Towing with low profile tyres

[scarp57]

I have a WK 5.7 Stato that I regularly use to tow a 2000kg Caravan, I use a Hayman Reese load leveling system I have 18/40/ 235 tyres.
I recently did 400km trip with the van & knew the tyres were getting down, I decided to have the rears replaced while there & when they were taken off I was stunned to see splits right round the inner side wall.
The Tyre guy at Bob Janes said you were lucky you got here & I believe him, these tyre are well within their load rating but now I'm not sure that low profile tyres are such a good thing when towing.
Has anyone else had any expeirience when this sort of thing happening?
Any help ideas apprieciated

[SavVYute]

The rear independent suspension setup would place more weight on the inside edge of the rear tyres. Is your Stato really down in the back with the caravan on?

[Sabbath']

What brand of tyre and how many KM did you have on them?

[scarp57]

The Stato sets level or just about, with the Hayman Reese 600lb kit fitted & yes the tyres had been there a couple of years & were down past the wear marks & I have to admit were not the best tyres they were Roadstones came as a package with the wheels.
i was just surprised to see the splits I wish I had thought to take a pic.
Just thinking now I should go for a Tyre with a Higher side wall with more flex

[wraith]

Roadstone? I would say that's half the problem. Not to mention letting it get down past wear marker.

[scarp57]

Yeah your prolly right there

[RiCeY]

Do you have the weight distributing hitch? They make quite a difference.

Caravan Weight Distributing Hitch | Hardings Caravan Services | Caravan Towing | Melbourne Australia

[scarp57]

Thanks, yes I do I work for Coromal Caravans & regularly set up these hitches for customers so the setup is ok.
I'd just never seen this sort of thing in tyres before & it started me wondering if I should maybe have say16" wheels for towing. ie: a higher profile tyre that has more flex in it.

[RiCeY]

Are you taking the extra weight of the caravan into consideration with regards to the tyres load rating?

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

Inherent problem with IRS. The lower it goes, the more negative camber on the rear.

The only way to fix it is to fit a 4 point adjustment kit to the rear and try to get as close to zero on your rear camber as you can.

Ideally, live axle cars are better for towing as you won't get camber issues.

[ARATIC]

Putting something other than Chinese rubber will probably stop the problem. With a higher load rating

[GTP 85]

Just replaced two 19 inch tyres on my car from splits in the inner sidewall. these wheels were previously on my live axle VS and had no problems, put them on my VR IRS to tow a reasonably light trailer and the inner walls started to crack?? The VR has a 4 point camber kit and the tyres were premium Dunlop SP sports. so devoed, had 60% tread left

I think low profiles dont like the extra load and flex on the inside walls