How long should caravan and motorhome tyres last?

In these uncertain times, motorhome and caravan holidays have become increasingly popular. This type of vacation has always had a loyal following. But with foreign travel becoming increasingly uncertain, stayingcations are now safer options and more people making the switch. A caravan offers many benefits. There are many benefits to owning a caravan. You can take everything you need along, including your kitchen sink. It is much easier to travel when you don’t have everything packed in bags. Now, you can reduce the likelihood of your trip getting cancelled because Covid regulations apply to hotel closures or travel advices. It is much easier to make changes when you are holidaying in a caravan or motorhome.

We all need a holiday right now. If you rent a caravan, it is possible to take your much-needed vacation without the hassle of Covid testing, isolation, or worrying about traffic lights. It is no surprise then, that there has also been an increase in the purchase of caravans and motorhomes, especially among people who have never had one.

There are important things that you need to know in addition to all the excitement. Although we will not go into detail about electric hook up and chemical toilets, we can provide some insight on the tyres for caravans and motorhomes. Information that will help you and your family stay safe on the roads.

Are Caravan- and motorhome Tyres Any Different From Car Tyres

It’s very interesting to observe that there are no tyres for caravans/motorhomes. Some businesses may claim to sell caravan tire, but these are tyres designed for cars or vans. Car tyres could be used for caravans. However, vans will need tyres with a higher load rating. They are usually a good choice for commercial purposes. Extra loads should be considered if you’re looking at standard car-tyres. You should remember that it is not just the caravan’s weight that your tires must be able to support, but also all its contents. That can add up. This is why it’s important to check the load rating of your tires. A blowout could cause serious damage to your holiday vehicle and make it very difficult for you to travel.

Motorhomes, especially larger ones, will perform best with “C”, or “CP” rated commercial tyres. It is also important to consider the configuration of the tires, particularly if you have twin rear axles or a tandem. C and CP tyres will have two load indexes. Depending on the axel configuration, each number represents a different load rating. Live chat is a great way to reach out to our team if you are unsure.

When is it best to replace caravans wheels & tyres?

Motorhome and caravan owners often make the same mistake: they don’t replace their tyres as often as necessary. It is easy to assume that the caravan has only been driven a few times in the year. But, there are other factors that will cause your tires to need regular replacement. Even if the vehicle is in storage, tyres may start to wear over time. The sun and heat can cause a vehicle to deteriorate. When the vehicle is stationary, pressure can be applied more heavily to certain spots, which can lead to further damage. TyreSafe, an independent charity that helps caravan owners and their families, advises that you replace your tyres at the end of five to six-years due to natural degradation. If you’re not sure of the age of your tires, you can easily check the DOT Code on the sidewall to determine the manufacturer year.

As you would with any vehicle, your tread depth must be checked. A heavy load can cause extra wear on your tires, so be sure to check it frequently and have them replaced before they exceed the legal limit. For heavier vehicles, it’s especially important to check the tyre pressure. If your tyre pressure exceeds 50psi, it might be worth replacing them more often.

Are your motorhome tyres cracking?

Cracks found along the sidewalls and edges of your tyres are a sign that rubber compounds have begun to deteriorate. These cracks may be horizontally along the sidewalls or around the perimeter. This damage is just the result of prolonged air exposure and there aren’t any ways to stop it. These cracks indicate that it’s time for you replace your tyres.

How long can caravan and motorhome tyres be able to last?

If you look after your tires, they should last many years. The natural deterioration of all tires means that you need to replace them approximately every five-six years, regardless of how much you use the caravan. However, there are some instances when you might be unlucky and cause damage to your tyres. This is why you should check them regularly before you drive your motorhome or caravan. You are safer if you replace your tyres than taking any risks.

Why it is so important to check the second-hand campervan and tyres

A lot of people buy their campervans/motorhomes second-hand. A caravan that has lived on the road before you purchase it is not necessarily a good deal. It is hard to gauge how well the previous owners cared for the vehicle. Even if you’re impressed with the interior, be sure to check the tyres and make sure that you have a good look before you get on the road. Even though the campervan has been driven a lot, it may still need new tyres. This is why the DOT codes are a better way to check the date of manufacture than average mileage. Even if the tires are new, you should still inspect them for damage, excessive wear, and to verify the tread depth. It is always best to replace any tyres that are in doubt.

Care instructions for caravan tyres

It’s important to take good care of your tyres. This will reduce the likelihood of them having prematurely been replaced and give you peace of mind knowing that they are safe and ready for any trip. Here are our tips on how to keep your caravan or motorhome tyres in good condition.

Before and during a trip, make sure to inspect your tyres carefully in good light. Examine the treads for damage, blistering, wear or debris. Inspect the tread depth around the circumference and also check the tyre pressure. Before you store your vehicle give the tyres another wipe to remove any oil or fuel which could accelerate the deterioration.

If your campervan/caravan isn’t used for a prolonged period of time, it may be worthwhile to have the wheels and the tyres removed and stored in a cool, dry place. If your caravan is kept outside, sunlight can damage the tyres. And, of course, thieves may be able to take advantage of your car without wheels. If you do leave your tyres on, try to rotate them periodically so the weight doesn’t accumulate in one spot over a long time.

What do you mean, my tyres have no profile and only the letter C?

You can identify the size of the tire you need for your caravan or motorhome in much the same way that a car tyre. This is done by looking at the profile, width and size, e.g. R14/185/80/R14. However, some caravan tires will have the profile replaced with the letter “C”, (meaning commercial). 185 C. Commercial tyres always have a profile of 80. If you are looking online for commercial tires, be sure to choose 185/80/R14. After that, select the appropriate fitment with the correct rating. We are available to help you via live chat.