North Wales is one of the UK’s most popular destinations for caravan and motorhome holidays. From Anglesey’s coastal parks to the Snowdonia foothills and the Llyn Peninsula, thousands of caravans and motorhomes travel North Wales roads every year. Yet caravan and motorhome tyre safety remains one of the most frequently overlooked aspects of leisure vehicle maintenance.
Why Caravan Tyres Are Different
Caravan tyres operate under very different conditions from car tyres, which makes their correct specification and maintenance especially important:
- Caravans spend most of their time stationary, often for months at a time, which causes rubber to deteriorate regardless of tread depth
- When in use, caravans are typically towed at close to their maximum permitted speed for extended periods
- The towing hitch creates unique load and sway forces on caravan tyres
- Caravan tyres are often hidden under the bodywork where deterioration can go unnoticed
The Age Problem — Why Mileage is Misleading
This is the most important point for caravan owners: caravan tyres age faster than car tyres, often with very low mileage.
A caravan that does 2,000 miles per year will have tyres with plenty of tread remaining after 5 years — yet those tyres may be dangerously old. Rubber oxidises and degrades over time, particularly when exposed to ultraviolet light and ozone. A caravan stored outdoors accelerates this process significantly.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing caravan tyres at 5 years old regardless of tread depth, and certainly by 7 years. Always check the DOT date code on the sidewall — the last four digits show the week and year of manufacture.
Correct Tyre Pressures for Caravans
Caravan tyres must be inflated to the correct pressure for the load they are carrying. Over-loading a caravan or running at incorrect pressures is a leading cause of caravan tyre failure and subsequent sway accidents.
The correct tyre pressure for your caravan is found in the caravan handbook or on the tyre placard — and it will typically be different from car tyre pressures. Many caravans require significantly higher pressures, often 65-70 PSI or more.
Always check caravan tyre pressures cold and before every journey.
Checking Caravan Tyres Before Setting Off
Before every journey, check all of the following:
- Tyre pressure — use a calibrated gauge, not the vehicle’s built-in TPMS which typically covers the towing vehicle only
- Tread depth — minimum 1.6mm legal, recommended 3mm for safety
- Sidewall condition — look for cracks, crazing, bulges or cuts
- Wheel nuts — check for security, particularly if the caravan has been stationary for some time
- Date codes — verify the tyres are within the manufacturer’s recommended service life
Motorhome Tyres — Additional Considerations
Motorhomes present additional tyre challenges. The rear tyres often carry the majority of the vehicle’s weight including water, gas, food, clothes and personal effects. It is very common for motorhome owners to overload rear axles without realising it.
Motorhomes also frequently have twin rear tyres, where the inner tyre can suffer from under-inflation or damage that is not visible without specifically checking it. Both inner and outer rear tyres must be checked at every service.
Many motorhomes are also affected by UV damage to front tyres from sitting uncovered — always use cab blinds to protect front tyres from prolonged sun exposure during storage.
Spare Tyres
Check the condition and pressure of your spare tyre before every trip. A spare tyre that has been stored for several years may be unsafe even if it appears fine — check the date code and replace it if it is more than 5 years old.
Mobile Tyre Fitting for Caravans and Motorhomes Across North Wales
Mobi Tyre provides mobile tyre fitting for caravans and motorhomes throughout North Wales and border England. We carry appropriate tyres for the most common caravan and light motorhome sizes and come to you at your holiday park, campsite, home address or roadside location.
If you suffer a caravan tyre failure on any North Wales road, call 07768 491888 — we are available 24 hours a day with no call-out charges.
