Operating instructions
18
9. WHEELS AND TYRES.
Tyres
The tyres tted by Bailey Caravans are Michelin
car and van tyres. 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.
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 effect 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.
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