Whether you tow a touring caravan, a horsebox, a boat trailer or a work trailer, the tyres carry significant weight and must be maintained as carefully as the tow car's.
Age matters as much as tread
Trailer tyres often look new because they rarely get worn down. But the rubber ages whether it is used or not. Sunlight, ozone and standing in one position all cause cracking and hardening. The four-digit date code on the sidewall tells you the week and year of manufacture. Caravan clubs and tyre makers commonly advise careful inspection of tyres past about five years and replacement at around seven years for caravans, though you should check the guidance relevant to your tyre and trailer. See DOT code guide.
Pressure and load
Caravan tyres often have a high recommended pressure because they carry a heavy load on small wheels. Find the figure in the caravan handbook or manufacturer's information and check it cold. Pressure loss over a winter's storage is common. Under-inflation is a leading cause of trailer tyre failures, as the sidewall flexes and overheats at speed. Also check the load rating: it must be sufficient for the axle weight. See load index explained.
Pre-trip checks
- Check pressures on every wheel, including the spare.
- Examine sidewalls and tread for cracks, cuts, bulges and flat spots.
- Check wheel nuts or bolts are tight and torqued as specified.
- Look at the valve and cap condition.
- Check the spare is in good condition and has not aged out.
Flat spots can develop when a caravan sits for months. They usually clear when the tyres warm up but severe ones may not. Use axle stands during storage if you can, and move the caravan a little regularly.
Punctures while towing
A puncture on a trailer can cause the outfit to snake. Slow down smoothly, avoid hard braking and stop in a safe place. Do not try to change a wheel on a verge near fast traffic. See tyre blowout on the motorway and what to do after a puncture.
Fitting at your site or home
Getting a caravan to a garage is a nuisance. A mobile technician can attend your drive, storage yard or caravan site, if the trailer can be accessed safely and is parked on firm ground. Ask first about site rules. Our mobile tyre fitting and mobile tyre repair pages describe the service. Mention if the trailer wheel has an unusual stud pattern or locking nuts.
Caravan wheels are often a different size and type from car wheels, so give the full tyre size and load rating when you call. Many caravan tyres are commercial or special trailer types marked with a letter such as C. See van tyres for how that marking works.
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Wheel nuts and torque
Check wheel nut torque after the first few miles following any wheel change and again after a longer trip. Trailer wheels may use different nut types from cars, and under-torque or over-torque is a risk to the wheel and studs. Follow the manufacturer's torque figure.
Spare wheels
A good spare is a must for towing, since breakdown services may not be able to carry a replacement. Check its pressure every few months and make sure the jack and wheel brace suit the caravan and the ground. Read spare wheel, repair kit or run-flat.
Never exceed the maximum permitted weight of the trailer, as overload is a main cause of tyre trouble. Weigh the loaded outfit if you are unsure, and keep the heaviest items low and over the axle.
Storage tips between trips
If the caravan sits for the winter, inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure, or a little above if the maker allows, and take weight off the wheels using axle stands or ramps where recommended. Cover the tyres against sunlight and keep them off bare soil or oily surfaces. Put a board or mat under each wheel if the ground is damp. These simple steps reduce flat spots and cracking and help the tyres last into old age. Before the first trip of the season, repeat the full check list above rather than assuming the tyres are fine.
Matching tyres on twin axles
Twin-axle caravans and trailers need tyres of the same size and similar wear across the axle pair. If one tyre has to be replaced because of damage, ask the fitter to compare the others and advise whether the set is still matched. Mismatched rolling diameter on an axle makes the outfit scrub and wear quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old can caravan tyres be?
There is no single legal age, but many advise inspection from five years and replacement around seven. Check your manufacturer's advice.
Why do trailer tyres crack?
Age, sunlight, standing still and low pressure all contribute.
Can you fit trailer tyres at a site?
Where access and safety allow, yes. Call now for a quote on 0800 772 0355.
Do I need a spare for my caravan?
It is strongly recommended, since recovery services may not carry one.
Related Help
Need help with your tyres now?
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