Tyre pressures

[jacs]

Hi, I have just bought an old Ford Transit Motorhome but I can't find anywhere what the tyre pressure should be. It has been stood on the drive for a year, but has recently passed an MoT. I took it out for a drive and when I get to 50 mph it feels like the whole van is sliding like on ice. Having read some posts it might be my tyre pressure but I just don't know where to find what it should be

 

[rickwiggans]

You need to get the van weighed. Once you know the front and rear axle weights, put these, and the tyre sizes, into the calculator on the Tyresafe website. This will give you the recommended pressures

 

[jacs]

Thank you. I'm not sure where i can get the van weighed where I live so will have to do some research. I didn't realise what a minefield this is

 

[TheBig1]

check the drivers door pillar for a sticker with pressures on

 

[Ranger]

The first thing to do is check or get checked the date and suitability of of the tyres fitted to the vehicle, the MOT only really checks for faults and depth. They may be very old and the rubber gone hard.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Mack100]

check the drivers door pillar for a sticker with pressures on

That was one thing that Continental Tyres told me not to do, the weighbridge route was what they advised.

 

[TerryL]

Many local councils have weighbridges which are available for the general public, often free or at low cost.
Best way to do it, preferably with the van loaded to what you would expect to tour with i.e. full fuel tank, water tank, passengers, kit:-
Drive vehicle onto the weighbridge as far as possible without the rear wheels being on the ramp. Take a note of the weight, this is your front axle loading
Then move entire vehicle onto the bridge - this gives you your total weight
Finally move vehicle until the front wheels are just off the weighbridge. Take a note again, this is your rear axle loading.

Don't worry too much if the total of the first and last doesn't quite agree with the total weight, it'll only be a small percentage and is due to the vagaries of geometry. However these figures MUST be within the numbers quoted on the weight plate which is mounted somewhere on your van (first three numbers are relevant, front axle/rear axle/MAUW) - if they're not you are overloaded and must reduce the weight to remain legal. Keep a note and be guided in future about loading etc.

Now go to the Tyresafe website, put in the weights and it should give you the correct tyre pressures. You could also email the tyre manufacturer for their advice, although some will give you a maximum pressure which often gives a very hard ride. But from what you say, unless you've got suspension problems, which will show as a droopy stance, your tyres are under-inflated.

In reality every new van owner, whether it be fresh from the factory or an old-stager, should get their vehicle weighed. It's been estimated that 80% of motorhomes are being driven overweight and the authorities, previously only interested in commercial vehicles, are now turning their attention to our sector. (As reported in current issue of MMM magazine).

 

[jacs]

Thank you so much The Big One, Ranger, Mack 100 and Terry L for your advice - this certainly gives me something to go on. I only bought the van at the beginning of the month and know diddly squat about motorhomes, but hoping to live the dream as they say. Hope you all have a good day

 

[jacs]

Sorry, that last thank you should have read TheBig1 (not the big one)

 

[TerryL]

You're very welcome, that's what this forum is all about - as well as having a bit of Fun while we're at it (motorhoming that is ).

Now comes the "soft sell"! Why not become a full member which will give you unlimited posts (you've only got one left) so you can ask about anything you like (even motorhome stuff) and access to a wealth of information, discounts etc. etc. It'll be the best £15 you'll ever spend on motorhoming.

Good luck and hope to see you on the road or at a rally or meet sometime.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Pausim]

I use the weigh bridge at a local scrap yard, they are very helpful and I think I paid £15 last time.

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Thank you. I'm not sure where i can get the van weighed where I live so will have to do some research. I didn't realise what a minefield this is

Hi
You need to weigh it when it is loaded ready to go, so that you know that you are legal

Regarding tyres, check that they are the correct rated tyres for your use , always a chance that an older vehicle from unknown source may have “wrong” tyres, don't take as gospel that this has been picked up by MOT