What are the best tyres to put on a caravan?
Only use LT or C tyres on most caravans because P tyres do not have an adequate load rating for the job. LT tyres are made with casing cords consisting of parallel fabric and steel cords, so they have stiffer sidewalls than passenger tyres and improved load capacity. They are also better at resisting punctures. Light Truck Tyres, often abbreviated as LT tyres, are specifically designed for use on light trucks, SUVs, and vans. These tyres are engineered to handle the demands of vehicles that carry heavy loads or tow trailers. They come with a robust construction that provides enhanced durability and load-carrying capacity.LT tires are a good choice due to their reinforced construction and higher load capacity if you use your truck for towing, hauling heavy loads, or off-road driving.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.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.
Are budget tyres ok for 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. Only use LT or C tyres on most caravans because P tyres do not have an adequate load rating for the job. LT tyres are made with casing cords consisting of parallel fabric and steel cords, so they have stiffer sidewalls than passenger tyres and improved load capacity. They are also better at resisting punctures.Passenger (P) tires can be ideal light-duty trucks not used for off-roading, while heavy-duty trucks that carry heavy loads may be better suited with light truck (LT) tires.P-metric might be ideal if you prioritize a smoother ride, don’t frequently haul or tow heavy loads, and drive mainly on highways or urban roads. LT tires would be more appropriate if you often carry heavy loads, tow trailers, or go on rough terrains.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.
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.It is generally considered unwise to inflate caravan tyres above 315 kPa (45 psi) as it may affect the ride of the caravan. The rear tyres on the towing vehicles, because they are subjected to much greater loads when towing, should be inflated to near their maximum.
Do I need light truck tyres on my caravan?
When towing caravans I always choose light truck or LT construction tyres for both the tow vehicle and the caravan. They’re responsible for delivering the traction and strength off-road as well as importantly having a high load rating. This is paramount for those us who tow caravans which are regularly loaded up. The constant wear and tear, fluctuating load (of the caravan) and the weather conditions take a heavy toll on your caravan wheels, and it becomes extremely important to take the right care of them. Rotating the caravan tyres every once in a while is a great way to elongate their lives.If you’re towing a heavily loaded caravan, you may need to inflate your tyres to the higher end of the recommended range. Don’t Forget the Spare! It’s easy to overlook, but your spare tyre also needs to be correctly inflated.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.Yes, balancing is important for caravan tyres, but you won’t feel vibrations from tyre imbalance as easily as you would in lighter vehicles. Caravans carry heavy loads and often travel over uneven surfaces like gravel roads, which can create extra strain on both the tyres and suspension if they’re unbalanced.
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. The 85% rule states that novice caravanners should only tow caravans that weigh no more than 85% of the kerbweight of the tow car. As an example, if your tow car weighs 1600kg, a novice caravanner can safely and sensibly tow a tourer with an MTPLM weight of up to 1360kg.
How long do caravan tyres last in Australia?
How long do trailer/caravan tyres last? Generally speaking, trailer and caravan tyres should be replaced every 5 years. Even if the tyres appear to be in good condition they should be double-checked by a professional who will be able to inspect for hidden damage and ensure they are functioning at their best. 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.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.
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.