Not only do properly inflated tyres play an essential part in the safe towing of your caravan but ensuring that your vehicle has the correct tyre pressure will also improve your tyre lifespan, fuel efficiency, and the comfort of your journey. Checking caravan tyre pressures also helps with load distribution and balanced towing.
As caravans have specific weight limits, your tyre pressure needs to be correct to maintain an even weight through each tyre. Checking the tyre pressures for a trailer is just as important as checking the caravan tyre pressure.
Again operating using the correct tyre pressure for your trailer model will help with load distribution, fuel efficiency, tyre durability, your safety, and comfort.
Disclaimer: TyreSafe makes every effort to provide accurate pressure information. However, the accuracy of data cannot be guaranteed and users should consult their handbook for fully approved settings. Please ensure your caravan’s MTPLM, number of wheels and tyre size have been inputted correctly before inflating your tyres to the suggested pressures. If in any doubt, please ask your vehicle manufacturer or consult with a TyreSafe recommended tyre dealer.
How to check caravan tyre pressure or car trailer pressure?
You can check your current trailer or caravan tyre pressure using a tyre pressure gauge.
Caravan and trailer tyres often require higher inflation pressures than are required for the same tyres on a car because they must carry more weight compared to a car.
It is essential to identify and maintain correct trailer and caravan tyre pressures.
In the absence of any recommendation in the vehicle handbook regarding car tyre inflation when towing, increase the towing vehicle’s rear tyre pressures by 4 to 7 psi (0.3 to 0.4 bar) to improve the stability of the complete unit.
Caravan Tyre FAQs
Read the answers to caravan and trailer tyre pressure questions.
Whenever tyres are fitted to the towing car and caravan or trailer tent, it is essential to the safety and stability of the combination that all tyres are correctly inflated for the applied loading. This is a golden rule of motoring and caravanning in particular.
Under or over-inflated tyres can not only adversely affect the handling but can also lead to dangerous tyre failure. Tyres not inflated to the correct pressure also wear out more quickly. So in the long run, keeping them at the right pressure could also save you money.
You should always check your caravan tyre pressures prior to any journey, or when towing on a regular basis. Your caravan and car tyres should be cold before you check the tyre pressure, as checking pressures during or after a run will not give an accurate reading. Pressures are likely to drop when tyres cool down. After checking your caravan tyre pressure, ensure the valve is not leaking and that the valve cap is fitted.
The correct inflation pressure for your caravan tyres will be found in the handbook and, in some cases, on a placard displayed on the vehicle. You can also check with the manufacturer; however, specifications and tyre pressures can vary depending on the model year. The easiest place to check is the placard inside your caravan.
Alternatively, you can seek the advice of the tyre manufacturer, use the TyreSafe caravan tyre pressure calculator, or consult the provided tables for suggested tyre inflation pressures and maximum axle loads.
In the absence of special towing recommendations, to improve handling and accommodate the additional load on the hitch, the rear tyres should be set at the “fully laden” pressure. Where full load pressure does not differ from normal driving, the rear tyre pressure should be increased by 4 to 7 psi (0.3 to 0.5 bar).
The correct trailer tyre pressure for your trailer will depend on the specific tyre type and size, so always consult the handbook before checking and adjusting your trailer tyre pressure.
As with caravan tyre pressure checks, your trailer tyres should be cold before you check them. Always ensure they are inflated to the correct pressure before you begin towing, to avoid injury or tyre damage.
The extraordinary demands placed on tyres fitted to caravans mean that, in the interests of safety, it is prudent to avoid continuous operation at or near the tyres’ maximum load capacity. Accordingly, the UK tyre industry strongly recommends that the maximum vehicle load should not exceed 90% of the combined tyre load capacity indicated by the load index.
The tables show maximum recommended axle loads along with suggested tyre inflation pressures for some sizes. Maximum permissible axle loads are shown in red (assuming two tyres per axle). You can also use TyreSafe’s unique caravan tyre pressure calculator: input your caravan’s Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM), the number of wheels, and your tyre size and type for a suggested inflation pressure.
**Remember the ‘Golden Rules’ for safe towing:**
– Fit the correct tyres
– Tyres must be in good condition
– Tyre pressures must be correctly maintained using an accurate tyre pressure gauge
– Do not overload
**Bonus Load** – Additional load permissible (at increased tyre pressure) when running at a reduced maximum speed of 100 km/h, where the gross weight does not exceed 3.5 tons with a tyre speed symbol of at least L.
**Service Description** – Combination of the tyre’s Load Index (LI) and Speed Symbol (SS) moulded into the tyre sidewall near the size marking.
**Load Index** – Numerical code associated with the maximum load a tyre can carry at the speed indicated by the Speed Symbol.
**Speed Symbol** – Indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre can carry a load corresponding to its Load Index.
**Safety Type Rim** – A wheel rim incorporating a hump or flat ledge on the outer bead seat to reduce the risk of tyre dislodgement.
**Pre-Puncture Sealant** – Solution applied inside the tyre during fitting to prevent air loss in the event of a puncture (not recommended by the tyre industry).
**Post-Puncture Sealant** – Liquid applied via the tyre valve after a puncture, sealing the penetration hole (recommended only as a “Get you home” measure).
**MTPLM** – Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass of the caravan or trailer tent.
**MIRO** – Mass in Running Order of the caravan or trailer tent when equipped to the manufacturer’s standard specification.
**User Payload** – The difference between the MTPLM and the MIRO.