Trailer tyres & the 7 year rule

P

POLLDARK

Well-Known Member
Joined
31 March 2011
Messages
1,211
Location
HEREFORDSHIRE
Visit site
I've just had my horse trailer serviced & was taken aback to be told all the tyres had to be replaced as they were now over 7 years old. Even though they are in very good order Police & insurance companies (accidents while towing) will not accept there use. I certainly hadn't budgeted to replace them so it's a bit of a blow. Apparently all tyres carry the date of manufacture on them so you can check up & then save up.:( I'm probably the last person in the country to know this rule but thought I would put it out there for you all anyway.
 
POLLDARK said:
I've just had my horse trailer serviced & was taken aback to be told all the tyres had to be replaced as they were now over 7 years old. Even though they are in very good order Police & insurance companies (accidents while towing) will not accept there use. I certainly hadn't budgeted to replace them so it's a bit of a blow. Apparently all tyres carry the date of manufacture on them so you can check up & then save up.:( I'm probably the last person in the country to know this rule but thought I would put it out there for you all anyway.
Click to expand...

Thank you for this, I'm new to trailer ownership nad didn't know this either.

Will ask my friend's garage to check this for me - should they automatically check it on a service as this was only done a few months ago?
 
I wouldnt tow with tyres anywhere near that old, I have always been surprised the law allows years tbh. I recently bought a caravan and the dealer said the tyres were fine as 5 years old, I insisted on them being changed before we had a deal.
 
Not sure how they would check this TBH the tyre will be marked with its manufacturing date not its fitting date .
Tyres don't go straight from the factory onto the trailer so may be older when you put them on .
We need ROG on this .
 
My old rice has tyres on it which can't be less than 20 years old. Since it travels at < 30mph on journeys of never more than 10 miles, and has 2 axles, the risk seems minimal. They're not visibly perished or much worn.

TBH I'm not sure that there is a law on tyre age. There was a case quite recently where a coroner raised a concern.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-23334095

AA says only that: "Tyre fitted to a motor vehicle or trailer must be fit for purpose and be free from any defects which might damage the road or endanger any person.
Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's and the tyre manufacturer's recommended pressure."

Sounds like the garage playing safe to me.
 
pennyturner said:
My old rice has tyres on it which can't be less than 20 years old. Since it travels at < 30mph on journeys of never more than 10 miles, and has 2 axles, the risk seems minimal. They're not visibly perished or much worn.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry I have to say even if I was travelling 10mph and only doing a journey of no more than 1 mile, i wouldn't put a potential load of 1 ton of horse weight on a trailer and tow it with tyres that are as old as the ones you've described on your trailer. Even though you describe the tyres as not visibly perished, the link to the story you've just quoted proved that a tyre doesnt need to look defunct to be dangerous as the coach passed it's MOT with it on.
 
pennyturner said:
TBH I'm not sure that there is a law on tyre age. There was a case quite recently where a coroner raised a concern.
Click to expand...
The tyre that blew and caused the fatal coach crash was 19 years old, which was crazy for a hard working vehicle like a coach.

I haven't heard that there is a legal limit on tyre age, and no such limit was mentioned in the accident report. One may be brought into use as a result of that crash though.

Agree that we need ROG the oracle on here to put us straight.
 
mischamoo said:
I'm sorry I have to say even if I was travelling 10mph and only doing a journey of no more than 1 mile, i wouldn't put a potential load of 1 ton of horse weight on a trailer and tow it with tyres that are as old as the ones you've described on your trailer. Even though you describe the tyres as not visibly perished, the link to the story you've just quoted proved that a tyre doesnt need to look defunct to be dangerous as the coach passed it's MOT with it on.
Click to expand...

Whilst I don't disagree about not being able to judge condition visually, if a tyre goes on a double axle trailer, at low speed, it's not going to cause significant loss of control - unlike a bus, where it might be one of your front wheels, and you've lost steering :0

I like to judge risk in the round, and all things considered the risk from my somewhat limited pootlings with a couple of ponies who don't weigh anywhere near a tonne, is very small. My senior moments when I forget to remove the reversing pin and drive around for a while with the brakes disconnected are probably more of a worry...

As I generally tow as though I've got a wagon full of loose china, I think the world is safe.
 
pennyturner said:
Whilst I don't disagree about not being able to judge condition visually, if a tyre goes on a double axle trailer, at low speed, it's not going to cause significant loss of control - unlike a bus, where it might be one of your front wheels, and you've lost steering :0

I like to judge risk in the round, and all things considered the risk from my somewhat limited pootlings with a couple of ponies who don't weigh anywhere near a tonne, is very small.
Click to expand...
Agree that if you have one flat on a twin axle trailer, you can usually get to a safe place to change the tyre (been there, done that, purchased a Trailer Aid afterwards rather than jack a loaded trailer up again...).

If your other tyres are similarly antique, however, they may well fail due to the increased loads on them due to the unbalanced trailer whilst you are en route to a safe place to stop.
 
Tiddlypom said:
If your other tyres are similarly antique, however, they may well fail due to the increased loads on them due to the unbalanced trailer whilst you are en route to a safe place to stop.
Click to expand...

Yes I agree - just morally I don't think I could knowingly put a load in a trailer whether it be my two biggies or your couple of ponies knowing the tyres are that old, regardless if you drive safely and carefully or not, accidents still happen.........- especially if the situation was to occur as mentioned by Tiddlypom, your other tyres may fail given the additional strain they're expected to carry. Maybe we'll have to agree to disagree on this one pennyturner!
 
There is NO legal 'age' for a tyre to be replaced on your trailer OP.

Tyres need to be replaced when they no longer meet the legal tyre depth, tho obviously is it irresponsible (and dangerous) to also continue to use them if they show defects such as side wall cracking, raised bumps and the like.

If your tyres are sound, then continue to use them.

I would tell your service people that you are taking the trailer to a qualified tyre fitters to get them checked by an expert - and do so.

With regards to your 'advice' given by your trailer service people, thank them & get a price from them for supply and fit - and then also shop around for costs.

This is not the 1st time I've heard of this, just be aware some companies are charging a little over the top for replacements - and also fitting!
 
To add: tyres DO have manufacturing dates and also codes on them to show location made etc.

However, tyres can be stored by suppliers in the correct conditions for 2 or more (sometimes quite a few) years after purchase, before being sold to purchasers.

I have had quite an involvement with tyres over the years (big truck & also motorbike, as well as car/trailer etc) and agree best practice is to replace after a particular time, dependant on wear & tear, or longevity.


However, to put into an HHO perspective: if you were told to replace your riding hat every 5 years (or less) - would you? Have you? ACU riders (bikes) are not allowed to compete with any helmet manufacture dated more than 5 yrs ago.
Riding hats are also date stamped (like motorbike helmets) BUT these can also sit on a shelf for a long time before purchase & subsequent use.........
 
The Xmas Furry said:
However, to put into an HHO perspective: if you were told to replace your riding hat every 5 years (or less) - would you? Have you? ACU riders (bikes) are not allowed to compete with any helmet manufacture dated more than 5 yrs ago.
Riding hats are also date stamped (like motorbike helmets) BUT these can also sit on a shelf for a long time before purchase & subsequent use.........
Click to expand...

I replace mine after any fall and generally after every 3 years! Maybe I'm too H&S conscious for some.....!

Edited to Add - that that piece of info is very interesting though Xmas Furry, thank you- I didn't realise hats had a date stamp - only reason for my 3 yearly period to replace my hat is the fact I can't stand a sweaty, smelly hat for much longer than that!
 
Last edited:
The Xmas Furry said:
There is NO legal 'age' for a tyre to be replaced on your trailer OP.

Tyres need to be replaced when they no longer meet the legal tyre depth, tho obviously is it irresponsible (and dangerous) to also continue to use them if they show defects such as side wall cracking, raised bumps and the like.

If your tyres are sound, then continue to use them.

I would tell your service people that you are taking the trailer to a qualified tyre fitters to get them checked by an expert - and do so.

With regards to your 'advice' given by your trailer service people, thank them & get a price from them for supply and fit - and then also shop around for costs.

This is not the 1st time I've heard of this, just be aware some companies are charging a little over the top for replacements - and also fitting![/QUOTE



This sounds like sound advice & thanks I will go with it unless anyone can shed more light on it for me.
Click to expand...
 
Tiddlypom said:
If your other tyres are similarly antique, however, they may well fail due to the increased loads on them due to the unbalanced trailer whilst you are en route to a safe place to stop.
Click to expand...

Yes, that could happen, but really, what're the odds? - given that I'd be stopping immediately - we're talking local lanes, not the M6!

To the OP's original point, the garage was incorrect when they stated the '7 year' rule as law.

It is interesting (to me, anyway) how risk is perceived and legislated differently across the world. In Germany the law would require us all to fit our winter tyres now, or face prosecution. How many of us even consider that driving on our standard UK tyres in frost is dangerous!
 
You have to be careful, I went to local "well known garages" . well known for all the wrong reasons in my experience, they quoted £125 for my van, went to local proper garage, he said no way......... you have been quoted for car tyres, which invalidate your insurance!

I said, well, I can get these nice black tyres off the internet,seems like a good deal ...... Thought he was going to explode!!! apparently something wrong with them........ and I know this guy pretty well by now [been a customer for ten years!], he is as straight as they come.... so get the proper tyres for the job and keep the trailer moving.............
There is a good video on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDGf0mxAAag

You learn what all the parts are called too, and dont forget to check lights before you go on the road!
Landing Leg!
Keep the socket greased and make sure it is on properly.
 
Last edited:
Yes they all carry a BS mark on them, this is why you MUST use proper rated commercial tyres, not car tyres that a lot of folks do trying to save money.

A commercial tyre is around £80 for a trailer.

You use car tyres and have a accident kiss goodbye to any insurance money....

I'm in shock someone would risk 20 year old tyres on a trailer , holy moly get them changed before you kill your horse or worse someone else, that's utter madness, rubber tots over time - end of.. You can't see what's going on inside it.

That's totally dangerous
 
Last edited:
Most important thing is to check that the tyres on trailers are trailer tyres and NOT car tyres. Trailer tyres also require a higher air pressure of 60 - 110 p.s.i. depending on the tyre.
As tyres age they start deteriorating as a result of the effects of naturally occurring ultra violet light and this is seen by small cracks in the walls of the tyres.
It is very dangerous to continue to drive a trailer (with a double axel) if one of the tyres has deflated because this puts too much load on the remaining one and can cause it to rupture even at very slow speeds.
 
definitely no age of tyre limit, as took my trailer test this summer and the theory only says tyre tread depth, no cuts, bulges and the correct pressure. my car tyres needed replacing after 4 years, doing 60,000 miles! my trailer got new tyres when i got it as it was a ancient rice and they were very worn. but it will do less than 500 miles a year, so it really depends on how many miles not years
 
Daytona said:
I'm in shock someone would risk 20 year old tyres on a trailer , holy moly get them changed before you kill your horse or worse someone else, that's utter madness, rubber tots over time - end of.. You can't see what's going on inside it.

That's totally dangerous
Click to expand...

Really not. Whilst I have no idea how old they are, the tyres are in good condition, and in any case, it rarely goes anywhere!

OWLIE185 said:
Most important thing is to check that the tyres on trailers are trailer tyres and NOT car tyres. Trailer tyres also require a higher air pressure of 60 - 110 p.s.i. depending on the tyre.
As tyres age they start deteriorating as a result of the effects of naturally occurring ultra violet light and this is seen by small cracks in the walls of the tyres.
It is very dangerous to continue to drive a trailer (with a double axel) if one of the tyres has deflated because this puts too much load on the remaining one and can cause it to rupture even at very slow speeds.
Click to expand...

This I agree with. My trailer is parked in the woods, so it doesn't get much UV exposure. The tyres are the right type, at good pressure, and no cracks on walls. I consider them safe for the work that they do - which is < 100 (local) miles p.a., frequently on non-horsey errands.

PIPIXOX: "it really depends on how many miles not years" - lol, in that case they should last forever!
 
pennyturner said:
Really not. Whilst I have no idea how old they are, the tyres are in good condition, and in any case, it rarely goes anywhere!

I think that's probably even more dangerous. Trailers should be moved every now and again, and if not, tyres should be taken off. Also you need to take into consideration where its parked whether its hard standing or grass etc.
Click to expand...
 
holeymoley said:
pennyturner said:
Really not. Whilst I have no idea how old they are, the tyres are in good condition, and in any case, it rarely goes anywhere!

I think that's probably even more dangerous. Trailers should be moved every now and again, and if not, tyres should be taken off. Also you need to take into consideration where its parked whether its hard standing or grass etc.
Click to expand...

'Every now and again' would be about how often it is moved. It's an old rustbox, doing a little light pootling before it's inevitable retirement to hay store or chicken house etc. Like many old Rice boxes, it's still pretty solid, and many newer boxes are worse. Floor has been redone, the original drawbar still works - I 'tested' the break away by accident last year and it worked a treat.

I like it because I can park it anywhere and it'll still be there when I get back ;)
Click to expand...
 
This rule was one issued by DEFRA. Their guidelines were that trailer tyres be replaced after 6 years. It's also where they had the (often misquoted) rule about partitions being needed when travelling two horses together - but only on roll on/roll off ferries!

I saved the link to the document but they have rearranged their website and now I can't find it. Hopefully someone more computer savvy will be able to find more. This is the old link but it no longer works Grrrrr......

http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/farmanimal/welfare/transport/documents/vehicle_spec_horses.pdf
 
blond1, its a recommendation, NOT a rule tho.

VOSA are the ones who issue current regulations for all vehicles & trailers etc on the public highway to conform to.
DEFRA have guidlines and regulations for the transportation of animals, DEFRA do not create or enforce the roadworthiness of anything on the highway.

Hope this helps :)
 
Obviously there is a lot of mis information about everything these day where rules apply, perhaps the fitter has picked up a bit of information and run with it............
In these cases ask to see the manager and ask to see the relevant ruling.

But for goodness sake buy new tyres, trailer tyres, if you can't afford four buy two and consider putting tubes in the others if this is allowable these days. Make sure you have commercial tyres NOT car tyres. You can be sure if there is any sort of accident they WILL be checked.
 
If there was an age limit on tyres, then your vehicle would not pass its MOT with old ones! We had a tyre die on the waggon over the summer, fortunately before we set off to collect a new horse! The chap who changed it said was 14 years old, It had passed a plating in November 2012, so not something VOSA and/or DVLA are interested in.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top