. This will reduce the deterioration of
the tyres and reduce the cracking and at spots caused
by continuous loading and external conditions.
If it is not practical to remove the wheels it is
recommended to routinely rotate the wheels to reduce
the potential of cracking, at spots etc.
Check with your insurance company that you
are still covered when the wheels are removed.
Tyre Pressures.
Caravan tyres should be at the pressure recommended
in the rear of this manual. The towing vehicle tyres
should be set to the pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer for laden conditions. This will
ensure the tyres and vehicle operate in a safe condition
and maintain stability of the vehicle when towing.
Always check your caravan and tow vehicle
tyre pressures when cold and prior to any
journey. Also check tyre conditions for damage
or cuts exposing the casing before and after
any journey. (Inclusive of the spare.) If in doubt
it is advisable to have it examined by a tyre
specialist as soon as possible. Incorrect tyre
pressures can seriously affect towed vehicle
performance and the longevity of the tyre.
Consult your tow vehicle manufacture for the correct
tow vehicle tyre pressures for towing.
Wheels
Caravan wheel bolts must always only be tightened to
the appropriate setting by tightening each opposite
xing in succession to the correct torque. Always use
a calibrated torque wrench. Do not use a corner steady
brace, power or electric wrench. It is as dangerous to
over tighten bolts as to not tighten them sufciently.
The torque settings should be checked after
the rst 50Km /30 Miles. For Alloy Wheels the
wheel bolts should be tightened to a torque of
130Nm (Newton Metres) , for steel wheels the
wheel bolts should be tightened to a torque of
120Nm (88 lb-ft)
The condition of wheels should be checked regularly
particularly for distortion of anges and the wheel dish.
Wheels damaged or distorted, or having the wheel bolt
seating cracked or deformed must not be repaired.
If a wheel or tyre has to be changed it should be of the
same type of construction and size as originally tted.
Only use a spare wheel and tyre recommended
by Bailey Caravans, which should be of the same
specication as those tted to the caravan.
Always ensure mating surfaces and bolt seating
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