Had our 3 year old van serviced this week, it gets done annually by one of the biggest and longest established van workshops in Melbourne. The only 'concern' raised this time was deteriorated valve stems showing cracks and perishing, including the spare which has always been covered and never used. They sent the wheels off to have new higher quality stems fitted. In conversation the mechanic mentioned their frustration with most if not all caravan manufacturers fitting cheap tyres and valves that simply don't last. My MPC tyres are hardly worn and he agreed they'll be OK for now as we haven't covered great distances, but he was unswerving in his advice to fit better quality tyres in the not too distant future. Our van is stored in the open but I keep the wheels covered for weather/UV protection and rotate them quarterly when not travelling. Makes me wonder how many caravan flats and blow-outs are caused by poor quality tyres and valves that can't do the distance. I've never had to replace valve stems on any of my cars, at least not between tyres changes. Think I'll just get the tyres changed soon anyway.
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
I got a new tyre in Halls Creek, Duncan Road, 2 years ago. Have since chucked it out as it was the only tyre they had, any tyre gives you more options than no tyre. I was watching while they replaced the tyre & they put in a new valve as a matter of routine.
I did have a brass valve on my second spare wheel fitted in 2016. Maybe they are still available. It was a little awkward on my car rim as there was no give & thus a little difficult to fill the tyre.
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Hi Tony I assume that your old established workshop is in the same place as ours, Colchester Rd? Been with them for 17 yrs, always had excellent service.
Hi Tony I assume that your old established workshop is in the same place as ours, Colchester Rd? Been with them for 17 yrs, always had excellent service.
That's the one Magnarc. They're good, not cheap but certainly thorough. Our van is also stored there, makes servicing very convenient!
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
Hi Tony I assume that your old established workshop is in the same place as ours, Colchester Rd? Been with them for 17 yrs, always had excellent service.
That's the one Magnarc. They're good, not cheap but certainly thorough. Our van is also stored there, makes servicing very convenient!
I found the Colchester rd workshop on Google, certainly has a large storeage lot. My current motorhome service workshop charges $150 for habitation service and $170/hour for Fiat service. Interested to know how the habitation service cost compares to your workshop.
It may be hard to compare Geeco. I've never had service/repair work done at an hourly rate with them, so not sure what their charges would be. As the van is only 3 y/o with modest/average use I've only had their fixed price chassis services for $295, although extra parts like the tyre valves are on top. For this service, it's raised on the hoist and they go over the whole chassis, suits me as my main concern is to keep the underpinnings working - frame, wheels, bearings, brakes, suspension etc. and all 'road running' electrics. As far as I know there is no different rate for storage customers. I'd say if you were looking to save money you won't necessarily find them the cheapest.
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
Thanks Tony for the reply. I was just interested to compare Melbourne prices to Sydney as I regularly visit family in Melbourne and could have service work done in either location.
Even second hand tyres are better than cheap tyres!! One thing Ive always thought of tyres! Once fitted ., You have the next 5 to 7 years with cheap tyres if they last ? The valves must be cheap to use that rubbish !
Its often not a bad idea to fit tyres or tyre size the same as tow vehicle. So in an emergency the spare can be shared ! 1/3 warn tyres can be fitted to van . Keeping new
GOOD tyres on tow vehicle . Both !
...The valves must be cheap to use that rubbish !......
That's why I posted to start with - everyone needs to be awake to this. Yes, they are rubbish, and they are widely fitted to most brands of new vans. Same goes for the tyres, they might look the business, but clearly not made to last.
As for second hand tyres, I used to buy them when I was young and cash strapped. These days I'd never buy second hand tyres for any vehicle as they can conceal all manner of damage not immediately visible on the exterior. I once had occasion to be shown a perfect example (by an industry expert). Makes you shudder.
I hate compromises with most things, but when it comes to skimping on anything to do with brakes, tyres, and safety items in general, definitely not. Better to make savings on less important stuff.
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
