Motorhome Tyres: What Tyres Do You Need?

Campervan and motorhome tyres are a bit different from regular tyres due to the fact that they carry extra weight and are subject to extra wear and tear.

When buying, you will want to look for tyres with a young manufacturer date, which is designed to handle heavy loads, and you may wish to add a tyre cover for extra protection.

In this article, we will look at what makes motorhome tyres different from regular tyres, the basics you need to know about motorhome tyre maintenance, correct tyre make and whether tyre covers are a good idea or not.

Do Motorhomes Require Special Tyres?

There are two basic types of motorhome tyres, as motorhomes and campervans do require their own special type of tyre.

There are van tyres and camper tyres, both of which have their pros and cons.

Van tyres are designed for camper vans and vans in general and are meant to take the extra weight and use.

These tyres can be used on motorhomes as well, but keep in mind how you use your tyre.

Van tyres are great for heavy loads with varying weights and can be used daily to cover a lot of ground. However, they are not designed to be standing still for a long period of time.

Camper tyres are specifically designed for motorhomes, made with stronger sidewalls (compared to camper tyres) that are designed to withstand long stretches of standing still.

They also give more stability when a motorhome is attempting to turn a corner.

Whichever tyres you choose, they must be of the finest quality and provide excellent grip in all weather conditions.

They must also feature a reinforced structure that is capable of withstanding heavy loads, high pressure and long distances.

When it comes to choosing tyres for your motorhome, you should always make sure that the product is certified and recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for use on your specific model.

This will ensure that the tyre meets all safety standards required for safe driving and that it is appropriate for the weight of your motorhome.

Additionally, it is important to choose tyres with good tread wear ratings, as this will help to prolong the life of your tyres and ensure maximum performance on all surfaces

Choosing between using a van tyre and a camper tyre comes down to what type of van you have and how you like to use your motorhome.

If you do a lot of miles without standing still for weeks on end, a van tyre would work great. But if you don’t get out too often or like to stay in one place once you arrive at your destination, you may want to consider camper tyres.

Winter Motorhome Tyres

If you are travelling through the winter months, then you may want to consider getting some winter tyres for your motorhome or campervan.

Winter tyres have better traction, grip and better braking ability in wet, snowy and icy conditions.

Winter tyres are also going to reduce the risk of your motorhome getting stuck in the mud if you are parked on wet grass or on a wet day.

There are some countries across Europe where it is mandatory to have winter tyres at certain points of the the year round. You can check out these countries in the link that we have included below.

TIP – These are the tyres that we have on our van, and they are fantastic –https://www.atseuromaster.co.uk/consumer/tyres/brands/bfgoodrich-tyres/lt22575sr16bfgatko2lrdrwlg1000154520 – They are all-terrain winter tyres that are great in snow, ice, rain and on dirt tracks etc.

TIP – Where do you need winter tyres in Europe? This link will help answer this question – Winter tyres legislation in Europe – An overview of the regulations | Uniroyal

When Should Motorhome Tyres be Replaced?

Depending on how often you are using your motorhome, and for how long, will determine when you will need to replace them, which can be anywhere from three to six years.

If you are using your motorhome much less and are not noticing any wear and tear on your wheels, you may be able to push those six years slightly.

To ensure that you get the most out of your motorhome tyres, regular check-ups are essential to monitor their wear and tear.

Checking for signs of bulging, cracking or uneven tread wear is a great way to spot any potential problems before they become more serious

If you are unsure how old your tyres are, you can check their DOT, a code that’s marked on the sidewall of the tyre.

It begins with ‘DOT’ and a line of numbers that indicate its date of manufacture. For example, a DOT with the code 2418 means that the tyre was made in the 24th week of 2018.

What are Signs that Motorhome Tyres Need to be Replaced?

If you notice cracks in the sidewall, or if the tread depth is less than one-sixteenth of an inch, it is a good idea to consider getting your tyres replaced as soon as possible.

What Does CP Mean on Tyres?

CP stands for ‘Specialist Tyre’ and ‘Light Commercial’. CP tyres are widely used by campervan and motorhomes due to their specifications, being designed to carry higher loads, especially when placed in a single line on the rear axle.

The correct (or high) grade tyres should always be used with your motorhome, as deviating from the standard grade and opting for something with a weaker build, or a lower speed can have adverse effects on the handling of the vehicle.

What is the Tyre Pressure for a Motorhome?

On standard 16-inch tyres, the correct pressure for PSI should be anywhere between 35-80 or 280-550 kPa. To know for sure what your own tyres specifics are, manufacturers include data plates in your motorhome that give you numbers on the recommended tyre pressure based on the maximum weight.

How do I Tell if My Tyre Pressure is Too High?

You will notice the sidewalls and tread to be much firmer than normal, which limits the performance and traction of the tyre, and you may notice uneven wear and tear.

There can also be a small increase in gas usage as it reduces the roll resistance in your tyres.

How do I Tell if My Tyre Pressure is Too Low?

Blowouts are caused by low inflation as it forces tyres to make contact with the ground more than normal.

Even if the low inflation is by just 15 PSI, you are going to notice a difference in temperature on the sides of the tyres, which can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

How Do I Monitor My Motorhome’s Tyre Pressure?

There are two methods, one involves a built-in tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), or, more traditionally, a tyre pressure gauge.

Tyres lose air pressure over time and with consistent use, the speed of air loss varies with how much ground is travelled in a given day or week.

As a rule of thumb, 1 PSI is lost every 30 days, and 1 PSI is lost for every 10 degrees decrease in temperature.

What are Tyre Covers for Motorhomes?

Tyre covers are a cover of material that helps keep dirt and sunlight far away from the wheel, rim, and tyre.

If your vehicle is stored or parked outdoors, your tyres are going to be subject to all types of elements, such as sun, rain, snow, wind and dust.

If a motorhome tyre is subject to the elements like this, they are going to have faster deterioration.

Tyre covers are preventative maintenance that will help you to avoid tyre blowouts on the road and add more years to the life of your tyres.

Motorhome tyre covers are a popular choice for part-time and full-time van lifers, especially when their motorhome is parked in one place for days at a time or in storage.

They are popular because motorhome tyres are an expensive purchase, and van lifers want their investments to last as long as possible.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Motorhome Tyre Covers?

Motorhome tyre covers are the ideal solution to protect your tyre from UV light (sunlight), which causes fine cracks in the sidewall over time.

These cracks contribute to leaks, blowouts, and eventually the end of your tyre’s lifespan.

Covers also keep out moisture from rain and snow, keeping rust and dirt far away from the wheels and rim.

Covers also help provide a barrier against oxidation, which can cause early tyre cracking.

Conclusion

Motorhome tyres need proper maintenance in order to live long lives and serve your motorhome well. Now you know the basics of tyre maintenance and the way to protect them.

By taking the necessary precautions when it comes to tyre care, you can make sure that your motorhome tyres remain in good condition for years to come.

Regularly checking the tread wear, ensuring that you use certified tyres and investing in tyre covers are all small steps that will ensure your tyres last longer and keep your motorhome running at its best.

With careful maintenance and the the right tyres and products, you can extend the life of your motorhome tyres and enjoy a safe and stress-free ride

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