Motor Home Tyre Safety
Just black rings with a hole in the middle? Well not exactly – if
you’re new to Motor Caravanning or indeed commercial vehicles or van tyres then this post will make essential reading! Tyres are one of those under-rated
products that we are heavily dependent on but are often ignored. Here you’ll
discover there’s a lot more to motor home tyres than simply the size.
Motor home tyres are different to car tyres. Do not forget the expectation that these tyres perform as a cross between 4×4 tyres and van tyres. Motor homes often have to drive across wet grass especially if they are attending a festivals or rallies. Another important aspect of motor home tyres is the load ratings. The motor caravan itself will come with the recommended load rating in the manufacturer’s specifications. The load rating is stamped on the side wall of the tyre to indicate what weight each individual tyre can take. Most motor homes will have reinforced side walls to cope with the additional weight.
Making sure that tyre pressures are kept at the right level is extremely important. If you do not keep to the recommended pressures you run the risk of tyre blow outs! Tyre blow outs can happen when the tyre pressures are running low. If tyre pressure gets too low the wheel will bounce up and down whilst the vehicle is driven at speed. This bouncing effect generates friction and the heat can lead to a blow out or worse!
Make sure that you check your tyres for damage regularly. Check the side walls for damage or cuts and cracks. As tyres get older the tyre can crack and even with low mileage the tyre can need replacement from around 5-7 years, even if the tread is still okay.