In general the replacement tyres for your caravan must be the same service description as the ones previously installed. However there are a variety of circumstances in which this may have to be different.
the original specification for tyres is no longer available
the initial specification for tyres was insufficient
the capacity of the caravan’s payload has been raised
the caravan wheels were changed to wheels with a different dimension (normally the wheel is made of alloy)
If you are in one of these situations when you are looking for a replacement tire for your caravan, you can follow our simple guideline.
Find the nominal wheel diameter, tyre size and the maximum weight of the caravan.
Choose tyres that have an entire service description that be able to match the wheel’s diameter and have a load index that is sufficient to support the weight maximum that the vehicle can carry (taking into consideration whether the caravan is double or single axle) and include a speed symbol of “M” (81mph) or greater.
Eliminate all tyres if the maximum load of the caravan is greater than 90 percent of load index.
If the width of the section differs only a little (eg 175 vs 185 or so, for instance) it is likely not to interfere, but only if the space between the wheels and the box tiny. Try jacking the wheel on the caravan to measure the distance as the wheel is moved within the wheel box if you are unsure.
If the width of the section is different significantly from that of the tyres originally fitted, or when the rim width has changed from the original specifications Check not just that the tyres work with the wheel and wheel box, but also the section width and overall diameter match inside the box of wheels.
Unless specifically stated by the manufacturer of your caravan, make sure you choose a low profile tyre, unless specifically requested by the manufacturer.
Don’t choose commercial grade (‘C suffix) tire unless the weight and speed requirements require it and a ‘car style’ tyre cannot be found that can meet these requirements.
How to determine the right inflation pressure
The pressure of inflation is an important factor affecting the security and longevity of your caravan tyres rely on their inflation being correct. An incorrect inflation pressure can negatively impact the handling of your caravan, as well as increase the consumption of fuel.
For each tyre, you will find an optimal pressure of inflation dependent on the weight it’s carrying. Because caravans typically operate near to its maximum capacity, it’s wise to select the most optimal pressure that is appropriate for the load. In the event that your vehicle is at a lower weight than its maximum but you are able to select the best pressure for the actual weight. We strongly suggest that you verify the actual weight of your caravan in the intended load condition with the weighbridge.
Commercial quality tyres have been made to work with a broad variety of loads. They can be different when used on the caravan. For instance, a tyre with a maximum pressure of 54psi for its highest load might only require 30psi of pressure when it is used in an RV.
Fitting the wheel
If a wheel was removed to service or replace a puncture , we advise you to follow the correct procedure for refitting the wheel.
Check there is no mating surface between hub and the wheel are dry and clean.
Make sure that the threads of wheel nuts and studs are free of dirt and dry, and free of paint flake on the threads or the seats. Be careful when lubricating the threads of bolts or wheel nuts. The torques for tightening are typically specified “dry” and any lubrication could need a different torque setting or damage may occur.
Lock all nuts/studs in order to center the wheel prior to using the wrench for the wheel brace or torque wrench.
Utilize the diagonal wheel nut tightening sequence in order to make sure that the wheel sits on the hub with no misalignment.
Do not over tighten the wheel nuts or studs. Follow the torques for tightening that are recommended by your manufacturer of your caravan or chassis manufacturer. We don’t recommend to tighten the nuts completely or studs by using an air-powered device. This could over tighten and cause damage to threads. When you think that nuts or studs were tightened too much it is recommended to replace them.
We suggest that you finish the tightening process using the torque wrench according to the figures in the manual of operation for your caravan. Don’t use the corner steady brace that is designed only to elevate or lower the angle of the corner steadyes.
When a wheel is repaired, it is recommended to check the torque after 20-30 miles of usage or 20-30 minutes of travel. Even if the wheel is torqued correctly it’s possible that fixings loosen and the wheel “bed in” to the hub.
Make sure that your tyres are legal
It is illegal to mix radial and cross-ply tire on the same axle.
We strongly suggest that aspect ratios also be assosiated (80 and 82 could be taken as one) As well as load index or ply rating values for the same axle, but they aren’t legal requirements. Mixing different models with the same dimensions or specifications is acceptable.
Tyres should be properly filled, and free of any cuts, or other flaws. They must have at minimum 1.6mm tread depth over the central three quarters the tread width around the circumference of tire (depth of 20p piece on the outer edge). They should be of an appropriate quality.
If a spare wheel or tyre is used, it must also be compliant with all applicable laws.
The maximum penalty for each damaged or incompatible tire is PS2,500. This includes 3 points on your driver’s licence.
Travelling internationally
In general If your vehicle is in compliance with the legal requirements to be used in the UK and the EU, it is able to be used throughout Europe without issue. A notable exception is the circumstance pertaining to tyres used in France. Because on some French motorways, it is permitted to tow speeds up to 80mph (130kph) however, the French insist that your tyres comply with this standard. This may only be an issue for older caravans. If you are unsure, make sure to examine the specifications of your tyres prior to traveling and learn about overseas driving rules, as on-the-spot penalties can be costly.
