What tyres should I put on my caravan?
caravan tyres need to be more robust than standard tyres. These are reinforced type-c tyres, for example: 215/65 r16c 109r. 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. caravan tyres often require higher inflation pressures than the same tyres on a car because they are designed to carry significantly more weight. Always refer to your caravan’s vehicle manufacturer’s handbook for the precise recommended tyre pressures for your specific model and loaded weight.Yes, balancing is important for caravan tyres, but you won’t feel vibrations from tyre imbalance as easily as you would in lighter vehicles.
What is the life of a caravan tyre?
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. We recommend replacing tires aged 6-10 years, no matter how much tread remains. When it comes to replacing tires, things can be a little unpredictable. Mileage, condition and routine maintenance all contribute to the tire’s safety and usability. You should replace them if you think they may have compromised integrity.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.Even a caravan tyre never driven on will deteriorate over time. Natural ageing of the composite materials that form tyres occur from day one and it is widely recommended that caravan tyres should be replaced at 5 years old.We recommend that all tyres are replaced when they reach ten years old, regardless of the depth of the tread. Even if the tyre still looks good, we recommend you seek the advice of your local Uniroyal fitter if your car, or your tyres, have been unused for a long period of time. This applies to your spare tyre too.
How much do caravan tyres cost?
Starting from around £40, the cost of caravan tyres can vary depending on the brand, size, and load rating. 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.Tyres should be checked regularly for cracks, punctures and bulges. Bulges are particularly common on caravan and motorhome tyres due to the increased chance of knocking the tyre against a kerb and of overloading the tyre too.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.Make sure your caravan tyres aren’t over- or under-inflated, as this decreases the contact patch and impacts on handling. Carefully examine the tyre for cracks in the sidewall, cuts, material embedded in the tyre and any signs of impact damage.
Are caravan tyres different?
Caravans use either tyres made for cars, or ones designed for use on small vans. While there are tyres designed specifically for use on trailers, these are only available in specifications which suit models like small camping trailers, or one or two specialist types of larger commercial trailer. 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.Stick to the right tyres Usually, though, the weight, width, and sidewall strength are simply not designed for caravan use. Something more similar to van tyres, however, could be more appropriate. If you are looking for high-quality tyres for your car, instead of your caravan, Kwik Fit has you covered.
How many years do caravan tyres last?
If you have had your tyres for more than 5 years, guess what, it’s time to replace them. If they exceed 7 years they should NEVER be used. If you continue to use tyres that exceed these time frames, you are putting yourself, your caravan and others on the road at risk. The Caravan Club recommends changing them every five years and never using them when they are more than seven years old.