Avon Tyres issue

[MajorClanger]

Hi!

We bought and picked up our new (to us) motorhome on the 12th August - 9 days ago now. We've been delighted with it, and the few niggles we had have been sorted out (over the phone) with the dealer, apart from one massive one.

I happened to be reading the forums and came across a thread that said Avon tyres aren't suitable for use on Motorhomes, along with a link to their website:

https://www.avontyres.com/en-gb/improper-use-on-caravans/

We have 4x 215/70R15 on ours. We phoned the dealer and pointed this out, saying we needed them replaced, and they said "no".

Their argument is that it passed the MOT so there's nothing wrong. Our argument is that because we now know about the issue, we have to inform the insurance company about it, and (in all probability) we wouldn't be able to drive the bus until they were changed. Even if we decided not to inform the insurance company, if were to have a blow-out, I would expect the bus not to be covered.

So, what are our options? I'm thinking "Sales of Goods Act" and "fitness for purpose", but wonder where we stand legally.

 

[WillH]

I have Avons on the front, all that was available on a Sunday in the Highlands last year. Covered a few thousand miles on them in all weather conditions, no problems, good traction.

 

[MajorClanger]

I should mention that the existing tyres look brand new, so this isn't an attempt to get a new set of tyres to replace a worn set.

 

[68c]

Looks like a new can of worms has been opened.

 

[chatteris]

dont see a problem just because Avon dont make a specific tyre and wont pay any compensation for failure does not mean the tyres are not ok, I suspect loads of us are running on normal commercial tyres, as long as the load rating is ok should not be a problem

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[Landy Andy]

dont see a problem just because Avon dont make a specific tyre and wont pay any compensation for failure does not mean the tyres are not ok, I suspect loads of us are running on normal commercial tyres, as long as the load rating is ok should not be a problem

This is Avon’s statement

Presently, we do not recommend any Avon tyres for use on caravans or motorhomes, as we do not design any of our tyres for such use

 

[thebriars]

The Sale of Goods Act was replaced by the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If the tyres are not fit for purpose, which they are clearly not and they have refused to change them, take the van back and use the Act for a full refund. - You have 30 days. They'll soon replace the tyres for you!

Be prepared. Take a carefully worded letter with you, Which and Citizen Rights both have templates. Ask to see the manager, tell him they have already refused to change the tyres and request a full refund for the van as its not fit for purpose. If the manager refuses to see you or says no, then formally hand them the letter and ask for a receipt. Be firm, but don't threaten or get angry.

Go on line and read the actual Act, it is written in straightforward English. Also if you have legal cover on your house insurance you could contact them. Also if you bought the van on finance they will deal with it for you if the dealer refuses.

 

[2657]

[QUOTE="Landy Andy, post: 4050376, member: 53503"Normal considerations should be]
This is Avon’s statement

Presently, we do not recommend any Avon tyres for use on caravans or motorhomes, as we do not design any of our tyres for such use
[/QUOTE]

The crucial word is recommend they are not proscribed and many thousands of commercial tyres are used on campervans and motorhomes without problem, including Avon's.

Normal precautions should be taken if parked up for long periods but this applies to all brands and if I had CP tyres on I would still take these precautions.

Only my opinion obviously

 

[MajorClanger]

Thanks thebriars, that was very useful. I'll check the household insurance for legal cover. The vehicle was bought outright, so no finance involved.

 

[MajorClanger]

So, I'm in a quandary. The only way to find out whether I would be insured or not is to phone the insurance company and ask them. If they say I'm not, then I can no longer legally drive the MH, so will have to get someone out to fit the tyres on my drive (at even greater expense). This has prevented us from going away in the MH until it is sorted out.

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[Robert Clark]

Why not just replace the tyres and move on

 

[Lenny HB]

Looks like a "cover our arses" statement as others have said it's just a recommendation. Nowhere does it state "must not be used".
So I think if you want them changed it will be at your expense.

 

[Landy Andy]

The most expensive camping tyres are £140 Each in that size so I would not bother with the grief for £300. Get tyres on that you are happy with, and get using it. I also wouldn’t be bothered to drive it to the nearest fitting centre with tyres you have.

It was similar story to when I bought my van, but the issue with my tyres were with the age of them, as opposed to the brand. I just drove it carefully and got it put right asap

 

[emjaiuk]

Are you a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, or any similar automotive organisation? They should be able to tell you if the tyres are adequate to use or not. I suspect they are and I would have thought that if you get unbiased independent advice as to that you would be happy. On the other hand you could ask your insurance company, and if they say no, we will not insure you, or insist on an unacceptable loading for cover it would greatly strengthen your claim to reject the vehicle. The MOST IMPORTANT Factor would be the load factor on the Avons. If it covers the maximum weight of your MH that would weaken your claim to reject. If it doesn't you may have been sold an unroadworthy vehicle. Is the load rating of tyres part of an MOT?

I've no specific technical qualifications for the above post. Best of luck.

 

[Lenny HB]

So, I'm in a quandary. The only way to find out whether I would be insured or not is to phone the insurance company and ask them. If they say I'm not, then I can no longer legally drive the MH, so will have to get someone out to fit the tyres on my drive (at even greater expense). This has prevented us from going away in the MH until it is sorted out.

Don't see the need to speak to your insurance company as long as they are the correct load rating.

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[AXO66]

Our new chausson came fited with goodyear marathon van tyres. load rating as should be. 4years and 21,500 miles later, no problems.

Load ratings is the key.

otherwise tyre indusry would be saying with one voice use camper tyres only.

You could if concerned , buy other tyres and keep the Avons and sell them on privately. Save a few bob .

 

[cmcardle75]

Surely Avon are breaking the law with this? If the tyre has the correct size and load rating, it should be good for any application. They would surely lose their CE mark if they can't be used as certificated and rated.

You don't need special "camping" tyres, unless you just like tyre companies dividing up the market into savvy (commerical) and sucker (camper) categories to get more cash out of them.

 

[Otter Spotter]

Surely Avon are breaking the law with this? If the tyre has the correct size and load rating, it should be good for any application. They would surely lose their CE mark if they can't be used as certificated and rated.

You don't need special "camping" tyres, unless you just like tyre companies dividing up the market into savvy (commerical) and sucker (camper) categories to get more cash out of them.

Motorhome tyres are designed with strengthened tyres walls to provide support during the anticipated long layups in storage, normal van tyres are perfectly useable on a motorhome but will perish if left with the vehicle weight on them in storage eventually.
Avon are not breaking the law, they are just recommending you don’t use their tyres on a motorhome, In case you leave them in storage. If you use your motorhome like me as your daily motor, then you should have no problems at all. Commercial Van tyres will do 60,000 miles if you drive carefully.

 

[thebriars]

Are you a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, or any similar automotive organisation? They should be able to tell you if the tyres are adequate to use or not. I suspect they are and I would have thought that if you get unbiased independent advice as to that you would be happy. On the other hand you could ask your insurance company, and if they say no, we will not insure you, or insist on an unacceptable loading for cover it would greatly strengthen your claim to reject the vehicle. The MOST IMPORTANT Factor would be the load factor on the Avons. If it covers the maximum weight of your MH that would weaken your claim to reject. If it doesn't you may have been sold an unroadworthy vehicle. Is the load rating of tyres part of an MOT?

I've no specific technical qualifications for the above post. Best of luck.

When I rang the legal department of the CMC about my caravan a couple of years ago, they were totally useless and informed me a caravan was a motor vehicle (which it isn't BTW). If the CMC legal department can't get their facts right on issues as basic as this, I think asking them about tyres would be pointless.

 

[TerryL]

Sorry, but IMO you're onto a loser, probably with aggro and financial problems if you keep pushing. Frankly I can see nothing wrong with using any tyre so long as it is rated for it's intended use i.e. speed rating, load rating, correct size for the rim. If it's all of those I'd suggest you ignore the "advice" you've read somewhere and get on with your motorhoming.

If you really aren't happy with them - and by the way you were when you agreed to buy the vehicle unless of course new tyres (unspecified brand?) were a part of the deal, then go out and change them then get at least half of your money back selling the Avons.

Had the same situation when I bought my car; the tyre depot manager agreed that those that had been fitted as part of the deal weren't the best around but certainly not illegal so I just had him change them to a top brand. Let's face it, it was only a tiny amount in proportion to the purchase price.

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[thebriars]

Looks like a "cover our arses" statement as others have said it's just a recommendation. Nowhere does it state "must not be used".
So I think if you want them changed it will be at your expense.

Its a lot stronger than a cover our arses statement. Avon state they have not designed them for motorhomes. Given the Avon statement, it is down to the dealer to provide written proof these tyres are suitable for a motorhome. If the OP uses the CRA, then the dealer has three choices, change the tyres, provide the written proof they are safe to use, or refund the full cost of the motorhome. If the dealer refuses to do anything, that would certainly clinch it as far as the CRA goes. Should it ever go as far as court, (which it won't) the only defence the dealer could provide would be to prove the tyres are safe.

 

[cmcardle75]

Its a lot stronger than a cover our arses statement. Avon state they have not designed them for motorhomes. Given the Avon statement, it is down to the dealer to provide written proof these tyres are suitable for a motorhome. If the OP uses the CRA, then the dealer has three choices, change the tyres, provide the written proof they are safe to use, or refund the full cost of the motorhome. If the dealer refuses to do anything, that would certainly clinch it as far as the CRA goes. Should it ever go as far as court, (which it won't) the only defence the dealer could provide would be to prove the tyres are safe.

But in a regulated industry like tyres, it may well be illegal to make the statement Avon are making. They have produced to CE standards a tyre with a rating. I don't see how they are permitted to restrict what type of vehicle you use it on provided you don't exceed any of the published ratings. Now, if the vehicle manufacturer specified "CP" tyres, that's another matter. However, if the vehicle manufacturer specified standard commerical van tyres, I can't see why a tyre manufacturer can get out of their obligations.

 

[P Jones]

When I rang the legal department of the CMC about my caravan a couple of years ago, they were totally useless and informed me a caravan was a motor vehicle (which it isn't BTW). If the CMC legal department can't get their facts right on issues as basic as this, I think asking them about tyres would be pointless.

i agree ,ok.pj.

 

[Happy1]

No difference between a van and a motorhome, the Avon spec sheet will show load and speed rating and size of wheel 6j 6.5j etc if fits then ok not just going to pop because it’s a mh

 

[thebriars]

No difference between a van and a motorhome, the Avon spec sheet will show load and speed rating and size of wheel 6j 6.5j etc if fits then ok not just going to pop because it’s a mh

Pure speculation.

Tyres are one of the most important safety features on a motorhome. Personally I would not risk it.

Have an accident, and what would an insurance company say? Would they take your view as gospel. I think not.

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[Happy1]

Pure speculation.

Tyres are one of the most important safety features on a motorhome. Personally I would not risk it.

Have an accident, and what would an insurance company say? Would they take your view as gospel. I think not.

Absolutely but what’s the difference between a van wheel and a motorhome wheel? It’s the spec of the tyre fitted to wheel that counts unless you have up plated then the wheel spec is also important

 

[The Coops]

About two ply!

 

[thebriars]

Absolutely but what’s the difference between a van wheel and a motorhome wheel? It’s the spec of the tyre fitted to wheel that counts unless you have up plated then the wheel spec is also important

If you think that, then explain why Michelin, Pirelli and Continental make specialist motorhome tyres with stronger sidewalls than standard van tyres. Its explained here:

 

[Happy1]

Agree it’s the spec of the tyre that counts not the badge

 

[Happy1]

my rear axle is plated at 2.7 tonnes so run on proper camper tyres think 112 rating but not 100% sure or 121 Michelin van tyres rated for the load ? Load equivalent to the total running mass of most motorhomes on 4 wheels
Having said that my car has manufacturer approved tyres but they are n rated so again tyre spec plus a nod I admit to manufacturer like camper tyres

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