Can I Put Car Tyres On A Caravan?

Staycations and caravan holidays have gained popularity in recent years, with plenty of families seeking ways to enjoy the open road while keeping costs low. As part of this trend, some drivers have experimented with using car tyres on their caravans as a money-saving alternative.

But is this a safe option?

If you’re planning a caravan trip, read on to make sure you’re fully informed of the risks of cutting corners before you load up and set off.

How are caravan tyres different from car tyres?

When you buy a new caravan, the tyres it comes with will be specific to the vehicle itself. Although they may be roughly the same size as normal car tyres, caravan tyres have the following differences:

• Since caravans are heavier than cars, their tyres have a higher load capacity.
• The sidewalls of caravan tyres are significantly stronger than car tyre equivalents to reduce blowouts and withstand the greater pressure exerted by the weight of the caravan.
• Since caravans are often stationary for long periods of time, the tyres they come fitted with will reflect this specification in their design too, being stronger and maybe having different grip patterns.

Should you use car tyres on a caravan?

We’d recommend that you don’t use standard car tyres in place of specific caravan or motorhome ones. Not only are they ill-equipped for carrying the heavy load of a caravan, but they aren’t designed to handle the long idle periods that caravan tyres are designed for either. Caravan tyres are designed to be stronger and more durable, making them a safer and more reliable choice.

Buy caravan tyres

What to consider when changing our caravan tyres

Choosing specialised caravan tyres over car tyres for your home-on-wheels is incredibly important, for the safety of yourself and other road users. Let’s take a look at the main factors to consider when changing your caravan tyres.

Caravan's don't always have the same axle type

One of the most common reasons why drivers think it’s ok to use caravan and car tyres interchangeably is the axle type.

Many caravans have a twin axle like cars. This is often used as an excuse for drivers to put regular car tyres on caravans, since the load is spread more evenly. Some caravans, on the other hand, only have a single axle and require two tyres, which, when considering the heavy weight of the caravan, is too much load to bear for car tyres used to sharing the load among four.

Weight differentiations

When choosing the right tyre for your caravan, you’ll need to factor in the weight limit. It’s all well and good fitting tyres when your caravan is empty, but imagine the weight difference between it being bought new and the first day of a two-week-long summer holiday with your entire family on board.

You can find the weight limit in your caravan’s documentation. Once located, divide the weight between four (or two) and you have the maximum weight that each tyre can carry. On the sidewall of each tyre should be the maximum weight limit it is capable of carrying, so if you’re beneath that, it’s fine.

Tyre width

Another factor that comes into play when choosing caravan tyres is their width. Make sure you follow the guidance from your caravan manufacturer to ensure you don’t choose tyres that are too wide for the wheel housing, or not wide enough to support the weight.

Do caravan tyres cost more?

You may be concerned about the costs of changing your caravan tyres, particularly during the current cost-of-living crisis. Many drivers assume that caravan tyres cost more than car tyres, and there is some truth in this; however, the costs are maybe not as drastic as you might think.

Depending on the brand and size, caravan tyre prices can start from £40, while car tyres normally retail for between £30 - £100. Caravan tyres usually need changing every 6 years, while car tyres should be changed every 3-10 years, depending on usage and driving habits.

Tips for maintaining your caravan tyres

Extend the lifespan of your caravan tyres and stay safe with the following maintenance tips (these include the spare tyre):

• Regularly check the tread depth of your caravan tyres. You can do this using the 20p test. The legal minimum tread depth for tyre safety is 1.6mm.
• Check your caravan tyre pressure regularly and pump up your tyres as needed.
• Inspect your caravan tyres for damage (like cuts, bulges, and punctures).
• Replace your tyres if they are older than 7 years.

Unlike your runaround vehicle, your caravan is likely to be sitting on a driveway or in a garage for long periods of time. Inactivity can cause flat spots and degradation. So, if you haven’t moved your caravan for a while, try to shift its position slightly, rotating the wheels.

Mobile caravan tyre fitting at Kwik Fit

Got a flat? Notice some damage? Towing your caravan to a garage can be a pain, we know, especially if you already have a flat caravan tyre.

However, you can easily avoid this hassle by using our mobile tyre fitting service. With appointments available 7 days a week, our experienced mobile tyre fitters can come to you at a time that is convenient and can fit new tyres without fuss or bother.

What are Tyron safety bands for caravans?

What if you get a puncture while towing your caravan? A blowout on a caravan tyre can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening if it occurs while travelling at speed.

To avoid such dangers, Kwik Fit recommends fitting Tyron safety bands to your caravan tyres. These simple but effective devices are attached to the steel rim of the wheel and act as a run-flat mechanism, giving you added peace of mind.

How do Tyron safety bands for caravans work?

The problem with tyre design

All vehicle wheels are designed with fitting wells that allow tyres to be removed and replaced, but these can become dangerous if air pressure drops due to a blowout or puncture. In such cases, the tyre may shift into the well, causing it to buckle and potentially leading the driver to lose control.

Tyron safety bands reduces the danger of punctures

Tyron safety bands lock the tyre to the wheel and fill the well, preventing it from slipping in during a blowout. This means you can maintain steering, braking, and cornering control even at high speeds.

Tyron safety bands are especially useful for caravans, where a flat may go unnoticed, allowing you to keep moving safely until you can stop. Kwik Fit is an approved Tyron safety band fitter, and once installed, they can be reused even after a puncture. Book an appointment with our mobile tyre fitting service or visit our Tyron bands page for more information.

Find the perfect tyres at Kwik Fit

Whether car, van, 4X4, or caravan, find the perfect tyres for your vehicle and budget at Kwik Fit.

Shop our online range of tyres today or for any questions about your tyres and their specifications, get in touch with the experts at your local Kwik Fit centre. Stay safe out there!