Another tyre question….

[Swamp]

Morning folks,
Hopefully we’ll soon be collecting our shiny new motorhome and I’m looking at swapping the camper tyres for some winter van tyres.
I understand the details of size, load index and speed rating but am confused about the significance of the number of plies.
I’ve looked at a number of threads here where folks have discussed the merits of 8 or 10 ply but looking elsewhere on line has confused me with seemingly contradictory information.
Do I need to worry about the number of plies when I choose new tyres or am I ok if the load rating is sufficient?

 

[Jev88]

For me? Load rating is tops (but then we are 7500Kg).

 

[Lenny HB]

It's the load rating you need to make sure is correct best to have a load rating 10% above max axle weight.

You maybe surprised to learn tht camping tyres are only 8 ply where most van tyres are often 10 ply.

 

[Pausim]

The camper tyres supposedly have a stronger wall construction to allow for them standing in the same position for long periods of time. Van tyres are designed for regular use rather than standing still for long periods. What is right for you depends on how you use your motorhome. Many Funsters use van tyres, I stick with the camper ones because I keep my motorhome in storage and moving it regularly to keep the tyres rotating is not convenient.

 

[dunnah01]

Don't go down the plies rabbit hole unless you then want to then worry about the number of radial Plies, number of cap Plies and number of belts

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[Guigsy]

Just get the tyres with a load rating that at least meets your axle load. I don't believe the 10% over thing as there's plenty of safety margin already designed in. Higher load tyres with more plies means more weight. So you'll accelerate slower and use a bit more fuel. You'll be able to use a slightly lower pressure, but it'll be offset by them being stiffer and more unsprung rotating mass, so I suspect it'll be a wash on the comfort front.

 

[DJIT]

Just go with load rating.
Check your axle weights and get tyres that are at least load rated for half the higher figure (usually the rear axle is higher).

 

[Swamp]

Thanks folks, that was pretty much what I thought.
Just wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something important!