Bongo Fury

I've recently washed my Bongo and have spotted some small cracks forming in the tyres of my van - Should I be alarmed?

Its age I'm afraid.
Take it to a good tyre retailer and they'll know if its ok.
Bonz

Can I mix treads between the front and the rear - for example if I only need to change the fronts can I change them for another brand - I'd like to put Continental Vancos on it.

Hi Scotty,

Mine had same tread all round when bought. When I picked it up after its SVA, service and MOT it had new fronts (both the same type).

Totally different tread pattern than the back, the required size but higher load rating with a slightly lower speed rating (106mph). Drives ok, no probs. Must be ok as it passed the MOT.

Dont forget the fronts are different from the rears on size with a slightly higher load rating at the rear. Although you prob wont drive around alot with a load in the back you will some times so reinforced (van) tyres on the rear are a must.

Bonz
PS paint in the post mate

There is a lot of forum threads on tyres. Tread pattern and manufacturers not a problem. I use commercial tyres hoping to improve tyre life. Tyres on axle must be same size. For MOT tyres with direction of rotation must be fitted correct way round.

I had a blow out last weekend, The rear tyres had fine cracks in the tread, R.A.C. man said they were old and dangerous, well the tyre that blew was a right mess, had to limp home at 40M.P.H. had 2 tryes fitted to rear at first opportunity, so please get them checked out now! I had reinforced wall tyres fitted, tyre people said the old ones were not strong enough, even when new

have you got reinforced tyres all round pete? or just on the back?

Just the back, but will be changing the front when the wallet recovers, I think it is the safest option

I have Continental on rear, have only worn 2MM in three years. The front are Goodyear GT2 and are wearing unevenly.

You may have noticed that some owners of motor homes protect their tyres from the sun, this is because sunlight degrades the rubber and the tyre walls crack before the tread wears.

Just glad you and the family are ok Pete. Stuff the wallet.

I had a blowout years ago on an old chevette and it spun round a few times.
I was touching cloth.

Whatever the cost of new tyres. Cant compare with losing a loved one.

p.s. I would recommend getting rid of that skinny spare too.

The van with six in it plus camping gear must be weighing over 2 ton. Not good on a push bike rim.

Glad you are all ok mate.

All t best, Dave n Nen

Thanks Dave, I am not complaing at cost of tyres, like you say money does not enter into it, I am on the lookout for a proper wheel for the spare. The journey home from the lakes was not nice. I also learnt a lesson too, be prepared(that's ironic, just became a Scout leader recently) I also have a red triangle and high visibility jacket to add to the shopping list. I also urge anybody to check thatyou have all the tools you require to change a wheel! I had all the tools, but I did not find the long tool for lowering the spare I had to call the R.A.C. because the road was so busy and dangerous He gave a great demo, and put me straight on the poor back tyre quality I will be checking the wheels on a much more regular basis also how many people know the tyre pressure for the spacesaver the tyre we have is the original and tyre pressure was not clear, The R.A.C. man guessed at 60p.s.i, but phoned in to get the correct pressure, which was 60p.s.i. So worth checking your spare !!!