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Since the pandemic, staycations have become increasingly popular — as have caravan holidays. As a result, more and more people are experimenting with ways to run their caravans for less, leading to an influx of drivers using their car tyres as an alternative.
But is this safe?
While there is no straightforward answer, this blog will explore the implications of putting car tyres on a caravan as well as provide some tips about the different types of tyres. So, if you’re planning a caravan trip anytime soon, read this article to stay informed.
Caravan tyres
Generally speaking, you could use high-quality car tyres on a caravan to tow it — but that doesn’t mean you should.
When you buy a caravan new, the tyres it comes with will be specific to the vehicle itself. Although they may be roughly the same size as normal car tyres, it is often the case that the sidewall is reinforced and made stronger to handle the extra weight.
What’s more, 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. When stationary, the tyres of a caravan take a lot of weight in concentrated specific areas, meaning the sidewalls need to be strengthened to prevent a blowout or a rupture.
While sitting stationary for months or even years, caravan tyres are more susceptible to weathering from the elements and rubber corrosion. Would you want to put high-quality car tyres on a caravan just to see them erode over time?
What to consider when changing your caravan tyres
There are a number of reasons why choosing caravan tyres over car tyres for your caravan 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.
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
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 — then it becomes an entirely different story.
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 — you’re golden.
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. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to think that caravan tyres would 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 different factors.
Stick to the right tyres
So, if you’re planning to use your car tyres on your caravan, we would recommend otherwise - unless in emergency situations when you’ve deciphered the compatibility of your tyres. Usually, though, the weight, width, and sidewall strength are simply not designed for caravan use. Something more similar to van tyres, however, could be more appropriate.
If you are looking for high-quality tyres for your car, instead of your caravan, Kwik Fit has you covered. 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!
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Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your current tyre and is a sequence of numbers and letters. The most common tyre size in the UK is 205/55R16 but there are many variations so it’s important to check your existing tyre first before searching for tyres.
Tip: Take a photo of your existing tyre sidewall to make it easier to identify your tyre size using the guide below.
The first three digits. This displays the width of the tyre in millimetres. A tyre marked 225 will measure 225mm across the tread from sidewall to sidewall.
Aspect Ratio
The fourth and fifth digits of the tyre code that immediately follow the tyre width. The aspect ratio or profile height of the tyre sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre width. So an aspect ratio of 55 for example means that the profile height of the tyre is 55% of its width.
Rim Diameter
The next two digits represent the size of the wheel rim that the tyre can be fitted to. It is also the diameter of the tyre from bead to bead. So a tyre marked 16 will fit on a 16-inch wheel rim.
Speed Rating
The speed rating of a tyre is represented by a letter of the alphabet at the end of the tyre size code and indicates the maximum speed capability of the tyre. Tyres receive a speed rating based on a series of tests which measure the tyres capability to handle a set speed for a prolonged period of time.
Select your tyre speed rating to find out the maximum speed your tyres can maintain.
If you are unsure what speed rating you need, be sure to check your vehicle handbook. Choosing a lower speed rating than that recommended by your vehicle manufacturer could potentially invalidate your insurance.
Load Rating
The load index provides information on the maximum weight capability for the tyre. The load index is a numerical code that can be located just after the tyre size marking and before the speed rating.
Select your load index to find out the maximum load capability for your tyres.
Although not illegal, it is not advisable to have tyres with a lower speed rating or load index than the manufacturer recommended tyre specification for your vehicle, or to have a combination of different tyre construction types. Consult your vehicle handbook to confirm your vehicle’s tyre speed rating and load index as well as any additional requirements.
0800 75 76 77 You can reach our customer care team 6 days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Monday and Thursday, 8:30am to 6:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Saturday, and 10:00am to 4:00pm on Bank Holidays.
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We endeavour to ensure we are displaying the correct tyres for your vehicle. However, we recommend all customers check the tyre size printed on the side wall of their tyres before proceeding with a tyre purchase as occasionally discrepancies do occur. By selecting the tyre sizes above and clicking 'Continue', you are indicating that you have checked your tyre sizes.
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