Because of the uncertainty around foreign travel, motorhome and caravan holidays are becoming more popular than ever. This type of trip is not new. However, with the increasing dangers of overseas travel, we are seeing more people opt for staycations. There are many benefits to owning a caravan. It’s easy to take everything with you, even the kitchen sink. You’re reducing the chance of your trip being cancelled because of Covid regulations. This applies to hotels that are closed or not allowed to travel to your destination. You can make changes to your plans when you travel in a caravan, motorhome or campervan.
Everyone needs a vacation. With a caravan, you don’t have to worry about traffic lights, Covid testing or isolating. It’s not surprising that there has been a rise in motorhome and caravan sales, especially among those who have never owned one.
There are some things you should know about along with the excitement and fun. While we won’t go into the details about chemical toilets or electric hookup, we can share our knowledge on caravan and motorhome tires. This knowledge will provide you with the information you need on caravans wheels & tyres to ensure your safety on the road.
What is the difference between Caravan and Motorhome Tyres?
It is interesting to see that there are not tyres specifically designed for caravans and motorhomes. There may be businesses selling caravan tyres. However, they will only sell tyres that are suitable for vans or cars. Car tyres are suitable for caravans. However, due to the additional load, tyres recommended for vans with a “CP”, rating (i.e. They are generally good for commercial use. Extra loads are required for standard car tyres. Your tyres must support the entire caravan, not just its weight. This can add up quickly. It is important to pay attention to the load rating on your tyres. A flat tire on holiday can be very disappointing and even dangerous.
Motorhomes of any size, especially those that are mid-sized or larger, will be most comfortable with commercial tyres rated “C” and “CP”. If you have a tandem or twin rear axle configuration, it is important to pay attention to the design of the tyres. Two load indexes are included on some C and CP-marked tyres. The first number represents a different load rating and the second number represents a different load rating depending on which axel it is being fitted. Talk to us on live chat if you have any questions.
When should you replace caravan tyres
A common mistake caravan and motorhome owners make is not changing their tyres enough. Although it is easy to believe that your caravan has been on the road only a few times this year, the tyres are still in good condition. However, there are other factors that can cause your tyres need to be replaced regularly. Tyres can deteriorate even if they are stored. Your tyres can be damaged if your vehicle is exposed to sunlight. Additionally, when the vehicle is stationary, additional pressure can be applied to certain areas of the tyre, which can cause further damage. TyreSafe, an independent charity, recommends that tyres be replaced after five to six years of natural degradation. To determine the year of manufacture, simply look at the DOT code on your tyre sidewall.
As with any vehicle, you should check the tread depth. You should check your tyres regularly if you are carrying a heavy load. Make sure to replace them before they exceed the legal limit of 1.5mm. With heavier vehicles, it is especially important to check your tyre pressure. It’s worth considering replacing your tyres more often if your pressure is higher than 50psi.
Are your motorhome tyres cracking?
Cracks on the sidewalls can indicate deterioration in rubber compounds. These cracks can be found along the sideswall or the perimeter of your tyre. The damage is caused by air exposure over time and you cannot prevent it. These cracks are a sign it’s time to change your tyres.
What is the recommended life expectancy of caravan and motorhome tires?
You can expect your tyres to last for many years if you take care of them. You should replace your tyres every five to six years due to natural wear, regardless how frequently you use the caravan. You might be unfortunate and damage your tyres during this period. Therefore, make sure to check your caravan and motorhome regularly before and after taking it out on the roads. It’s better to fix any problems than risk your safety.
It’s crucial to inspect second-hand campervan tires
It’s common to buy campervans or motorhomes second-hand. This is a great way of getting a bargain. You don’t know how it got there, and you can’t tell if it has seen any adventures. It is impossible to know the past owners’ care for the vehicle. Even if the vehicle is in perfect condition on the outside, it’s important to inspect the tyres before you take your family out on the road. Even though the mileage on the campervan is low, it’s possible that the tyres are old and need to be replaced. A quick look at the DOT code will give you an indication of when the manufacturer made the vehicle. Even though the tyres may be relatively new, it is worth inspecting them closely for damage and excessive wear. It’s always better to replace if you are unsure.
Care for caravan tyres
You can reduce the risk of them needing to be replaced prematurely, and ensure that your tyres will be ready for you next big trip. These are our top tips for maintaining your caravan’s tyres.
Inspect the tyres in good light before and after each journey. Check for damage, blistering, wear, and get rid of any debris. You should check the tread depth at several points around the circumference of your tyres and the pressure. Give your vehicle a good wipe-over to remove any oil or fuel that may have contributed to the slowing down of the deterioration.
It is worth the effort to take off the wheels and tyres if you aren’t using your campervan/caravan for a long time and keep them in a dark, cool place. Your caravan can be damaged by the sun and you could also make it more difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle. You can leave your tyres on but make sure to rotate them frequently so that the weight doesn’t sit in one place for too long.
How do I find my tyres if they don’t have a profile on them?
The width, profile, and rim size are all important factors in determining the right size tyre for your caravan or motorhome. Some caravan tyres may have the profile replaced by the letter C (which means commercial). 185 C R14. Commercial tyres must be of 80 profile. When searching online, make sure you select 185/80/R14 then choose the commercial fitment that best suits your needs. Send us a message via live chat if you have any questions!