When preparing for a caravan road trip, most drivers spend some time doing safety checks on the tow vehicle – whether that’s oil levels, brakes, tyres, lights or fuel. However, the caravan itself often gets a much quicker one-over – especially when it comes to tyres.
This is a mistake – and it can be a costly one. In Aussie conditions, caravan tyres are one of the most common causes of breakdowns on towing roadtrips – and, at best, unsafe tyres can result in handling issues or unneccessary risks. What’s more – tyre pressure plays a much bigger role than many caravan owners realise.
In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look at caravan tyre safety – including how to make sure you’re putting the right amount of pressure in them, how to check that they’re safe and legal, and a couple of lesser-known risk factors that are essential to check before you pull away.
Why Caravan Tyres Fail More Often Than Car Tyres
Although your car tyres are the ones used most often, caravan tyres typically live a harder, less forgiving life than the ones on your daily vehicle.
Why? Well, storage, load stress, weight distribution, and exposure to the elements all play a big part:
Long Periods of Storage
Your caravan usually only goes with you when you’re road-tripping or taking it somewhere it’ll spend a few weeks – meaning most caravan tyres spend most of their lives stationary. During this time, tyres slowly lose pressure, they can develop flat spots, and they can degrade without the usual signs of wear you’d see on a car.
Load Stress and Uneven Weight
Unlike car tyres, caravan tyres are often running close to their maximum load or load rating – especially on a single axle caravan. Poor weight distribution across the axle can lead to uneven stress and even overheating as you take to the road.
UV Exposure and Age-Related Cracking
The heat here and UV exposure here in Australia can accelerate rubber breakdown – especially when the sun’s falling consistently on one side of the caravan when it’s stored. Even good tyres with decent tread depth can become unsafe if sidewalls crack or become hardened due to this exposure.
What Pressure Should Caravan Tyres Be?
There’s no single answer here – and that’s a problem. In fact, it’s where a lot of caravan owners go wrong, especially when you’re looking for a quick answer on Google or using ChatGPT.
In reality, the correct caravan tyre pressure depends on:
- Tyre manufacturer’s recommendations
- The Tyre’s load index
- The actual weight carried on each axle
- Whether the caravan is a single or duel axle model
The recommended tyre pressure is typically listed on the sidewall – but that figure will usually refer to the maximum tyre inflation pressure, not what you should run for your specific caravan or the specific conditions you’ll be journeying in. Properly inflated tyres provide better traction and vehicle control, reducing the risk of accidents, skidding, and blowouts.
The correct inflation pressure for your caravan tyres can be found in your vehicle’s manual, on the tyre itself, or on your caravan’s VIN plate. Although we’re getting technical now, you can actually calculate a more precise PSI by using the formula: Recommended Pressure = (Actual Load per Tyre / Max Tyre Load Capacity) x Max Tyre Pressure. However, unless you’re absolutely certain with the maths here, it’s better to hand this job off to a professional.
Someone whose job it is to deal with tyres will be able to look at the maximum tyre inflation pressure, the maximum load rating of the tyre, and the caravan’s Gross Trailer Mass (GTM).
Why Maximum Pressure Shouldn’t Be the Goal
Running your tyres at their maximum pressure regardless of load can lead to a series of safety issues. Problems relating to overinflated tyres include:
- Reduced grip
- Increased vibration
- Uneven wear
- Higher risk of damage on rougher roads
Also, overinflated tyres can reduce the tyre’s contact patch on the road, leading to increased wear in the centre of the tyre.
Underinflated Tyres Are Simply Dangerous
You’re probably already aware – but underinflated tyres can be exceptionally dangerous – especially on long drives. When underinflated, tyres can build excess heat – and a hot caravan tyre is a warning sign that the pressure is likely too low for the load being carried.
What’s more – incorrect tyre pressure is one of the leading causes of blowouts – which is bad enough in a car, but losing control of a heavy caravan can be catastropic.
Even in a best-case scenario, underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which worsens fuel economy.
How to Check Caravan Tyre Pressure Properly
Put simply, visual checks on your caravan tyres just aren’t enough. Instead, you should:
- Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge
- Always check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold
- Never forget your space – it can often go unchecked for years
- Match tyre pressures across tyres on the same axle
If you’re unsure, a tyre professional can confirm the correct inflation pressure based on your specific setup.
If budget allows, when you know what your correct tyre pressure should be, you might decide to explore tyre pressure monitoring systems. A little like the tyre pressure warning system you have in your car, a system like this can provide real-time alerts while towing.
Some Other Caravan Tyre Safety Checks That Matter
Pressure is extremely important when it comes to the tyres of anything you’re towing – but it’s not the only thing to check. To be absolutey confident your tyres are going to keep you safe, you should also look at:
Tread Depth
Tread depth isn’t something to take risks with – especially not on something you’re towing. In wet conditions or on long-descents, tread depth is going to play a very important part in staying in control of your caravan or trailer tent.
Tyre Sidewall Condition
Sidewall condition is also something that you should never take a risk with. Cracks, bulges, or damage to the tyre (think gouges or slices) are all clear signs that a tyre is possibly unsafe.
Tyre Age
Tyre age, particularly on caravans, is something that matters as much as, if not more than, wear. Caravan tyres, owing to the limited number of miles they do, will almost always get beyond a safe age before the tread is worn to a legal limit. Keeping track of the age of your tyres is therefore essential – older tyres can fail even if they have plenty of tread remaining.
Common Mistakes Caravan Owners Make
Our roadside assistance department has been to more than its fair share of caravan tyres that need replacement. Common issues that lead to problems include:
- Mixing different caravan tyres on the same axle
- Ignoring rear tyre pressure when loaded
- Assuming car tyre rules apply directly to caravans
- Relying on feel rather than measuring pressure
Matt, our primary roadside assistance technician in the wider Sydney area explains:
“Unfortunately, many of these issues are exactly the type of thing you don’t notice until they go wrong. Lots of people are well aware of the checks they need to do on their car’s tyres – but they’re often overlooked when it comes to caravans, trailer tents, and similar towing setups. Especially because no one wants to be held up or have their trip cancelled because of tyre checks.”
When Tyre Condition Becomes a Bigger Issue
Of course, avoiding accidents and breakdowns is essential – but it’s not the only issue you’ve potentially got if you caravan tyres aren’t 100% right. You also need to think about insurance liability, damage to your caravan or your car, and the resale value of your caravan when it’s time to sell or upgrade.
Insurance and Liability
Insurers will almost always look at tyre condition following any kind of incident – especially if incorrect pressure is involved. Neglecting checks on tyres of anything you’re towing could leave you uninsured and seriously out of pocket should the other party take further action.
Vehicle Damage Risk
A tyre that blows out at any speed can cause serious damage to anything surrounding it – including your caravan or your vehicle. As such, a damaged tyre rarely results in just a replacement – it can often run to thousands of dollars in knock-on repairs.
Resale Value
Although it might not be something you’re considering right now, selling your caravan with old, worn, or damaged tyres can hit you in the pocket too.
Stephen at We Buy Any Caravan – an online caravan selling platform – explains:
“When our traders look at caravans, most poeple do an excellent job of assessing the overall condition – but tyres are overlooked at least 70% of the time. We don’t haggle on price – but we have to adjust an offer price if there’s damage or wear that we haven’t been made aware of – as such, tyres play a big part in the value of a caravan.”
A Simple Way To Stay Safe Before You Tow
If you’re anything less than certain that your caravan tyres are safe and set to the correct pressure before you tow, a quick professional inspection can make all the difference.
AutoHero can help you find a tyre specialist near you to check caravan tyre pressure and overall condition before you travel – whether you’re pulling a caravan, a trailer, or setting off for a journey in a camper. It’s a quick and simple step that means safer towing, better handling, improved fuel efficiency for your trip – and, importantly – peace of mind on the road.