Puncture?, What do I do?

[Johnnynhl]

Ok Newbie here, so after some searching and referencing the manuals I can safely say there is no spare tyre on my camper van. Yes, you may say what was I thinking when I bought it. Doh!. So the question is as basic as what should I do to make preparations in case of a puncture?

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Thank you but most do not do not check their spare tyre pressure, punctures are infrequent and it is not unheard of for spares to be flat or unusable, given amongst the fleet I have four vehicles without spares and the breakdown services across europe being geared up for this I really cannot worry about a puncture or tyre change.

Are these extra vehicles motorhomes or cars, and on hire, or personal use.
Or are they commercial vehicles in use for a business.?

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

The company I use is Puncture Control, based around the Swindon area but does mobile service. Gary's the man, often attends big shows. Phone 03335770505. Had it in my tyres for 3 years and no rotting and have not noticed any adverse effect on the performance of the tyres re balancing.

Same for me on all points

 

[Coolcats]

Are these extra vehicles motorhomes or cars, and on hire, or personal use.
Or are they commercial vehicles in use for a business.?

I am fortunate to own all these vehicles not on lease no loans.

The MoHome is for pleasure, I use a transporter that is for commercial and personal use, a blisteringly quick track/road car with specialist tyres (I tell the break down service not to bother trying to get them just take me to my destination and arrange a loan car and take the car back to the factory which has happened). A car that is also used for business and pleasure.

None of these vehicles come with a spare wheel, it's not the dark ages breakdown services deal with bigger vehicles than a MoHo and each to their own I guess, I am just saying I don't 'need' a spare just plan for if you have a puncture eg an inflation kit and Goo (make sure as others say to get the rim washed before a new tyre is fitted or it is repaired. Beyond that call the breakdown services.

 

[Steve L]

I wouldn't take the van off the drive without a Spare. Our last 3 flats have not benn punctures, they have been valve failures all on Autoroute/ Motorway. Moral :- make sure you have metal valves fitted.

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[Headrush]

Always carry a spare, and a decent jack and relevant tools. You can't claim to be independent otherwise. This happened on the way back from Waterford just before sunset. I changed the wheel and was back on the road in 20 minutes. Good luck waiting for a repair service.

 

[Mike p]

This had been on previous threads, think the general opinion was, if you want to carry a tyre and tyre carrier you need to think of the extra weight that would apply.
Also If breakdown cannot come with a tyre, it’s not a bad place to wait until they get a replacement to you is it? Just sit and wait in your full facility van

At the side of the rd, I don’t think so.

 

[Coolcats]

For those who would prefer to change a wheel on a Motorway Shoulder (or beside the Highway), just look up how many people are killed by doing this, it is unsafe it doesn't matter how 'proficient'. There is no way I would try and change a wheel on a Motorway and if your thinking of doing so think of your loved ones before you do. The argument for being quick or saving time matters not if the unthinkable happens.

There are several points to Rule 275 of the Highway code here is two of them

• leave the vehicle by the left-hand door and ensure your passengers do the same. You MUST leave any animals in the vehicle or, in an emergency, keep them under proper control on the verge. Never attempt to place a warning triangle on a motorway
• do not put yourself in danger by attempting even simple repairs

 

[gwyntaxi]

Do you have the tin of "gunge" to put in the tyre before re-inflating?

The idea is that you use the gunge as a temporary fix to get you to the tyre place and a new tyre

The thinking is that most people aren't able to change a light commercial wheel on their own at the side of the road, so why supply a spare

It can happen very often that you’re not aware of a puncture until it’s lost more of it’s air, best of luck with a can of grunge trying to inflate a Motorhome Tyre with that, in a Motorhome there is no real substitute for a spare wheel, try it out in the wilds with a can of that gunge , and some breakdown organisations state that you must have a serviceable spare wheel, you’re out of luck if it happens to be late on Saturday evening which is when a puncture is likely to happen

 

[TheMachMan]

the last 2 instances I’ve had punctures in cars with spares I haven’t been able to get the wheels off anyway.
Alloys wheels often fuse to the hub and very difficult to get off.
So ended up calling for assistance. And it’s not often safe at a roadside these days.

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[Coolcats]

It can happen very often that you’re not aware of a puncture until it’s lost more of it’s air, best of luck with a can of grunge trying to inflate a Motorhome Tyre with that, in a Motorhome there is no real substitute for a spare wheel, try it out in the wilds with a can of that gunge , and some breakdown organisations state that you must have a serviceable spare wheel, you’re out of luck if it happens to be late on Saturday evening which is when a puncture is likely to happen

The gunge helps seal the puncture and works well but cannot seal a blowout (egg white or rad seal come to mind for small leaky radiators ).

My question is which motoring breakdown organisations state you have have a serviceable spare? The RAC, AA Green flag etc etc all have solutions for no spare wheel at least 50% of new vehicles no longer have a spare the recovery organisations are aware of that, if the organisation states you must have a serviceable spare there is a huge chunk of the motoring public that would not be covered.

 

[Bailey 15]

At the side of the rd, I don’t think so.

Com-on use a bit of common sense here. If the breakdown assistance couldn’t get you a tyre they would put you on the loader and take you to a safe place until they ordered one in or over seas whatever, but you could then stay safely with the van until new tyre / tyres arrived

 

[C33JAY]

hi we do have a spare wheel in our MH but we do also carry a similar repair/plug kit (and a tyre inflator pump) that the AA/RAC would use if you don't have a spare tyre. I would use it if we were off grid or no phone signal and I have used it on my landrover and it works well. It is for an emergency repair and after using this kit, the RAC recommend that you take your vehicle to a tyre shop to have the tyre repaired/replaced.

For the price, it is worth having it in your toolbox, I would add that i did buy a large tin of good quality REMA vulcanising glue, because only a small tube is in the kit. Link below for a similar kit, although there are others to choose from.

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=223603111164

I hope this info is of some use you, this is what I would do in an emergency, but I'm sure you will do whatever works best for yourself. Good luck.

Thanks for sharing Ive carried one of these kits with me when on Motorbike tours and now in my Motorhome, a great piece of kit that gets you out of trouble very quickly. Ive repaired several car Tyres and one motorbike tyre all without any problems.

Rgds CJ

 

[Minxy]

For those who would prefer to change a wheel on a Motorway Shoulder (or beside the Highway), just look up how many people are killed by doing this, it is unsafe it doesn't matter how 'proficient'. There is no way I would try and change a wheel on a Motorway and if your thinking of doing so think of your loved ones before you do. The argument for being quick or saving time matters not if the unthinkable happens.

There are several points to Rule 275 of the Highway code here is two of them

• leave the vehicle by the left-hand door and ensure your passengers do the same. You MUST leave any animals in the vehicle or, in an emergency, keep them under proper control on the verge. Never attempt to place a warning triangle on a motorway
• do not put yourself in danger by attempting even simple repairs

the last 2 instances I’ve had punctures in cars with spares I haven’t been able to get the wheels off anyway.
Alloys wheels often fuse to the hub and very difficult to get off.
So ended up calling for assistance. And it’s not often safe at a roadside these days.

I wouldn't try to change a wheel on a motorway BUT that doesn't mean having a spare tyre is unnecessary. Once recovered off the motorway by the breakdown service they can then get straight on fitting your spare and you'd be on your way again, as would they. This is preferable to having to wait for them to get your existing one repaired (if it can be) or replaced, both options which take time and cause hassle both to you and the recovery service and whilst they are looking after you for a longer period of time they are therefore not able to go to help someone else; this is something which to me at least is a bit selfish when carrying a spare mitigates this for everyone (assuming of course you can do so).

 

[Minxy]

The gunge helps seal the puncture and works well but cannot seal a blowout (egg white or rad seal come to mind for small leaky radiators ).

My question is which motoring breakdown organisations state you have have a serviceable spare? The RAC, AA Green flag etc etc all have solutions for no spare wheel at least 50% of new vehicles no longer have a spare the recovery organisations are aware of that, if the organisation states you must have a serviceable spare there is a huge chunk of the motoring public that would not be covered.

For us whether it is stated or not, it is irrelevant, if people don't want to have a spare that's their choice and they then have to deal with the situation of a flat/damage tyre as they see fit, for us, as we go to out of the way places and prefer to be 'responsible' for ourselves as much as possible we wouldn't call them unless really necessary. Obviously in the UK it is 'easier' if you do need the breakdown service as you speak the same lingo but abroad it could be more difficult especially if we're in the middle of no-where! The last thing I want is a load of hassle when I'm away so having a spare makes sense for us.

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[Coolcats]

I wouldn't try to change a wheel on a motorway BUT that doesn't mean having a spare tyre is unnecessary. Once recovered off the motorway by the breakdown service they can then get straight on fitting your spare and you'd be on your way again, as would they. This is preferable to having to wait for them to get your existing one repaired (if it can be) or replaced, both options which take time and cause hassle both to you and the recovery service and whilst they are looking after you for a longer period of time they are therefore not able to go to help someone else; this is something which to me at least is a bit selfish when carrying a spare mitigates this for everyone (assuming of course you can do so).

There are three scenarios here I guess

the first is its unwise to change your own wheel On the motorway

if you have a spare that can be changed but many people have a steel spare and 4 alloys which means a second wheel change when you have the chance.

any repair or new tyre is not undertaken by the breakdown service but by a tyre workshop so once recoverd the breakdown vehicle can get on its way.

with vehicles not having spares wheels the breakdown services are geared up to sort this out. If you ha e a spare that’s fine but you really do not ‘need’ one. It’s like saying I must have a home phone line...it’s a thing of the past you may have one but you don’t in the main need one.

 

[Coolcats]

For us whether it is stated or not, it is irrelevant, if people don't want to have a spare that's their choice and they then have to deal with the situation of a flat/damage tyre as they see fit, for us, as we go to out of the way places and prefer to be 'responsible' for ourselves as much as possible we wouldn't call them unless really necessary. Obviously in the UK it is 'easier' if you do need the breakdown service as you speak the same lingo but abroad it could be more difficult especially if we're in the middle of no-where! The last thing I want is a load of hassle when I'm away so having a spare makes sense for us.

I would never say get rid of what you have but a wheel change needs to be done safely if you feel you can do it yourself that’s great But for some who say they would change a tyre on a hard shoulder that is fraught with issues.

 

[EssexBoy]

This thread is getting like the "campsite v off-site" thread...

For what it's worth, we have dragged a spare wheel round with us for 15+ years of motorhoming, then in France this summer, we got a puncture for the very first time ever... it was a nail in the tread, and as a slow puncture, we just drove to the local commercial garage and they fixed it for €10...

 

[Coolcats]

This thread is getting like the "campsite v off-site" thread...

For what it's worth, we have dragged a spare wheel round with us for 15+ years of motorhoming, then in France this summer, we got a puncture for the very first time ever... it was a nail in the tread, and as a slow puncture, we just drove to the local commercial garage and they fixed it for €10...

think you right and costs are not normally huge, if a MoHo has TPMS you also get early indication of a deflating tyre.

 

[C33JAY]

I think carrying a Spare makes more sense than ever due to covid yes im going to blame the pandemic I know of many items which were same day delivered items before covid and are not now due to factories closing / logistics with reduced capacity etc My sister had to wait 8 days for a screen for her Kia / my friend requires a new bumper as part of a repair 2 to 3 weeks / I know tradesmen that are delayed doing jobs due to lack of parts or materials and last but not least my 2020 Motorhome has been waiting since July for a low pressure fuel pump (None available) so carrying a spare is quite reassuring especially now during these difficult times.

I will throw something out if I have too just to put a spare onboard if my payload dictates.

Rgds CJ

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[Stealaway]

No idea why it happened. I Always checked tyre pressures before a long journey and the tyres were about 4 years old.
We were returning from a 3 month tour round Morocco which is pretty tough on tyres.

It looked like more than just a pumpture. It looked like a complete failure of the tyre.
Modern tyres are much more robust and suffer far less from pumpturs that in the 'old days'
It's very rare to see anyone with a flat tyre these days.

 

[fiferjim]

If you only tour in the UK then you could do what I do. Call out a mobile tyre company to sort you out.
I think pretty much all of the mainland UK has coverage by one.

I rarely go to a tyre place these days. I just get lazy and get them to come to me.

Presumably you don't have 'camper' tyres fitted as I would think it's unlikely a mobile tyre company would have them or even a tyre shop.

 

[Clive Beeza]

Ok Newbie here, so after some searching and referencing the manuals I can safely say there is no spare tyre on my camper van. Yes, you may say what was I thinking when I bought it. Doh!. So the question is as basic as what should I do to make preparations in case of a puncture?

Hi Johnnynhl, and welcome,
there are products other members suggest on here, OKO etc (the gunge)
there is also a British produced produced in Devon I think, (originally an US product for the their military)
called "punturesafe" intended to be inserted via the valve without removal of the wheel,
the quantity required varies by tyre size, , fixes punctures automatically and is a permanent repair
not a get you home fix, used by every royal mail vehicle in the UK
safe in bikes up to 120 mph, been personally using it for last12 years
and means you do not need the expense and extra weight of a spare wheel
google punturesafe installers near you I think they are country wide
hope this helps.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Hi Johnnynhl, and welcome,
there are products other members suggest on here, OKO etc (the gunge)
there is also a British produced produced in Devon I think, (originally an US product for the their military)
called "punturesafe" intended to be inserted via the valve without removal of the wheel,
the quantity required varies by tyre size, , fixes punctures automatically and is a permanent repair
not a get you home fix, used by every royal mail vehicle in the UK
safe in bikes up to 120 mph, been personally using it for last12 years
and means you do not need the expense and extra weight of a spare wheel
google punturesafe installers near you I think they are country wide
hope this helps.

This is exactly what I have just had fitted, though the trade name differs, ie OKO and it goes in through the valve and is not a DIY fit.

 

[Gromett]

Presumably you don't have 'camper' tyres fitted as I would think it's unlikely a mobile tyre company would have them or even a tyre shop.

No i fit commercial tyres with a decent weight rating.

If i was stuck at the side of the road, I wouldn't give a monkeys what tyre the company fitted so long at it got me going again. I would worry about camper tyres when it was convenient/next day etc.

If you have a blow out, I am sure getting any tyre fitted would be acceptable as you would need to replace both tyres on the axle quite soon afterwards anyway. I like to keep matched pairs on my van, including age.

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[62253]

Earlier in the thread, someone commented 'Just call the breakdown service'. I'm sure that many, like mine (Comfort) insist that you have a serviceable spare wheel for them to attend. I guess you are on your own otherwise to resolve it elsewhere. I just got a spare and fitted a carrier, and on the very nect trip I had a puncture. So glad I had the spare and the AA swapped the wheel on the hardshoulder of the motorway. Wouldn't travel without one now. As for staying in your vehicle and have a brew; are you ******* serious?!?!

 

[Coolcats]

Earlier in the thread, someone commented 'Just call the breakdown service'. I'm sure that many, like mine (Comfort) insist that you have a serviceable spare wheel for them to attend. I guess you are on your own otherwise to resolve it elsewhere. I just got a spare and fitted a carrier, and on the very nect trip I had a puncture. So glad I had the spare and the AA swapped the wheel on the hardshoulder of the motorway. Wouldn't travel without one now. As for staying in your vehicle and have a brew; are you ******* serious?!?!

Comfort need to review their wording, with 50% of vehicles no longer being supplied with spares it really is an outdated clause.

There are many owners who probably have no idea they do not have a spare and whilst you may be capable of fitting a carrier many owners are not.

 

[Camdoon]

I carry a spare engine with me as you never know when it might stop working. Plays havoc with the garage space but well worth it, just in case.

 

[Bailey 15]

Earlier in the thread, someone commented 'Just call the breakdown service'. I'm sure that many, like mine (Comfort) insist that you have a serviceable spare wheel for them to attend. I guess you are on your own otherwise to resolve it elsewhere. I just got a spare and fitted a carrier, and on the very nect trip I had a puncture. So glad I had the spare and the AA swapped the wheel on the hardshoulder of the motorway. Wouldn't travel without one now. As for staying in your vehicle and have a brew; are you ******* serious?!?!

You obviously haven’t read the whole thread!!
Do you -Seriously- think I meant have a brew at the roadside / motorway?
Doh- after you have been put on loader and taken to safe place

 

[Bailey 15]

This is my last comment for this thread.
Of course it’s better to carry spare, of course it is for when or in incase it do happen, but this isent always possible for some.
And just for information in case you are wondering - I do have a spare wheel and tyre on board at all times.

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[Coolcats]

This is my last comment for this thread.
Of course it’s better to carry spare, of course it is for when or in incase it do happen, but this isent always possible for some.
And just for information in case you are wondering - I do have a spare wheel and tyre on board at all times.

for many years I was doing around 40000+ miles a year so if You take it I did this for around 12 years that’s 480,000 miles I had one puncture, the tyre was deflating and managed to get off the motor way and call the breakdown service who was with me in around an hour.

I could get a puncture at any time, I have a can of goo and a pump if the puncture is beyond this then it needs changing. I am not bothered if I get someone else to do this for me a spare is not so critical as it was back in the 1970’s.

for those who do carry a spare maybe those of us who don’t have one can borrow it and I would be happy to make you a cup of tea if you decide to help by changing my deflated one out