Caravans and motorhomes are often stored for months during the winter and only used for summer trips. Because of this, caravan tyres suffer from a different set of issues compared to daily-driver cars. Rather than wearing out from high mileage, caravan tyres degrade over time from static loads, UV exposure, and weather cracking.
A tyre failure on a caravan mid-journey can be extremely dangerous, causing control loss or damage to the caravan body. Here is your essential caravan tyre safety checklist.
1. The 5-Year Rule: Check the DOT Code
Industry guidelines recommend replacing caravan tyres every 5 to 7 years, regardless of how much tread is left. You can find the age of your tyres by checking the DOT date code on the sidewall. Look for a 4-digit number stamped in an oval window; the first two digits indicate the week of manufacture, and the last two indicate the year. For example, '2421' means the tyre was manufactured in the 24th week of 2021.
2. Inspect for Sidewall Cracking and Flat Spots
Leaving a caravan parked in one position for long periods places continuous pressure on one section of the tyre, which can lead to structural flat spots. Additionally, UV rays degrade the rubber compounds, causing hairline cracks in the sidewall. Thoroughly inspect your tyres for cracking, distortion, or bulges before setting off.
Tip: During winter storage, consider using tyre savers (cradles) or moving the caravan slightly every few weeks to distribute the weight load and prevent flat-spotting.
3. Verify Tyron Bands and Load Ratings
Caravan tyres operate near their maximum load limit. Ensure your replacements have the correct load index. Many safety-conscious owners also install Tyron Safety Bands inside the wheel. These bands keep the tyre locked onto the wheel rim in the event of a blowout, allowing you to maintain steering control and drive to safety.
We Come to Your Storage Facility or Driveway
Moving a caravan with expired or unsafe tyres to a physical garage is stressful and dangerous. Our mobile fitting vans can visit your home driveway, storage yard, or leisure park across Maidstone and Kent to fit brand new caravan tyres and support Tyron bands on-site. Save time and travel safely by booking our mobile caravan tyre fitting service.