As a rule replacement tyres for caravans must be the same service description as those that were previously installed. However there are a variety of circumstances in which this may differ.
the original specification for the tyre has been discontinued
the initial specification for tyres was insufficient
the capacity of payloads on the caravan has been enhanced
the wheels of the caravan were changed to wheels with a different dimension (normally the wheel is made of alloy)
If you’re in any of these situations when you are looking for a replacement tire for your caravan, you can follow our simple guideline.
Determine the wheel’s nominal diameter, the tyre size and the maximum weight of the caravan.
Select tyres with the full description of service to meet the diameter of the wheel and load index suitable for the weight maximum that the vehicle can carry (taking into consideration whether it is a double or single axle) and should include a speed symbol that is at least “M” (81mph) or greater.
Eliminate all tyres if the maximum load of the caravan is greater than 90 percent of load index.
If the section width is different by a small amount (eg 175 versus 185 or so, for instance) it is likely to work together, except for the space between the wheels and the box tiny. Try jacking the wheel of your caravan to check the width of the caravan wheels as it moves inside the wheel box if you’re not sure.
If the width of the section differs significantly from that of the tyres previously installed, or when the rim width has been altered from the original specifications Make sure that the tyres work with the wheel and wheel box, but also that their section width as well as overall diameter are inside the wheels box.
Unless specifically stated by the caravan manufacturer don’t choose a very low profile tyre, unless specifically requested by the manufacturer.
Do not select commercial grade (‘C suffix) tyre unless your weight and speed requirements require it or a ‘car type’ tyre isn’t available that can meet these requirements.
Indicating the proper inflation pressure
Inflation pressure is a crucial aspect – the durability and safety of your tyres for caravans are dependent on the correct inflation pressure. A wrong inflation pressure could adversely impact the handling of your caravan, as well as increase the consumption of fuel.
For every tyre you will find an optimal pressure of inflation dependent on the load it’s carrying. Because caravans typically operate in close proximity to the weight they can carry, it’s prudent to choose the best pressure for the load conditions. When your RV is at a lower weight than its maximum but you are able to select an appropriate pressure for the actual weight. We strongly suggest that you verify the actual weight of your caravan when it is in the loading state that you want to use with the weighbridge.
Commercial quality tyres have been engineered to perform over a wide variety of loads. They can differ when mounted on the caravan. For example, a tire that has a maximum inflation pressure of 54psi for its highest load might only require 30psi pressure for use in the caravan.
Fitting an old wheel
If a wheel was removed to perform maintenance or to repair 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 dry and clean without paint or rust flake on the threads or the seats. Be careful when lubricating the threads of bolts or wheel nuts. Torque tightening is usually stated dry, and any lubrication could require a different torque setting or damage could result.
Make sure that all nuts and studs are tightened 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 ensure that the wheel fits on the hub with no misalignment.
Do not over tighten the wheel nuts or studs. Make sure you follow the tightening torques that are recommended by your manufacturer of the caravan or the chassis supplier. We do not recommend that to tighten the nuts completely or studs by using an air-powered device. It can cause excessive tightening and cause damage to threads. When you think that nuts or studs were tightened too much the nuts or studs should be replaced.
We suggest that you finish tightening using the torque wrench according to the figures in the manual of operation for your caravan. Don’t use the corner brace, which is designed to only lift or lower the corner’s steadying.
When a wheel is replaced, make sure to check the torque at the end of 20-30 miles usage or 20-30 minutes of travel. Even when the torque is properly tightened there is a chance that fixings loosen and the wheel be able to ‘bed’ 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 to be matched (80 and 82 are considered to be the same) As well as load index or ply ratings be matched values for the same axle. However, they aren’t legal requirements. Mixing different brands that have the same size or specification is fine.
Tyres need to be properly filled, and free of some cuts or other imperfections. They should have at least 1.6mm tread depth over the middle three quarters of the tread width around the circumference of the Tyre (depth of 20p piece on the outer edge). They should be of an appropriate design.
If a spare wheel or tyre is used, it must be in compliance with all applicable laws.
The maximum penalty for each damaged or incompatible tire is PS2,500. Plus 3 points on the driver’s license.
Travelling abroad
In general that if your car meets the legal requirements to use in the UK and the EU, it is able to be used throughout Europe with no problem. A notable exception is the circumstance pertaining to tyres used in France. Because on some French motorways it’s legal to tow speeds up to 80mph (130kph) however, the French insist that your tyres satisfy the speed limit. This may only be an issue for older caravans. If you are unsure, make sure to make sure you know the specifications of your tyres prior travelling and study up on international driving rules, as on-the-spot penalties can be costly.
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