Although mine is a caravan problem, it's probably worth motorhomers checking out this under-appreciated aspect of tyres on heavier vehicles.
Our 18ft van is a hybrid China/Oz production. The (single axle) chassis and bare box are made in China and shipped to Oz for internal fitout, wiring, etc.
They arrive in Oz by the container-load, fitted with three 15" rims & Chinese-made 235/75R15 tyres — two on the road and a spare.
As the van has a 2500kg ATM, the tyres fitted at manufacture are a 116 load index. This complies with Oz regulations.
The problem arises when the tyres wear and require replacement.
At some stage (probably just before we bought it) the previous owner REPLACED THE TWO 'ROAD' TYRES WITH 109 LOAD INDEX TYRES.
No-one (at least I can't find anyone) who sells 15" tyres in Australia stocks a load index higher than 109!
One SA retailer claims to sell them, but is "out of stock"… actually, he's "out of stock" on all tyre sizes!
Apparently all these vans are shipped with 15" rims, but people buying the dual-axle vans can legally replace the tyres with 109 load index, as the load is shared across four tyres.
A call to the Australian 'manufacturer' of the van was called for.
"Yes," was the response, "We can sell you three tyres and rims to suit."
"But I only want the tyres.""Sorry, we only sell the tyres on rims."
"But the rims are not required, only the tyres are worn."
"Sorry, we only sell the tyres on rims."
"I don't think this conversation is going anywhere. Goodbye."
SOLUTION: I have just spent $2,000 buying 16" rims and 265/70R16 tyres — with a 120 load index — from a tyre retailing chain set up by a retired racing car driver (Not Mickey Thompson!) which — after a nasty legal battle — is now run by his son.
At least when these tyres wear down I can get replacements with the correct load rating.
This is what prompted this post:
Cheapsh!t Chinese tyre of insufficient load rating. Fortunately I was climbing a steep hill at 50km/h when the tyre blew, and stopped safely.
BEFORE: AFTER:
ps. Is anyone in need of three six-stud 15" rims & tyres for a trailer?
Two are LI-109, the original spare is LI-116. The replacement LI-109 tyre has only done 1500km.
They're legal for loads up to 2100kg ATM.
