Ouch!! (Tyres)

[mark61]

Just looked that up Mark.

Can you really get 'excellent grip on snow and slush' - what's the technology behind that?

Good question. There's loads of info available on how they work, but at minimum they will be better than a non 3PMSF tyre. Would be more accurate for them to say "better grip on snow and slush"
Bottom line, doesn't matter, they are a minimum winter requirement in an increasing number of European countries. M+S tyres no longer cut it as an alternative to winter tyres, 3PMSF's do.

 

[barryd]

Most of our trips are summer trips really and moving forward the main trip will be three months in Europe across summer but we do a lot of grass in the UK from Spring to Autumn. The only winter trips we do are usually hard standing CL's in the UK. I tend to avoid grass after September. Our Christmas New Year trip in the lake district was cut short in the end because of the big freeze and where we were parked. Ice was the major concern there and I dont think there was any kind of tyre that would have got us out of where we were then had we not gone home early.

 

[barryd]

Just seen the advisories. 2014 the tyres but its a 2015 registered van! I suppose thats quite possible though.

Mileage
18,233 miles
Test location
View test location

MOT test number
9648 5800 3551
Expiry date
14 April 2026
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

• Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both sides on 3.5mm 2014 age on tyres n/s cracking (5.2.3 (e))
• Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both sides cracking age on tyres 2014 (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
• Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides just starting to split (5.3.4 (a) (i))

 

[Robmac]

I must admit I don't spend a lot on tyres myself but I don't have a big van and I don't carry a motorcycle on the back which I think would make me think differently.

I must admit though, this 3PMSF does appeal for Scotland in the Winter.

 

[barryd]

I must admit I don't spend a lot on tyres myself but I don't have a big van and I don't carry a motorcycle on the back which I think would make me think differently.

I must admit though, this 3PMSF does appeal for Scotland in the Winter.

I knew it would come at some point as there is a big hike in price for the bigger tyres but of course I just looked at the tread and thought they will be good for years so a bit of a shocker. I would think the grippier the tyre though the noisier it will be and probably harsher ride. The ones we had were a pretty harsh ride and made the van rattle but were not so bad once it was full of gear and supplies for a trip. Handling and firmness on the road is superb though for a massive motorhome. I think the extended Alko chassis makes a difference. I do wish I had had more time to consider this though but hopefully it will be fine.

 

[barryd]

They haven't mentioned this bit to me on the advisories. Do I assume its something that doesn't need fixing immediately?

• Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides just starting to split (5.3.4 (a) (i))

 

[mark61]

I'd mention it and get their opinion. No one wants a split bush (sorry not sorry) if that's what it turns out to be.
Better sorted sooner than later in my book.

 

[Rolyan57]

Vans in for MOT. Its passed but all four tyres are cracking at the sides. They are the continental camping tyres but all of them are ten years old so they have recommended replacing them. £230 each!! Ive said go ahead as I really have no choice. I've seen debates about whether normal van tyres will do and obviously they will likely be £100 cheaper each but with it being a 4.25t van, carrying the scooter etc and also stood for months on end I guess its probably best to have the best tyres suited for the job.

What with the service and MOT on top thats my day ruined.

At least you’re not one of these that changes them at 5 years old regardless of mileage or condition. That would be a double ouch.

 

[runnach]

Michelin agilis cross climate from Costco. just under £400 for the pair. Hank is a similar weight to our Arto, fit the best you can.

 

[TJBi]

I agree with those who have said that Michelin Agilis CrossClimate (van or camper version) would have been the way to go.
As regards your question on tyre pressures, have a look at https://cdn.ndias.com/DK/_Content/brochurer/download-technical-databook.pdf which has tables showing maximum axle loads for given inflation pressures for various tyre sizes.

 

[yeoblade]

just make sure they get the load rating right, Your 4.5t van with the bike on the back will be heavy on the rear axle

 

[barryd]

All done and dusted and £1100 lighter that included the MOT, service and axle greasing. Apparently they were Michelin camping tyres on before not Continentals but they couldn't get hold of the same tyres apparently. 80 PSI put in as per the recommendations. I think thats maybe too hard but will see what its like. Ill check the spec on the invoice but I am sure they know what they are doing regarding load ratings.

Amazingly Julian @yeoblade when I weighed the van with the bike on the back the other day the rear axle was at 2060kg with 2400kg being the max. There would be a bit of our stuff to go in like laptops etc for a trip and I've added a second battery since then and another panel to go up but well within the limits. Plus there would be a bit more weight up front on a trip which makes a difference to the rear. Should never be overloaded really.

I have not enjoyed today.

 

[exwindsurfer]

Vans in for MOT. Its passed but all four tyres are cracking at the sides. They are the continental camping tyres but all of them are ten years old so they have recommended replacing them. £230 each!! Ive said go ahead as I really have no choice. I've seen debates about whether normal van tyres will do and obviously they will likely be £100 cheaper each but with it being a 4.25t van, carrying the scooter etc and also stood for months on end I guess its probably best to have the best tyres suited for the job.

What with the service and MOT on top thats my day ruined.

Ouch

 

[zzr1400tim]

TYRES are the only thing keeping you on the road
dont go cheap!
clench your fist and look at the palmprint
times that by 4 and that's all between you and the road!
I just replaced all the shoes on the Jag with Pirelli P zeros .. expensive yes .. but worth it
The tyre folks said "do you want budget tyres?"
I said
"do I look like an out of work moron?"

 

[barryd]

TYRES are the only thing keeping you on the road
dont go cheap!
clench your fist and look at the palmprint
times that by 4 and that's all between you and the road!
I just replaced all the shoes on the Jag with Pirelli P zeros .. expensive yes .. but worth it
The tyre folks said "do you want budget tyres?"
I said
"do I look like an out of work moron?"

But I'm a poor out of work Muso type. Can we have a whip round? All those music tracks I have entertained you with must be worth a few quid. (About £1100 I reckon)

 

[barryd]

By the way on the suspension arm bush (I asked twice about this) and they said its fine. Sticking out a tiny bit but nothing to worry about. Why feckin mention it then?

 

[runnach]

While our Arto was in for mot, I had the garage check and adjust wheel alignment when in their care.

Overall from November, new clutch, new timing belt, water pump etc, 2x tyres, mot, £3K- ish

 

[runnach]

By the way on the suspension arm bush (I asked twice about this) and they said its fine. Sticking out a tiny bit but nothing to worry about. Why feckin mention it then?

It’s always good for the mot station to have an advisory or three on your updated certificate.

 

[trevskoda]

Jury is out on that one Trev it seems. Like I said, I put cheaper normal tyres on the old van and they never lasted that long. Different ball game I guess under 3.5t, smaller wheels compared to new big fat heavy Hank 2.

MIne are 225/75/16 amd have lasted years, weight is 4.3 ton

 

[colinm]

Amazingly Julian @yeoblade when I weighed the van with the bike on the back the other day the rear axle was at 2060kg with 2400kg being the max. There would be a bit of our stuff to go in like laptops etc for a trip and I've added a second battery since then and another panel to go up but well within the limits. Plus there would be a bit more weight up front on a trip which makes a difference to the rear. Should never be overloaded really.

Everything you put in the van aft of the front wheels adds a certain amount to the rear axle, even stuff in the overcab will throw a tiny bit of weight to the rear unless it's rammed in the front corner.