Do caravans need special tyres?
Caravan tyres may not specifically be made for caravans – they’ll either be made for cars or small vans. Every tyre will have a load rating, or load index. If a caravan has a maximum weight (MTPLM) of 1600kg, each wheel must carry half this load – 800kg. Starting from around £40, the cost of caravan tyres can vary depending on the brand, size, and load rating. It’s important to invest in good quality tyres to ensure safety and avoid any potential accidents on the road.Highway Terrain tyres are relatively quiet and smooth and typically last longer than other tyre types. They have a high-speed rating and relatively light sidewall construction. With a tread pattern like a ‘car’ tyre, these tyres provide the best on-road traction for your caravan or 4×4.The choice of a caravan tyre must therefore be made with care, as your safety and driving comfort depend on it. We recommend replacing your tyres at least every 5 years to ensure your safety.As a general rule, it is not a good idea to use car wheels on a caravan, unless you can establish (usually from the wheel manufacturer or supplier) that they are appropriate. Tyres, however, are not specially made for caravan use. Caravans use either tyres made for cars, or ones designed for use on small vans.
Which tyres are best for towing a caravan?
It’s always advisable to go for a Commercial Tyres for a single axle caravan, and a twin axle caravan where possible. The load rating will be displayed just after the tyre size – for example 185R14 102/100R – the 102 relates to the load rating on a single axle and the 100 is on a twin. Every caravan has a recommended tyre size and load index set by the manufacturer. You can find these details in the owner’s manual or on the tyre sidewall. The size will look something like 185/70 R14, while the load index is a number that indicates how much weight the tyre can safely carry.Heavier duty tyres (designed for small trucks and vans) may have a ‘C’ suffix immediately after the nominal rim diameter. This type of tyre is quite commonly fitted to caravans, especially larger single axle ones. The load index is the maximum load a tyre can carry at the speed indicated, under specific conditions.
What is the lifespan of a caravan tyre?
Caravan tyres need regular replacement, irrespective of their visual appearance. We recommend that you replace your caravan tyres when they reach five years old and should never be used when more than seven years old. This can be done by examining the DOT (date of manufacture) code found on the tyre sidewall. Caravan tyres need regular replacement, even if they look like they’re in good condition. The Caravan Club recommends changing them every five years and never using them when they are more than seven years old.The Camping and Caravanning Club recommends a tyre is replaced at a maximum of seven years from the date of manufacture, thus any caravan or motorhome tyre that now has a date code of three digits should no longer be in service (see Tyre age identification, right).There is no definitive tyre age limit as to when you should replace your tyres but once your tyres reach 7-10 years old, you should keep a close eye on their condition and consider replacing them. Tyre ageing is commonly identified by small cracks, known as crazing, which appear in the tyre sidewall.
What is the legal tyre limit on a caravan?
Caravan tyres have the same legal minimum tread depth requirement as car tyres, which is 1. It’s also worth bearing in mind, that although 1.
What is C rated caravan tyres?
Caravan tyres are easily recognisable by the C marking on their sidewall. This indicates that they are suitable for supporting very heavy loads over long distances. Tyres with this type of marking are used on caravans, motorhomes and utility vehicles. It is also possible to fit motorhome tyres (CP) on a caravan. As previously stated caravan tyres do not experience the same stresses that a car tyre does, so many users choose to fit a budget option. Budget tyres will not perish any quicker than a more expensive alternative, nor will they wear much faster that a more expensive tyre.
Do caravans need LT tyres?
For towing a caravan, you would typically choose an LT tyre for just about every trip planned. LT tyres have stronger sidewalls, can take a higher load capacity and are more resistant to puncture and harsh road surfaces that the Australian touring can often provide. The stiffer sidewalls provide more stability while hauling loads or driving off road. LT tires also have extra material in the sidewall and under the tread that protects the tire from damage. In the other hand, LT tires won’t ride as smooth, be as fuel efficient or last longer than a regular P-metric (Passenger)tire.
What is the best PSI for caravan tyres?
It is recommended that you set your tyres at the upper end of their recommended pressure range, which, in most vehicles, is around 45 PSI. The higher pressures will decrease your rolling resistance (friction), meaning better fuel consumption, and also open up the tread. The 5psi rule Note this really only applies to on-road or smooth gravel roads. Check your tyres when they’re cold and again when they’re hot (after driving on them for ½ hour or so). If the difference between cold and hot tyre pressures is around 5psi, then you’re running the right pressures.