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How to tell tubeless rims? Tube re-use?
Bluemoon - 2/9/10 at 04:46 PM

Hi All,

I have an old 81 eriba puck caravan (only 550kg's unladen). Just had the tires changed, 145R10 (the old dunlop sp9's were well let's say rather old). Turns out the wheels had tubes fitted. Fitter has re-used the tubes in the new wheels (as they had non in-stock).

1) Is it o.k to re-use the tubes?

2) How can I know if I really need tubes? Seems a bad idea for a caravan (i.e. quick deflation etc.)?

Thanks

Dan

Macbeast - 2/9/10 at 05:07 PM

Generally, I think tubes nowadays are a bit belt and braces and all wheels are capable of running tubeless so the tubes give additional safety factor.

However, tubes, like tyres, will deteriorate with time so for peace of mind, I would fit new ones.

mcerd1 - 2/9/10 at 05:19 PM

^^^ if its ment to have tubes then I'd get new ones if your in any doubt (they don't cost that much)

[Edited on 2/9/2010 by mcerd1]

mcerd1 - 2/9/10 at 05:21 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Macbeast
Generally, I think tubes nowadays are a bit belt and braces and all wheels are capable of running tubeless so the tubes give additional safety factor.


modern wheels are all tubless because they are safer than tubed ones (they tend to deflate slowly instead of just popping)

but saying that there are still alot of old tubed rims on things like landrovers and trailers etc....

[Edited on 2/9/2010 by mcerd1]

cliftyhanger - 2/9/10 at 05:59 PM

A lot of modern tyres are not suitable for use with tubes, could be the ribbed insides or something? Besides, a tubeless tyre will work fine on the older type wheels, just that in the event of a deflation will possibly come off the rim. Fitting a tube will NOT stop this, and the deflation will, as you pointed out, be rather faster. Get rid of the tybes, and if you are REALLY worried, fit TYRON bands or whatever they are called.....

jollygreengiant - 2/9/10 at 06:25 PM

quote:
Originally posted by cliftyhanger
A lot of modern tyres are not suitable for use with tubes, could be the ribbed insides or something?


Absolutely spot on that man.

Its not so much the rim that dictates tube or not (except for valve postion on rim) but the TYRE its self is either designed to be used with a tube or without a tube. The acccepted wisdom is that you should NOT fit a tube to a tyre with internal ribbing as this could cause wear on the tube.

britishtrident - 2/9/10 at 06:47 PM

The design of the rim ie the humps or safety ridges should hold the tyre bead in position in the event of deflation.

However tubed tyres usually deflate much quicker in the event of a puncture, and you can't just pump more air in to get it home.

The ribs on the inside of some tubless tyres are quite sharp on other makes well rounded and no problem that can't be fixed with a dusting of talc (french chalk).

One thing to watch with tubed tyres on trailers is rust in the well of the rim chaffing through the tube.

[Edited on 2/9/10 by britishtrident]

Ninehigh - 2/9/10 at 07:30 PM

Could you get a newer set of rims? That'd be decisive

Bluemoon - 2/9/10 at 08:12 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Ninehigh
Could you get a newer set of rims? That'd be decisive



Tend to agree but only if I can find some that fit the 1981 puck... Anyway we are on holiday in it next week so it will have to do for 500miles (I will assume the tire fitters know what they are doing???).

Dan

mcerd1 - 3/9/10 at 08:59 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Bluemoon
quote:
Originally posted by Ninehigh
Could you get a newer set of rims? That'd be decisive



Tend to agree but only if I can find some that fit the 1981 puck... Anyway we are on holiday in it next week so it will have to do for 500miles (I will assume the tire fitters know what they are doing???).

Dan


most caravans run pretty much the same wheels on a 5.5" P.C.D.

02GF74 - 3/9/10 at 10:04 AM

what BT said - the rim is different shape for tubed and tubeless tyres.

talking of tubes, yesterday the one in the front wheel of my mountiain bike exploded, *BANG* and instant deflation.